For those of us who don’t have the time or patience to fuss over perfection (i.e., precisely defined lips or a flawless hairstyle), we couldn’t be happier to test this trend – looking like you’re “coming home from the party,” rather than “going out to the party.” It includes:

Tousled Hair ( suggestions of products that can help you create this perfectly undone look )

HAIR

• For a casual look, hair must be conditioned & shiny…

Oscar Blandi At-Home Salon Glaze
Reinvent the salon experience at home and get sleek, glossy hair – without spending extra time and money at the salon.  Nourishing plant emollients and a protecting paraben-free formula enrich hair with spectacular shine, lustrous conditioning and a clean silky touch. Weekly use prevents color fading, adds moisture, brightens color and protects from heat damage.
Price: $27, Available at www.sephora.com

• Keep tousled hair in place without feeling sticky or stiff…

MATRIX Total Results Amplify Proforma Hairspray

Attack fine hair with thinner diameter and lack of inner structure and give it totally voluminous results that last 24 hours. Performa Hairspray with 24HR Full Boost Technology boasts thermal protectants and gives a firm hold finish, with lasting lift and volume.

Price: $15 – for a salon locator please log onto www.MATRIX.com 

Smudged Eyeliner ( suggestions of products that can help you create this perfectly undone look )

MAKEUP

Avoid lines—eyeliner should be smudged and messy…

Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Primer + Shadow + Liner

This multi-tasking crayon triples as an eye shadow primer, shadow and liner, allowing you to smudge before it sets. The gel-based waterproof formula delivers 6+ hours of crease and fade-resistant wear so color stays in place until you say when! Shades include Kitten, Midnight Blue, Antique, Rose, Black, Umber, Pink Violet and Smoke.

Price: $22, Available in February 2012 at www.StilaCosmetics.com

Popsicle Lips ( suggestions of products that can help you create this perfectly undone look )

MAKEUP

Want “popsicle mouth?” Dab a bright color at center of lips, press together & violà…   

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color

Use your fingertips to smudge on Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color—this formula delivers all the opaque, saturated, high-impact, long-lasting color of your favorite lipstick, with the bonus of anti-feathering mega-watt shine in one chubby pencil.

Price: $19, Available exclusively at Sephora and www.Sephora.com

Metallic Eyes ( suggestions of products that can help you create this perfectly undone look )

 MAKEUP

Go for softer, textured smoky eyes with metallic shadow…

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow

Known for its long-wear color authority, L’Oréal Paris introduces the first 24-hour formula in the mass marketplace. Available in a range of 12 irresistible and wearable shades, the luxurious, velvet-soft shadow blends easily and provides a pop of luminous color with a smooth finish that won’t settle into eyelid creases and lines.

Price: $7.95, Available at www.lorealparis.com and chain drug, food and mass market retailers

Dewy Skin * My personal favorite look *

MAKEUP

Lose heavy foundations and opt for light coverage…

Erno Laszlo Regular Normalizer Shake-It

This shine control and tint all-in-one face make up uses exclusive “tone with color” technology to control surface oils, conceal blemishes and blot excess moisture with a transparent hint of color.  Shake-It can be worn alone or under foundation. Just shake up, dab on with a cotton ball and buff. Ideal for all skin types – available in 10 shades.

Price: $48, available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and ErnoLaszlo.com

This recession-friendly look relies on fingertip application…

BY TERRY Blush Veloutee

A powder-cream blush designed to highlight the apples of the cheeks with a healthy satin glow. Simply apply with the fingertips – the texture is soft and blends in leaving a subtle veil of color.

Price: $43, Available at SpaceNK.com

SKINCARE

Kickstart 2012 with a facial that leaves skin luminous and natural…

The Youth As We Know It Night Facial at Bliss Spa

Bliss Spa is now offering The Youth As We Know It Night Facial using their new The Youth As We Know It Night Cream – a potent night formula containing 10 age-battling benefits .This treatment involves a soothing facial massage, cucumber eye pack, paraffin pack to hands and feet and a hand/arm and foot massage. Bliss suggests enjoying this facial after 5PM to fully experience the PM relaxation; served with milk and brownies.

