My hair still nice and smooth hours after I left the salon.

Since coming to Los Angeles a year and a half ago, I noticed my hair getting dry and my scalp irritated. I hypothesized long ago that maybe the water in Los Angeles is different from Hong Kong where I’m from and that there was nothing I could do about it. In fact, Southern California has some of the hardest water in the United States and the bright sun, dry air and pollution only worsens the situation. Never did I think that there was a way to defend my hair against the damaging elements of L.A., so when I was presented with the opportunity to try out the Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner, I jumped right at it.

Rarely do I go to a salon just to get a blow dry, so I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t think washing my hair with this new shampoo and conditioner once would make that big of a difference, but it really did. My hair and scalp felt so much cleaner as the shampoo more effectively cleans away the dirt, making my hair more lightweight so that I was finally able to get the volume that I’ve always wanted for my hair. The conditioner made my hair a lot smoother and easier to manage, and did I mention how good it smells? Even after an hour or two of some window shopping and squishing in crowded public transport, my hair still behaved wonderfully. This is the best I’ve seen my hair. Bye bye hair problems!

The Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner are designed to combat the harmful effects of the harsh conditions in Los Angeles. With these specially made products, your hair no longer has to fear the harmful, damaging elements in our environment. Plus, the products are so friendly to our hair that they can be used every day. I also love that these hair products are designed with our environment in mind. The ingredients are biodegradable and the packaging is recyclable since it is made of aluminum, which also makes it more aesthetically appealing.

You can purchase the Formula LA Shampoo and Conditioner online and in Planet Blue, The Color Bar Salon, Beverly Glen Pharmacy, Brent-Air Pharmacy and Dana’s. If you’re still unsure about it, try it out The Color Bar Salon. The staff there is really nice and the salon is very cozy.

The Color Bar Salon

DETAILS

The Color Bar Salon
9885 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

It’s that time of the year to do some shopping again because the holidays are approaching! We encourage you to do yours at the Shopping Bazaar, co-sponsored by Audrey. Not only will you get the chance to shop Italian designer Kao Pao Shu‘s fantasy-filled and super edgy clothing, but a percentage of the proceeds go to the Good Shepherd Shelter, which helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Your purchases will help a foundation that is really effective: 96 percent of families who complete the program offered by Good Shepherd Shelter now live an independent and violence-free life.

Come shop Kao Pao Shu's fall collection with us!

This event starts with a Holiday Shopping Bazaar which includes Hand Crafting Justice, a fair trade partnership with the Good Shepherd Shelter. They will present products made from women who are fighting for economic justice and independence in developing countries. At 6 pm, there will be a live model presentation, where guests can see the full transformation of a model from make-up and hair styling to a live photo shoot. Prizes donated from businesses throughout California will also be awarded.

Good Shepherd Shelter and Studio DNA team up to provide makeovers for women who are victims of domestic violence. Women who suffer from domestic violence are conditioned to feel helpless and worthless of any rights. What they need is the strength to move on from their pain and this requires increased confidence. With a new look, women feel better about themselves and become prepared to take on the challenge of starting a new life because fashion and beauty can inspire one’s inner beauty. As a part of an international organization that has been helping mothers and children in abusive environments for the last 350 years, Good Shepherd Shelter provides the support and resources these women need to rebuild their self-esteem.

Come join us as we kick off the holiday season with some fashion and fund raising. RSVP to rsvp@kaopaoshu.com.

For more details and Kao Pao Shu looks, keep reading.

More looks from Kao Pao Shu.

DETAILS

When: Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 4 pm

Venue: Kao Pao Shu Showroom

1906 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Hosts: Kao Pao Shu & Studio DNA Salon

If there’s one thing I can’t do, it’s hair. I wish I was good at it, but I really suck at it. I am envious of women who know how to do their hair effortlessly, especially since I have to wrestle with mine to even get it up in a practical bun. My kid sister, on the other hand, is a pro at it and can do her hair like it’s her job.

If I had this little goody, maybe I’d be a better ‘do do-er. FHI Heat, the name in hair styling products, offers all sorts of high-end hair help, and their Go 1″ Styling Iron doesn’t disappoint.

FHI Heat Go Styling Iron in Mermaid Me.

The iron is not just a straightener — it’s a ceramic tourmaline styling powerhouse, so it’s actually good for your hair. It includes all the necessary features of a great styling iron (ceramic tourmaline plates, a wide adjustable heat range, extra long cord, etc.). Plus, it’s a handy size with dual voltage international plug for all you travelers. The Go Styling Iron comes in bright fun colors such as Girly-Girl and Hot-Hot-Hot — yours will come in the fabulous Mermaid Me hue.

