You all know that I’m all about feeling beautiful from the inside out, which is why I am absolutely in love with Carmindy’s new book, Get Positively Beautiful – The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous. I must admit that I’ve never actually watched TLC’s What Not to Wear, so I didn’t know very much about their makeup artist. However, after reading this book, I am a Carmindy fan!

This book is all about playing up your own individual assets, whether it be your lips, eyes, or prominent chin. Carmindy tells readers to be positive about their unique assets and forget about those so-called flaws we see in the mirror.

In Get Positively Beautiful, readers are given tips on how to use “Carmindy Vision” to pinpoint their best features and make them shine. There are even examples of makeovers done by Carmindy that show just how beautiful anyone can be.

Sounds like an amazing book, right? Well, Beauty Chat is giving five lucky readers a chance to win a copy. Just leave a comment below telling us how you play up your best feature. The winners will be announced on December 5th. Good look and stay gorgeous!

Photo Credit: Hachette Book Group

When it comes to my hair, I am obsessed. Although, ironically, I do not think twice about the shampoo and conditioner I am using. I am one of those types of people who pick up whatever is on sale, and if it is buy one, get one free, even better! Although, I am all about the deals, sometimes that poses a problem: my hair is always a mess! It is damaged from straightening, blow-drying, and dying, and it gets frizzy easily, considering I already have naturally wavy/frizzy hair. So, when I got a chance to try a hair care line by Amazon Beauty ™ called Rahua ® shampoo and conditioner, I was definitely excited.

Amazon Beauty connects you directly to nature by taking you on a deep dive into unique blends of organic ingredients, which come straight from the Amazon Rainforest. I was especially thrilled that the products, which are intended to repair damaged and color-treated hair, are all-natural, 100% vegan, and high in anti-oxidants, with nourishing oils for the skin and hair. Also, the line is made of the same ingredients Amazon women have been using for thousands of years!

Even the packaging is interesting. The line’s logo of an Amazon Beauty Goddess is intended to represent the wisdom of women worldwide. Her powerful bow and arrow represent the intentions of natural beauty, balance, and peace.

Rahua Shampoo, with a retail value of $32, is intended to strengthen color-treated hair with the hair-strengthening Rahua Elixir and stress-relieving Palo Santo, which is a calming formula. Depending on how long or thick your hair is, when applying the shampoo you probably won’t need much. Although it was not soapy like most other shampoos, it does release a cool-mint smell which relaxes you while showering.

The Rahua Conditioner, with a retail value of $34, helps to strengthen hair and speed hair growth. It has a lighter mint aroma to it than that of the shampoo, and it leaves your hair soft. I liked the feeling it gave my hair; the conditioner was light weight and did not leave my locks feeling greasy like most other conditioners I have used. I was lazy and did not want to blow-dry or straighten my hair one day after using the Rahua shampoo and conditioner, so I allowed my wavy locks to let loose. Normally, my hair would get a little wild and frizzy without using gel or mousse to calm it down, but with this shampoo and conditioner duo, my hair dried looking fresh and less frizzy. My wavy hair was shiny and the best part is that I didn’t add any extra hair products, except hair spray to hold my hair in place.

Amazon Beauty also has other great hair-repair products. If you want to dramatically repair your dry, damaged hair in no time, check out everything else they have to offer on their Web site.

Also, for all the adventurous Beauty Chat readers, Amazon Beauty is hosting a contest. One lucky traveler will win a trip to the Amazon Rainforest and the Avenue of Volcanoes. Visit the site to see how you can win this journey of a lifetime!

Photo credits: China Odyssey Tours and Amazon Beauty

Created by Thevaki Thambirajah for the modern ethnic woman, Thevi Cosmetics ™ is a new line of makeup offering an array of rich and vibrant shades. As a modern day ethnic woman herself, Thambirajah understands firsthand that it can be hard to find makeup that suits your skin tone, so that’s why, after three years of planning, she has brought us this great new line of cosmetics.

Growing up among many different cultures in New York, Thambirajah was surrounded by women of different skin tones that also shared her love of color. When she was a young woman in the career world, Thambirajah found it frustrating that she couldn’t find any makeup to flatter her skin tone. Instead of accepting defeat, she decided to start a makeup line of her own.

The Thevi Cosmetic Web site poses this question “Who is the Thevi Woman?” Their answer:

“She represents the New Ethnic Market. She is every light-to-dark skinned woman of Asian, South Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent. Sophisticated. Educated. With a multi-faceted lifestyle. Usually first generation American, she holds to the traditions of her family and her ethnic roots, often has close ties to the cultural diversity of other ethnic communities, while being deeply involved with the modern American lifestyle.”

Beauty Chat got the opportunity to review four of the line’s products: Triple Split Shadow in Bistro; Mineral Finishing Pressed Powder Duo in Mocha Mattes; High Impact Lipstick in Plush, and Automatic Longlasting Lipliner in Earth Red.