Price: $185 for 60 minutes, available at Bliss Spas nationwide

• Fade dark spots so you can skip the concealer…

L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Serum

The Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating collection combines powerful skin brightening ingredients and antioxidants to fade dark spots, post-acne marks, age spots and traces of visual sun damage. The revolutionary serum reduces discolorations with antioxidant and skin-brightening ingredients like Vitamins B3 and cG, while ultra-shiny, mirror-like particles offer a smooth reflecting surface to drastically increase skin luminosity. 

Price: $24.99, Available at www.lorealparis.com and chain drug, food and mass market retailers

• Say goodbye to matte and opt for a dewy, luminous look…

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Illuminator Instant Brightening Moisturizer

Featuring a complex of optical diffusers that instantly scatter light, this anti-aging multi-tasker creates the illusion of a flawless, more radiant, healthier looking complexion. Smart hydrators, which prevent water loss, are boosted with instantly luminizing complexion enhancers, leaving skin instantly glowing and veiled in sheer, weightless moisture. The patent pending Un-Wrinkle blend also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Price: $68, Available at Sephora and www.PeterThomasRoth.com

As the Royal Wedding approaches, Kate Middleton continues to set trends on a daily basis with her classic and seemingly effortless beauty.

Below are tips from NYC salon owner and stylist Valery Joseph (www.ValeryJoseph.com), giving a how-to for Kate’s hairstyle

during a recent outing with William.

Starting with wet hair, apply mousse or a setting cream and dry the hair 75% of the way. Then section the hair and finish blow drying with a round brush, creating lift at the root of the hair.

• Once dry, set the hair in medium sized hot rollers.

• After taking the rollers out, separate the top half of the hair into three sections – one on the top, and one on each side of the head.

• Take the two sections on the left and right side and individually secure them to the back of the head with bobby pins.  Cross two bobby pins over each other to increase staying power.  

• Finally, take the center section and tease for extra height – then attach it in the back right in between the other bobby pins. Gently smooth all three sections together with a brush then finish the look with hair spray all over.

ABOUT VALERY JOSEPH
Valery’s first salon opened in July 2002 at Madison Ave and 79^th Street. Since then he has opened two more Upper East Side locations as well as a seasonal salon in Bridgehampton. The superior and unique amenities that Valery Joseph Salons offer include: hair cuts, color and styling, keratin and relaxing treatments, extensions, bridal services, an extensive manicure & pedicure menu, full waxing services, makeup application, facials, eyebrow grooming and more. Valery’s team also gladly makes house calls when clients can’t make it to the salon. Please visit www.ValeryJoseph.com for additional information.

Balayage | A Spring Trend at Valery Joseph Salons

Milla Kunis

Jessica Biel

Ann Hathaway

The images above display a variety of looks that can be created with balayage.

spring has finally arrived, women are starting to think about lightening their hair. Many opt for the traditional route of foil highlights, which allow for roots to appear just days after coloring.  A better, fresher and trendier option that eliminates the problem of re-growth is balayage.

Balayage is a free-form artistic technique which allows for highlights to be painted directly onto hair with a paintbrush.  Offered at Valery Joseph Salons in NYC and the Hamptons, this is a trend that we’re seeing on the red carpet more and more these days, especially now that spring is in full bloom.

With balayage, colorists are able to create a variety of different styles. The highlights can be applied in a more traditional sense, from root to tip, or they can be painted on just at the ends to achieve the ever-so-popular ombre look. You can also incorporate multiple colors in one sitting to create a multi-dimensional look. Whether you want a striking, bold look or just some subtle, light reflecting strands, both can be achieved with balayage. And no matter which style you choose, you won’t have to worry about the re-growth that occurs with foil highlights because of the natural application of balayage.