I know I can’t do hair, but I can do math. The FHI Heat Go Styling Iron would cost you $79.99 retail, but this week, you could get yours for nil. Even this hair ignoramus knows that’s a pretty sweet deal.

Don’t wait till September 22, 11:59 p.m. to comment. Retweet for an additional entry and you must have a U.S. addy to win. (Apologies to our international readers!)

Good luck!

Cleansing milks always make me wonder if they really do the job of getting rid of dirt and makeup. Anokha’s Oatmeal Cleansing Milk for normal to oily skin goes on creamy and smells like sweet oatmeal, which is just fine since the company’s products feature all-natural ingredients native to South Asia.

This cleanser looks deceptively like any other milky cleanser. But, once you slather it on and massage it over your face, you really start to feel something, like the ingredients are soaking up all the oil on your forehead (goodbye T zone!). Immediately after rinsing, my skin not only felt clean, it felt soft and totally clear of any trace of oil, and actually felt that way for a few hours. If you’re heading off to bed, finish off with Anokha’s Jasmine Serum for a really nice, clean scent as you fall asleep.

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is reported to have the highest amount of vitamin C in natural form. And of course, everybody knows that vitamin C is a potent ingredient in fighting free radicals and contributing to younger-, healthier-looking skin.

Anokha Amla Skin Brightening Lotion is on sale today only at AudreyShops.

Dr. Nina S. Naidu harnesses the power of this potent sour fruit in a brightening formula. Amla Skin Brightening Lotion, doesn’t lighten as so many Asian skin brightening creams claim to do, but it “brightens.” Though the product tells you that it will take some time – four to six weeks – for the magic to happen, this editor saw some pretty impressive results after just three applications. Then again, I went a little crazy and slathered several pumps’ worth all over. The lesson? A little of this potent cream goes a long way.

C’mon, admit it. When the thermostat outside turns up, calling for shorts and tanks, we all do the same thing – we dial down the makeup and even our skincare practices. We suddenly become too lazy to get to the third step in our three-step skincare regimen. I mean, it’s just so hot. Who wants to slather on cream after cream on top of sunscreen?

When the temperature rises, switch that cream-heavy anti-aging skincare regimen so perfect for cooler months with a lighter formula.

Laveré's Anti-Aging Hydro Lifting Serum is on sale today only.

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I’ll admit it. I’ve never taken very good care of my eyes. I’ve yanked, pulled and rubbed my eyes with abandon all throughout my 20s and well into my 30s. I’ve stayed up late (I’m a night owl) and never worried about the state of my eyes the next morning. My excuse? I’m Asian! I’ll never have saggy, wrinkly eyes. Sadly, the day I’ve been in denial about has finally arrived. The skin around my eyes is noticeably thinner. Where I once rubbed or pulled with confidence knowing my eyelids would snap right back into place, and never turned down another glass of wine even though the hour was well past midnight, I have to be a little more careful now.

Lavere’s Anti-Aging Hydro Cool Eye Gel Roll-On on sale today only at AudreyShops.com

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Freckles may be cute, but the effects of photoaging (sun damage) aren’t so adorable. But sometimes, life gets in the way, making it difficult to slather on a shot-glass full of sunscreen every time you go out. This editor has been guilty of making a quick run to the grocery store sans sunscreen. And while there is always the dermatologist, let’s face it, we can’t always stand to wait a whole month to get an appointment.

MCK Labs M2 Skin Recovery Moisturizer is on sale for 24 hours only.

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It’s safe to say that over at Audrey Magazine, we get a lot of pretty cool products, sometimes months before they hit the shelves. Over the course of the eight years we’ve been publishing, I’ve seen plenty of beauty products and never have enough shelves in my bathroom to fit them all. Some products get prime shelving, right above or around the sink with constant attention. Marie Louise Cosmetics is one of those brands and the brand’s washing foam is something special.

Marie Louise's Washing Foam on sale today only at AudreyShops.

Just a couple of quick pumps yields a luscious little cloud of cleansing foam. And we’re not talking that wispy stuff you get at fancy restaurant bathrooms — this is luxurious, velvety foam that tells you it’s not only gonna wash all that dirt and makeup clean off, but it’s gonna do it with a little style and a little love. After all those no-nonsense scrubs I’ve been using lately, my skin deserves a little babying. And so does yours. Do your skin a favor and grab a bottle on sale today only at AudreyShops.