A Look Into My Personal Skin Care

Being a distinguished figure in the beauty industry, I take great pride in taking care of my skin. Some would say I'm a bit of a fanatic, but I do feel as though it is very important for everyone to take care of their skin. I started in my late 20's, but wish I had begun taking care of my skin earlier.

Each morning I wake up and begin my beauty regimen with my Secret Face Pads (I get mine from Sally's Beauty Supply) and my Image Ageless Total Facial Cleanser. I never cleanse my face in a full stream of water, because I have to protect my beautiful eyelash extensions done by the fabulous Ellen Choo. After cleansing my face I put Environ's Vitamin E on my lips and more Vitamin E on my face, not forgetting about my décolletage (the neck and chest area). I must say that it is equally as important to apply products to the décolletage area as it is the rest of the face. The two main areas you can tell a woman's age is the top of her hands and her décolletage. To protect my hands I use a special moisturizer I got from the vineyard I visited in Tuscany, Italy.



After I use the Vitamin E, I move onto my eyes. I start with a Cellex-C drop and apply it just above my eyebrows. After that, I dab on my eye cream with my ring finger (because it is the lightest of all your fingers on the most delicate skin on your face) around the bottom of my eyes. Moving on from my eyes, I start to concentrate on my full face and décolletage area again. I use BetaPlex by Cellex-C all over. I love the tingly feeling on my skin. Continuing with Cellex-C, I use their tightening cream starting at my face and work down my neck. And before I finish with my SPF 32 Eminence moisturizer, I use PCA's Perfecting Neck and Décolletage cream.



After a long day of work, I can't wait to get home and pamper myself all over again. Even though my husband constantly asks, Babe, what is all that sh*t you are putting on my face? I smile, ignore him and begin my nightly routine.

I begin my night regimen the same way I start my morning, protecting my lashes and cleansing with Image Ageless Total Facial Cleanser. After that, once a week I make it a must to exfoliate and apply a mask by Cellex-C. Now, no woman likes the sight of fine lines, baggy skin that looks dull and tired. So to prevent and fight against all of this I apply two types of Retinol (a high dose derivative of Vitamin A). A mild one for my décolletage and a slightly stronger one for my face (Retinol can be found in different doses of strength). Following my Retinol treatment I move on to my PCA Collagen Hydrating Night Cream to add plumpness to my skin and fight the signs of aging.

Many of you may think "DEAR LORD! That's a lot of steps, products or even attention to one's face!" But this is what works for me and makes me feel great. And it doesn't hurt that my skin looks 10 years younger. ;) I don't expect or think all these steps are necessary for everyone. Every skin type and life style is different. Create the perfect skin care regimen that works for you!

**I want to note a few important things. One being that I see my esthetician, Marisa Spagnoli (who only sells me my PCA products), every 4 weeks for a facial and every 8 weeks for a chemical peel. Marisa is the owner of Majestic Skin and Massage. I would also like it noted that I get all of my products prescribed by a professional. Concerning my Image, Cellex-C, Environ and Eminence products, these were all prescribed by a prior esthetician.

IBS NY

A couple weeks ago I traveled to New York City for the International Beauty Show with my manager, Jacob and my designer, Alicia. This year I taught my first hands-on workshop. Leading up to the show and the class itself was exhilarating and nerve-racking all at the same time. I just couldn't wait to be sharing my knowledge and passion with other colorists.

Once the class was over I was so pleased. So many great moments to remember, but if I had to pinpoint three specific things, I'd have to say I loved the interaction I had with everyone. Being able to show them how to hold a foil, hold the brush at an angle and how to thoroughly saturate each section thus creating art within the hair. I also enjoyed being able to spend so much quality time with like minded colorists. And lastly, being able to share the excitement of what Beth Minardi Signature is capable of.

On the other hand, I do wish I had more time to spend with the students who came to my class. That being said, I just love that after my first hands-on workshop that I got some positive feedback from some of the people attending my class:

 

I was in your color class at the IBS in New York on Sunday. The class has helped me so much behind my chair! My favorite tip was the foil placement and how color can bounce around as opposed to being placed in lines straight up and down. I am paying it forward in the salon. Looking forward to seeing you soon! Thank you Sherry!

During our free time, we spent time with Robin Kassner having drinks at The Rose Club inside The Plaza Hotel. We had a lovely time. After walking around the city for a bit, we found Jake's Saloon. We just had to go in since Jacob was with me. It was such a good time!


In my next blog, I will be talking about hair chalking. I'm so excited to share my thoughts and techniques on this new trend!

Punk Color in London Town

I recently spent a few days in London with my daughter. It was a great time!