The colorists at Valery Joseph Salons have been formally trained in the art of balayage, and are available for interviews and tips about this process.

ABOUT VALERY JOSEPH
Valery’s first salon opened in July 2002 at Madison Ave and 79^th Street. Since then he has opened two more Upper East Side locations as well as a seasonal salon in Bridgehampton. The superior and unique amenities that Valery Joseph Salons offer include: hair cuts, color and styling, keratin and relaxing treatments, extensions, bridal services, an extensive manicure & pedicure menu, full waxing services, makeup application, facials, eyebrow grooming and more. Valery’s team also gladly makes house calls when clients can’t make it to the salon. Please visit www.ValeryJoseph.com for additional information.

Kérastase ­ the brand has partnered with celebrated and legendary stylist, Odile Gilbert for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011.  In partnership with Kérastase, Odile led a team of celebrated hairstylists to create looks for six high-profile designers, including: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Monique Lhuillier, Suno, Tory Burch, Thakoon and Theyskens¹ Theory.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP :

 Odile and Kérastase both share a philosophy that is deeply rooted in their collective French heritage: beautiful hair starts with hair that is healthy.  Since the brand¹s inception, Kérastase has remained devoted to providing women with an unmatched promise to transform hair with immediate, visible  results.  Kérastase offers the most innovative, highly advanced personalized care to meet every hair concern.  Similarly, Odile believes that a beautiful hairstyle must first have a strong and healthy foundation in order for it to transform into a masterpiece. 

 GET THE LOOKS :

 Here¹s how Odile created the stunning looks backstage at each of the shows. 

THAKOON
* Inspiration: The bold primary colors and tribal prints worn by the African Masai tribe 
* Hairstyle: An elegant, yet spontaneous chignon intertwined with bold-colored deconstructed woolen beanies 

 * To get the look: 
* Apply a walnut sized amount of Nectar Thermique to wet hair and gently massage into the lengths and ends.  Blow-dry straight. 
* Part hair at the crown and create a zig-zag braid to serve as the  foundation for the look 
* Bobby pin the deconstructed woolen beanie to the braid and weave 1-inch  sections of hair around the fabric, creating a basket-weave type pattern.
* Spray hair with Chroma Cristal to give hair a beautiful shine 
* Alternate the hair with the fabric until the beanie is completely intertwined and all loose ends of hair are tucked into a chignon-like up-do 
* Finish with Double Force Controle Ultime Hair Spray to hold hair in place

MONIQUE LHUILLIER
* Inspiration: A modern-day Audrey Hepburn¹s Breakfast at Tiffany¹s mixed  with  haute couture
* Hairstyle: An elegant but sophisticated twist on the traditional up-do
* To get the look:
* Layer Ciment Thermique and Mousse Volumactive on damp hair and blow dry
 * Add a few drops of Elixir Ultime for shine and begin brushing hair up into a high ponytail
* Curl hair in sections, pinning them in a delicate way around the face and the crown of the head, spraying Double Force Control Utime Hair Spray as  you  work
* Adorn the style with a small black silk ribbon

 TORY BURCH
 * Inspiration: Downtown, NYC girl * Hairstyle: Fresh and pretty, a very natural and understated blow-out
 To get the look:
 * Apply a walnut sized amount of Ciment Thermique to wet hair.  Gently massage into the lengths and ends
* For hair that needs additional volume, prior to blow dry, apply Mousse Volumactive, particularly on the ends, to add texture and definition
 * Part hair in the middle and blow dry hair using a round brush
 * Once hair is completely dry, apply a dime sized amount of Elixir Ultime throughout hair to provide a luminous and radiant shine
 SUNO
 * Inspiration: Muse, China Machado¹s 60¹s style
 * Hairstyle: A sophisticated bouffant pompadour up-do with an edgy twist
 * To get the look:
* Prep hair with Ciment Thermique and  Mousse Volumactive to give hair body
* Blow dry hair, smoothing Elixir Ultime over lengths and ends for shine
 * Back-comb the top section, teasing the roots to create a pompadour
* Pin hair into a French twist leaving some loose ends out in the back for  an  edgy twist
 THEYSKENS¹ THEORY
* Inspiration: Simple yet highly designed
 * Hairstyle: Structured ponytail with a twist
 * To get the look:
 * Prep hair wet hair with Ciment Thermique.  Gently massage into the  lengths  and ends
 * Blow-dry and straighten hair
 * Spray Double Force Hair Spray to provide hold and use string to tie hair  back into a low ponytail
 * Attach hair extensions to the sides of the hair, framing the face and  spray  with Double Force Controle Ultime for a long-lasting hold
 * Finish by smoothing Elixir Ultime to the hair for added shine
 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
 * Stay tuned for this look still to come following the show tomorrow
 ABOUT THE PRODUCTS USED:
* Chroma Cristal ­ new light shine-enhancing mist for color-treated hair
* Ciment Thermique ­ leave-in heat-activated reconstructing milk for damaged/weakened hair
 * Double Force Hair Spray ­ protective hairspray that provides a buildable  hold
 * Double Force Controle Ultime ­ protective hairspray with a strong long-lasting hold
 * Elixir Ultime ­ a beautifying hair oil to nourish, smooth and add shine
 * Mousse Volumactive ­ amplifying mousse for fine hair
 * Nectar Thermique ­ leave-in heat-activated protective milk for dry hair

Deborah Lippmann is Hollywood’s nail authority, working with the top A-Listers in the business. At this year’s SAG Awards, nominee Jennifer Lawrence stood out in a bold, pink Oscar De La Renta gown.

To complement the stunning ensemble, she donned edgy makeup and polished off her look with Deborah Lippmann’s shade called Hit Me With

Your Best Shot, a glistening gun metal lacquer that was created with rocker legend Pat Benetar

For more information on Deborah Lippman please visit www.deborahlippman.com

“Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role” nominee and award presenter Hilary Swank wore her hair long, loose and sexy for the SAG Awards tonight.  Wearing a soft, champagne-colored Versace gown, she looked red-carpet perfect.

The “Conviction” actress’ gorgeous hair was designed by leading Hollywood stylist, Robert Vetica, who was inspired by the sensual lines of her dress and the hairstyles of iconic 60’s Hollywood siren and Bond girl, Ursula Andress.

Vetica shared how he created the beautiful look:

“Istarted by blow-drying Hilary’s hair using Moroccanoil® Treatment to instantly condition, bring any dry ends back to life and make her hair easier to style.  It also gave the hair a brilliant, natural-looking shine.

After the hair was dried, I did a full head set by curling 1” by 1” sections of hair, starting at the nape of the neck, then pinned to the head. These were real,full base curls, not spiral curls.  I continued section by section until I reached the crown, then finished the sides and top of the head. When I finished, it had the look of a 60’s roller set, which could have been done using hot rollers.

I gave the set a good spray of Moroccanoil® Luminous Hairspray and let it sit for 20 minutes, to insure a good, healthy-looking set.

Tofinish, I removed the set and gave it a good brushing. Next, I took a smallamount of Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream to give the hair a touch of weight and ensure body.

I then gave the hair a good backcombing at the root and sprayed again. I brushed out most of the backcombing except at the crown, running my fingers through thehair to loosen it up. I then backcombed a bit more at the crown, gave it another spray and lightly brushed over the top.

Treatment, a proprietary argan oil-infused formula, is exclusively designed to give hair a natural-looking silky, lustrous shine and a frizz- and static-free finish. It strengthens, conditions and revitalizes hair while significantlyreducing drying time. (MSRP: $41.80 / 100ml)

For more information on Moroccanoil, please visit www.moroccanoil.com

Jennifer Love Hewitt is a big fan of RevitaLash.  She was delighted to receive it at the GBK Golden Globe Suite at the London Hotel in Hollywood on the day before the event – “I love RevitaLash,” she commented

About RevitaLash®

Other Products in the line:

Revitalash retail: 6 months supply $150.00 (USD)
4.1 mL / 0.139 Fl. Oz. Made in the USA!; 3 months supply only $98.00 (USD)
2.4 mL / 0.081 Fl. Oz. Made in the USA!