Buckingham Palace

While we were there we did the tourist thing and climbed aboard a double decker and took in the exciting atmosphere. We saw many London landmarks, of course the  Buckingham Palace and Big Ben were our favorites. Being that it was a girls weekend, you couldn't go to London and not shop! Once our shopping wore us out, we had to try the world famous fish and chips. We split the dish and it was so good that we had to stop ourselves from ordering a second plate, it was absolutely delicious.



Punk color I saw in London
 

Now of course you know I can't visit a new region of the world without taking notice of my haircolor surroundings. The most popular trend I saw in London was PUNK COLOR! It was everywhere and I loved it.

When I think of punk color, I think of drawing on the sidewalk as a kid with chalk. Pastel pinks and blues, lime greens and steely grays. I love the free style of it and how it's for all ages. I feel as long as the color fits the right personality, I could break my own molds and have fun and completely free hand some awesome punk color!

Zooey Deschanel

Bettie Page

The favorite design style I saw for women was the fringe bang! It was everywhere and all varying lengths. From short like Bettie Page to a long full bang like Zooey Deschanel. As for the men, mohawks were definitely in! They weren't thin like what you think of when you initially think of a mohawk, they were temple wide. I loved it.
 


I can't wait to visit more regions and cultures to see what the world of haircolor and design has to offer. What are some of your favorite trends you've seen?

Beauty News' Rave Review

A fabulous review by Patricia Wersinger with Beauty News NYC! Read all of the fantastic things she had to say below and then be sure to check out the website at http://www.beautynewsnyc.com.

 

Color with a Star at Julien Farel

Julien Farel salon is part of a handful of select salons in New York City just off 57th Street that enjoy a formidable reputation among steady habitués. The official hair dresser to the US Open for four consecutive years, Julien Farel also enjoys a nice following among celeb beauties like Ivanka Trump, Salma Hayek and Lea Michele. The salon is handsomely designed and run swiftly by a courteous staff. I visited it recently to meet internationally acclaimed celebrity hair colorist Sherry Retay, an award winning color expert who is a part of “MAC,” Beth Minardi’s elite Minardi Artistic Colorists team. She comes to the salon once a month to give New Yorkers a chance to discover her unique talent. Sherry resides in Central Florida where her luxurious salon, Salon Ratay, is located. She was named number one hair colorist by Orlando Magazine, and I was determined to find out why.

Just a glance at Sherry’s own hair and I knew I was dealing with the real deal; a colorist who is her own best advertisement. Her hair is vibrant, sexy and lustrously textured – it’s exactly what Sherry believes any woman’s ultimate beauty accessory should be: great color perfectly suited to you. And this is what she created for me, examining my hair color in proportion to my skin type and hair texture, the shape of my face. Sherry felt that my color lacked dimension and depth and decided on a combination of two blonde colors to create the missing pop. She applied Beth Minardi Signature Permanent 9BG “Chardonnay” on my roots and refreshed my ends with Beth Minardi Signature Demi-liquid 10 G “Buttercream.” She used foils to create a light balayage effect for subtler dimension and her assistant, Alicia, washed my hair using Minardi Luxury Color care Wash #2 and Afterwash #2, both designed to prepare and strengthen hair that has been colored by a permanent dye, with a dose of Phyto-Collagen and Ceramide.

Alicia styled my hair after Sherry applied the Minardi Luxury glaze. I assure you, if you have the pleasure getting this glaze, you will want to come every week and get it done again! When my hair was blow-dried I looked like the best version of my self I had seen in a long while. My hair color was vivid and natural looking but lustrous and better textured. The blend of blondes perfectly matched my skin’s complexion.
You can inquire at the Julien Farel about Sherry’s next appearance. I recommend taking the opportunity to have your hair colored by one of the top colorists in the country on those monthly treks she makes to the colder, part of the east coast.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.beautynewsnyc.com/hair-care/color-star-julien-farel/

Viva Italia!

Recently, my husband and I took a vacation to Italy. While enjoying delicious food and fabulous wine, I couldn't help to notice all of the beautiful hair that surrounded me. We visited a handful of cities on our visit to Italy, but by far my favorite city was Florence.

The biggest haircolor trends I saw were various shades of brunettes. The color resembled the natural haircolor of a child. The ends were slightly lighter it was very, very soft. It was not anything visually too an ombre; with the hair length not extending past the shoulders, the finishing of the hair was a messy unpolished but very natural style. Very chic!

In addition to the fabulous Italian hair trends, I couldn't help but notice the fashion. The men were carrying shoulder bags of all different kinds made from beautiful Florentain leather. To keep warm from the chilly winter air, the women wore waist length coats made from famous Florentain leather.

Me and my husband with the owners of the vineyard.