New Enhanced Formula! This advanced RevitaLash^® formula contains a proprietary blend of proven functional cosmetic ingredients pioneered by Athena, combined with an infusion of powerful peptides and soothing botanicals, designed to both beautify and nourish the eyelashes.

“We are committed to improving our products with the latest technology and the most effective cosmetic ingredients,” says Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff, CEO and Founder of Athena Cosmetics, Inc. “As a leader in the category of cosmetic eyelash enhancement products, we are pleased to have created this advanced formula with added peptide and botanical boosters that will further improve the features and benefits our customers have come to expect from RevitaLash^®.”

RevitaBrown: $110.00 (USD)
3.0 mL / 0.101 Fl. Oz. Made in the USA

Now, beautifully shaped eyebrows are easier to achieve than ever before with the help of RevitaBrow^®! Utilizing the power of peptides and botanicals for strengthening, conditioning and nourishing, and advanced technology, RevitaBrow^® helps revitalize eyebrows so they look thicker and fuller. A simple swipe of the RevitaBrow^® applicator can help you achieve a more polished look by causing your eyebrows to appear healthier. When applied daily on a clean brow, you should start to see fuller, thicker looking brows within weeks!

Straight from the pages of Instyle Magazine January 2010. RevitaBrow^® defines the drama of your eyes and enhances the beauty of your natural brows!

Retail: only $24.00 (USD)
7.39 mL / 0.25 Fl. Oz. Made in the USA!

You asked and we answered. It’s finally here – Mascara by RevitaLash^®! Maximize your lashes even more. With our high performance, clump-free formula your lashes will look thicker, fuller and more luscious than ever. And our custom designed brush will separate and define for an eye-popping finish. Used together with RevitaLash^®, the results are even more stunning. Mascara by RevitaLash^® frames your eyes so your true beauty shines through.

Hailed at the GBK Gifting Suites honoring Oscar Nominees! Mascara by RevitaLash^® proved to be a favorite by many of Hollywood’s hottest makeup artists

Retail: 180.00 (USD)
46 mL / 1.5 Fl. Oz. Made in the USA

Inspired by America’s #1 Eyelash Conditioner we present Hair by RevitaLash^®. This unique hair conditioner fortifies and strengthens the hair so it appears thicker, fuller and healthier. This remarkable cosmetic breakthrough can enhance the appearance of fine, thin and fragile looking hair in a matter of weeks.

Packed with conditioning agents like Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng Root, Japonica, fruit extracts and wheat proteins, Hair by RevitaLash^® is revitalizing and easy to use. One or two pumps massaged into areas where you want the hair to appear thicker and fuller is all that is necessary.

After cleansing hair with shampoo, release a small amount of Hair by RevitaLash^® foam to your fingertips and work the foam evenly through the hair where needed. Do not rinse hair. Let hair dry and brush or comb as desired.

More Magazine (March 2010) names Hair by RevitaLash^® one of the key products to use for Sexy, Healthy Hair at any Age!

For more information on where to purchase Revitalash products please visit www.revitalash.com

Creighton Bowman’s exclusive tips on how he created Liv Tyler’s hairstyle for the premiere of her new thriller “The Ledge” at Sundance last Friday:

“On towel dried hair, I applied Condition Naturelle by Leonor Greyl from root to end, combined with Lait Luminescence Bi-Phase detangling milk.

Condition Naturelle by Leonor Greyl: Retail $34

Lait Luminescence Bi-Phase detangling milk: $43

Serum De Soie Sublimateur: $39

Using a blow-dryer on a low setting, I wrapped her hair around my fingers, creating soft natural waves. Once fully dried, I used a couple of drops of Serum De Soie Sublimateur to finish her style with lots of shine and total frizz control. Her style lasted all day long and into the night.”

Mini kittour™ is the premier line of travel accessories created for the woman on-the-go. Beginning with cosmetics cases and empty bottles that conveniently carry all of your favorite beauty essentials, each product is a practical yet fashionable fusion of form and functionality. The difference is all in the details… Whether it’s a night out, a weekend getaway, or an extended vacation, mini kittour™ offers smart, convenient, and customizable features that make traveling a cinch. Savvy, stylish and completely indispensable, mini kittour™ was created to organize, simplify & beautify your life.

For a quick weekend getaway or a trip around the globe, mini kittour™ is the must-have beauty gift for well-seasoned travelers. Created by Vonda Simon, an award-winning expert in the beauty packaging and design industry for over 27 years, mini kittour’s line of functional, fashion-forward travel accessories will top any jet setter’s wish list. With stylish makeup cases and leak-proof bottles in warm winter hues of chocolate and champagne, mini kittour™ offers premium beauty gifts big and small.

Overnight 2-in-1 hanging traveler (12 piece set) Retail $100

Mini kittour’s overnight features 2 dynamic bags with plenty of accessories to organize all of your beauty products for the perfect quick trip.

Daily mini organizer (8 piece set)  Retail: $50

Mini kittour’s daily is the perfect petite, double zippered clutch that hides 2 mini bottles, 2 mini jars, and brushes for quick, daily touch-ups. This perfect clutch is sized to fit in your purse, gym bag, or laptop case, giving you easy access to your everyday beauty necessities at a moment’s notice.

For more information please visit http://www.minikittour.com/index1.php

( Copyright belongs to flatoutfabulous.net and must be asked before using )

Hearing the name “Bali” often brings images of a tropical paradise to mind. Although Bali is, in fact a tropical paradise, where exactly is it and what is so unique about it?

Bali is one of 17,000 islands (6,000 inhabited) in the archipelago that make up the country of Indonesia. It is 145 km (90 miles) long and 80 km (50 miles) wide. Bali is situated just east of the island of Java and west of Lombok, in the Indian Ocean.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation with 231 million people; interestingly, most of Bali’s 3 million people are Hindu. Although many of the islands that make up Indonesia are beautiful and appealing, Bali is particularly attractive. Much of the island is surrounded by beautiful beaches with clear water. Mount Agung, an active volcano, towers 3,142 meters (10,308 feet) above the terrain in the center of the island. Hindu temples dot the landscape and the fertile island overflows with green rice paddies.

Bali also has a fascinating cultural tradition. Ubud, in the center of the island, is known for arts and crafts, including woodcarving, batik-making, and painting. Balinese dance and Gamelan orchestra performances are common. Small artistic touches are evident throughout much of the island in the form of small offerings presented to Hindu Gods.

So now that you know a bit about Bali lets talk about what I brought along on my dream vacation. Below is a small list of my favorite items I brought along with me on my trip.

my god of choice

1. Clothing – it was on the hot side along with rain so bringing the right clothing is important. I choose to bring some of my favorite Love TanJane  peices.

2. Sun Protection: Making sure your skin is protected from the strong UVB/UVA rays are important. So I choose to bring along a handy little kit made by a local company right here in Laguna beach Smart Girls Who Surf.

3. Hair Care – Of course with all the salt water and sun you want something that is going to clean your hair without taking away all that natural body. So I choose to bring Prive It’s a big world volume kit…

4. Skincare – This is always a must for me, nothing worse than leaving your skincare routine at home because you can’t take it on a airplane right? La Prairie is my go to skincare

5. Cosmetics: I tend to bring things that I can use for more than one thing. Here are a couple must bring items

• Nars – eye shadow in Lola Lola

•  Nars – Eye shadow in Bali

• Nars – Sheer Glow Foundation in -  Deauville

• Urban Decay Eyeliner Pencil in 24/7 bourbon

• Mascara -  Shu Uemura Mascara Basic in Black

• Blush – Shu Uemura Glow on Blush in – mme Matte Baby Pink

• Bronzer – YSL Terre Saharienne Bronzing Powder SPF 12 Color 3 golden sand

• Lipgloss – Hourglass Extreme Sheen Gloss in – Ignite; Imagine

• Bags by

 Stephaine Johnson in the following styles : Nantucket Wine Large Trapezoid, Susan Jewlery Roll in Monte Carlo, Alicia Tote in Calcutta

• Frangrance – Child Oil

• Nail Polish – Deborah Lippman Bad Romance

For more information on the products mentioned please visit each companys website.