I enjoyed so much wonderful food and wine while visiting Italy. I have to tell you about this fantastic family who owned and ran a vineyard just outside of Florence. Azienda Agricola Altiero is run by a husband and wife alongside the father-in-law and mother-in-law. I absolutely loved their Chianti and the fact that they are completely organic. When I asked how they kept out the pests without the use of pesticides, the wife told me that they purchase pests that are beneficial to the plants, but get rid of the pests that cause harm to the plants. I was absolutely amazed. In addition to having fantastic wine, they had olive oil that was to die for. The father-in-law and mother-in-law picked the olives and separated them by hand, which were then sent out that day to be made into fresh olive oil. Within 24 hours the olive oil is back in barrels where the family hand packages it themselves. The olive oil is then sent throughout the country side to be sold by local merchants.

Fresh hand-picked olives.

A gorgeous view of the vineyard.



Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Azienda-Agricola-Altiero/312176965575876


This trip was one to be remembered. I can't wait to go back to visit more regions of such a beautiful country.

Tips for Winter Hair

Recently I sat down with Fashion Pulse Daily's Julia DiNardo and talked about tips for winter hair. Read below what you can be doing to keep your hair fabulous during winter months.

Your Winter Hair Color Woes Solved with These 4 Tips from Sherry Ratay

by Julia DiNardo

My lovely hair color aficionada, expert colorist and owner of Salon Ratay, Sherry Ratay, is going to help you get through the winter, all the while preserving your hair color as much as humanly possible. Take Sherry’s lead, and with very little effort you can ensure your locks stay lustrous, hydrated, shiny, and opulent!



Tip #1: “Moisturize, Moisturize, and Moisturize YOUR HAIR! We take care of our skin throughout the various seasons, so let’s not forget about our hair. I just love the Minardi Pre-Wash for this; just saturate your dry hair and then wrap it in a warm towel, let it sit for a bit, then shampoo it out with Minardi Wash #3, and finish up with Afterwash #3.”
 

Tip #2: “Cover your beautiful hair with a scarf. Remember that your hair is surrounded by extra dryness with heaters and recycled air, and it can only take so much. Remember to maintain your monthly haircuts, since your ends will be less likely to split with more frequent trims.”
 

Tip #3: “Let’s talk adjusting the actual hair color: if you’re a blonde, brunette, or redhead, winter is the perfect season to create ribbons of butterscotch, amber, caramel, tangerine, terra cotta, cherry cola, and merlot throughout. Winter is all about creating richness and texture within the hair, so don’t be afraid to add in some extra dimension.”

Tip #4: “Winter weather tends to dry and dull out your hair color, so I recommend a visit to the salon in between your scheduled touch ups and to get a glaze treatment. A glaze will refresh the tone, condition the hair, and create spectacular shine.”

http://fashionpulsedaily.com/winter-hair-color-woes-solved-with-these-4-tips-from-sherry-ratay/

Another Rave Review!

Susan Linney of Examiner.com wrote a fabulous review about myself and Julien Farel Salon. Read what Susan has to say and clink on the link below for the full review.

Hit the Julien Farel Salon for high-end cuts and exquisite hair color

This two-floor, full-service Madison Avenue salon is all about class, without any intimidating airs. The moment you walk in, you are warmly greeted and promptly checked in, despite the fact that the entrance is located right in the main studio, which is hustling and bustling with stylists hard at work. (Not a single chair was empty.)

But still, there's a relaxed, soothing vibe to the Julien Farel salon, and once you are seated (depending upon the stylist you see, you'll either be led to a space on the main floor, or to one of the equally chic spots upstairs), it’s time for pure pampering. There is a wide menu of services to choose from, but masterfully executed hair color and precise, spot-on hair cuts are the real fortes of this upper east side establishment.

It's also the perfect salon to pick if you're looking for a color change (whether significant or slight). All of the colorists have top-rate credentials, but if you can, book an appointment with Sherry Ratay, an award-winning and internationally-acclaimed color expert. She's a true master of her craft, and has been at it for more than 20 years. She's worked with a roster of celebrity clients, including Ashley Benson and Audrina Patridge.

Ratay travels once a month from her own salon in Lake Mary, Florida to take appointments at Julien Farel, so you may have to book a bit in advance. But it's well worth it, as Ratay is an amazing and intuitive hair-hue master. She can look at a face and immediately know exactly what shade will suit it best. (“It’s in my blood,” she says. “I just know.”)

Ratay is also incredibly friendly, down-to-earth and very easy to chat with. She works closely with her clients to decide on a final shade ("beautiful, believable hair color, that's what I'm all about," she explains), and she describes her process in detail so you know exactly what she is going to do and exactly what you are going to get.

So you can sit back, relax, and feel rest assured that you'll be thrilled with the final result.

 http://www.examiner.com/review/hit-the-julien-farel-salon-for-high-end-cuts-and-exquisite-hair-color