Secrets from Indonesia, India, and Italy for a healthier body, mind, and heart

INDONESIA

JUST LET GO—AND MEDITATE
It’s no wonder Ketut Liyer, the ninetysomething healer from Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love, is so peaceful and youthful-looking: Nyomen Latra, his son, says that the respected medicine man meditates regularly in between meetings with guests. “He wakes up and meditates. He meditates again before he goes to sleep. That is pretty much what he does,” Latra tells Indonesia’s Ozip magazine.

Not that meditating is easy stuff—according to Chrisman, it’s extremely difficult: “Your mind begins to land on all sorts of things and all your worst insecurities and fears can rise to the surface. Most people want to ignore that, which is why the typical thing to do in the Western world is to go to a bar or party, be social, and cover your emotion by drinking alcohol.”

“The idea of meditation is to sit quietly with your thoughts and practice acceptance and letting go,” she continues. “Letting go seems like an easy concept but in reality, it isn’t.”

To begin the path of self-acceptance, start by simply cutting yourself some slack. Instead of always feeling compelled to make plans on a Friday or Saturday night, try treating yourself to a night in. Keep a journal to stay in touch with your innermost feelings and rather than zone out in front of the TV, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read.

BOOK A BALINESE MASSAGE
With influences from India, China, Portugal, Netherlands, and Middle East, a traditional Balinese massage is as varied as Indonesia’s cultural landscape—making it a prime spa selection. “It’s a great mixture of techniques,” says Cecilia Scalco, a massage therapist at The Setai in Miami, one of many U.S. spas that offer the treatment.

Utilizing effleurage, reflexology, and stretching techniques, a Balinese massage also incorporates Ayurvedic aromatherapy: At the Legian Bali hotel, for example, a locally-sourced blend of lime, ginger, and ylang-ylang oil is smoothed onto the skin. “Oil massage is extremely detoxifying—it drains the lymphatic system, improves circulation, strengthens the immune system, and deeply nourishes the body,” says Raichur. “This, in turn, makes you sleep better, reduces stress, and calms the mind—one positive effect begets the next.”

INDIA

USE NATURAL HERBS AND SPICES
Ayurveda is the ancient Hindu system of medicine, and has been around for 5,000 years: “The herbs, and spices used in Ayurveda have been proven to work over centuries,” says Richa Purohit, founder of the new Kesari skin care line. “Mix these tried and tested traditional elements with modern ingredients like retinol and peptides and you’ll be ahead of the game.”

Get Glowing
For glowing skin like Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai, Purohit recommends a DIY face mask similar to one Indian brides wear before their weddings. “Mix saffron, sandalwood, and tumeric with either yogurt or milk,” she says. “When you apply the solution on your skin it will give off a pleasant aroma and leave a nice golden color.” After leaving the mask on for a few minutes, rinse off. (Repeat the process up to three times a week.)

So how exactly does the mask work its magic? “Saffron is one of the rarest, most expensive spices in the world and in India it’s considered the spice of the gods—a symbol of good luck, holiness, and purity,” says Purohit, adding that the spice also happens to be full of skin-beautifying antioxidants. As for sandalwood, she says it’s a natural astringent and antiseptic, making it perfect for battling blemishes (bonus: “It also smells good”).

The final component, tumeric, is particularly healing, “whether you eat it, or put it on your skin,” says Purohit. “If you’re sick with a stomach infection, Indian doctors will give you tumeric with milk because it’s a natural antibiotic. It works the same way with the skin; if you get a cut, just dab a little tumeric on it and it will heal faster.”

Score Lustrous Hair
Pratima Raichur, creator of Pratima Skin Care, says that massaging the face, body, and hair with aromatic oils made from fruits, herbs, and spices can have a profound effect. “The word for oil in Sanskrit, sneha, means love,” says Raichur. “Anointing the body with oils on a daily, weekly, and seasonal basis is one of the most nourishing and best anti-aging therapies you can do for yourself.”

In particular, massaging the scalp with oil is the secret to getting an ultrashiny mane like model Lakshmi Menon. “My mother taught me to use organic coconut oil as a treatment,” the runway star once told ELLE. “It makes my hair feel luxurious.”

“Hair oil massage is one of the key beauty rituals in India,” says Purohit. “Most women will get a hot oil hair massage twice a week. If you want to do it yourself, wrap your hair with a hot towel after massaging, read a newspaper during breakfast, then take a shower to shampoo.”

Purohit says that massaging strands with oil stimulates the scalp and helps remove product buildup. And, unlike a spray that “just sits on top of the hair,” massaging roots with oil ensures that all the nutrients are absorbed. Popular hair oils in Southeast Asia include coconut, almond, sesame, and amla (Indian gooseberry).

PRACTICE YOGA
When you’re overwhelmed with work deadlines, relationship drama, and other minutiae from everyday life, it’s easy to get sidetracked and stressed. That’s where taking up yoga can come in handy, say Yogamaya New York studio directors Stacey Brass and Bryn Chrisman. “The physical act of doing yoga makes you feel as though you’re a part of something bigger and can help you live a life that’s not as connected to the ego,” says Brass.

“In the yoga philosophy, what constitutes the mind—where memory lives, where our fears come from—isn’t just in the brain, it’s in every single cell of the body,” adds Chrisman. “When doing poses, you’re making contact with all the parts of the mind—the backs of your knees, the souls of your feet—that you might not be making contact with on a daily basis. You’re being told to move and breathe, which strengthens the connection between your mind, body, and breath.”

ITALY

REACH FOR THE OLIVE OIL
“I must have olive oil every day—it makes everything taste great, and it’s also good for the skin,” says designer and wellness guru Norma Kamali, whose olive oil-based skin care line is sourced from a vineyard in Tuscany.

When consumed, olive oil can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and risk of coronary disease, thanks to its heavy dose of antioxidants. For centuries, Mediterranean beauties have also used olive oil as a moisturizer and wrinkle-smoother.

A recent study even suggests that rubbing virgin olive oil on the face and body after sun exposure can help combat skin cancer: Researchers at the Kobe School of Medicine found that hairless mice painted with virgin olive oil after intense sun lamp stints showed signs of cancer much later than those covered with regular olive oil or left dry. The Japanese team purported that the vitamin E and other antioxidants in virgin olive oil helped to “mop up” and neutralize some of the free radicals created from UV rays.

Kamali says that using olive oil on the face can also have a therapeutic effect on the senses: “Every year, as with wine, the climate and conditions around each olive tree orchard change the taste and smell of the oils—when you rub the oil on your face you smell the natural scent of the earth and it’s very comforting.”

TAKE A HOT BATH
The word “spa” means “health through water” in Roman and is derived from the ancient town of Spa in Belgium: Once part of the Roman Empire, the elite would visit Spa’s therapeutic hot springs to increase circulation, ease tense muscles, and soothe sinus and respiratory conditions.

Today, mineral water—or, as the Italians call it, terme—continues to play a prominent role in Italy, where hydrotherapy is considered medicinal. In the U.S., some spas recreate the natural thermal waters of Italy via hot tubs with hydromassage jets and aromatic oils. For a relaxing at-home experience, draw a steamy bath and add several tablespoons of olive oil, plus a few drops of your favorite essential oil, to nourish your skin and ease your mind.