Here’s what we had to say about Thevi Cosmetics.

Dre (High Impact Lipstick and Automatic Longlasting Lipliner): “I used Thevi Cosmetics’ High Impact Lipstick in ‘Plush’ and the Automatic Longlasting Lipliner in ‘Earth Red.’ The pinkish/plum hue of the vibrant lipstick looked great alone during the day. I also tried the longlasting lipliner alone with clear gloss for a subtle red lip. The colors also worked great together to vamp up my night look! I was very happy with both products; they lasted for hours and left my lips feeling soft and moisturized. I would definitely recommend both of these products!” 

Mellori (Mineral Finishing Pressed Powder Duo): “This compact works great as a bronzer for the summer season – daytime or evening. Definitely a fan of Thevi!”

Jennifer/me (Triple Split Shadow): “Great colors, very bold! I’d wear it for a night out, and to work. Blending the right amount of color makes a big difference when I want to make a statement. With the three shades it’s easy to play around with them to get a different look everyday.”

For more information, check out their Web site: www.thevicosmetics.com

Photo credits: Thevi Cosmetics

According to Onamia Chun, the Senior VP of Fuglylab.com: “The name, Fugly Lab, is the antithesis of the typical beauty company; this is exactly why I love the name so much. Fugly Lab is not like any other beauty company and it never will be.”

(Fugly Lab’s very own Onamia Chun.)

Chun also commonly uses this tagline: “Fighting Ugly One Sample at a Time.” Get it? With its catchy (and totally clever) company name, Fugly Lab offers sample-size sets of makeup, skincare, hair care, and bath and body products, while providing the huge benefit of trying before buying. Based in Los Angeles, Fugly Lab held their launch party early May this year, and although I wasn’t able to make it, the pictures from their event are available to the public. I always love that! It’s like a “See what you missed, and hope you can make it to our next event” sentiment. For sure.

(A pic from Fugly Lab’s LA launch party)

Because I am so impressed and thankful for Fugly Lab, you just know that I had to interview Chun. Enjoy:

Elana: Is Fugly Lab a one-woman show? Tell me about the team behind this fabulous line of sample size products for women of color?

Onamia: On the surface it may appear to be a one-woman show, but I cannot say I do it all by myself. Fugly lab is compromised of a dedicated group of youngsters (my three kids), a phenomenal IT guru (my husband), and a product junkie (me). In addition, my extended family and friends are big supporters and helpers, especially when things get busy. I really would not be able to do this without their help.

EP: I am in love with my soy grapefruit collection (which my boyfriend helped use up!). I’ve never smelled anything like it, plus it’s the perfect size. What are your personal Fugly Lab favorites?

OC: The Fizzy Habit Bath Bombs are a family favorite. I absolutely love the white tea and ginger scent. I love taking long baths. The best part about these bombs is that when you get out, you body is total moisturized so you do not need any other lotion or oils. I leave the bath bombs in the bathroom and around the house. Our house smells so nice. Another favorite is the Margarita Bloom’s Fabulous Favors. All her scents are “kick yo’ mama” fabulous. I am not sure how she does it, but the scents from her body butters last all day long. However, a product I cannot live without is the Curls Soufflé cream. My hair would be a frizzy mess of tangled and dry curls without it.

One can clearly see that I am my best customer. This is the greatest part of having your own business. I absolutely love what I do. I use and enjoy the products I sell on a daily basis. Basically, Fugly Lab is a legal, tax-deductible way for me to sustain my product junkie tendencies.

EP: What is your number one goal with Fugly Lab?

OC: The number one goal of Fugly Lab is to provide women of color an opportunity to try new products and brands without the cost or commitment of the full-size version.

A close second, to the first goal, is for cosmetic companies to recognize the value in letting the consumer select the samples instead of blindly sending samples out to various demographics. I would like the cosmetic companies to view Fugly Lab as a go-to source to launch new products/brands.

EP: Before you launched your company, what was your day-to-day job?

OC: A long time ago in a faraway land, I was a geologist. I have taken way more science courses than the average human should ever take. I decided to make a career switch when I realized getting dirty and camping outside would be basic requirements for the job.

I am also a stay-at-home mother of three wonderful children. But I would not consider that a day to day job, more like a day-to-night-to-day job.

EP: For women who have possibly never heard of Fugly Lab, what is its single most important selling point?

OC: Every woman at some point has spent $50 on a cream because Oprah or another celebrity said it was fantastic. Unfortunately, many times the $50 cream does not work for her. Other times, a department store has given women samples of new products, but how many times has she thrown away a too pink lipstick or too light foundation? As consumers, women should be able to choose exactly the product they want to sample. Women should not be forced to fill-out a long survey, buy another product, or try to earn incentive points to try a sample-size version of a new product. Fugly Lab gives total control back to women to select the exact product they want to sample and nothing else. Fugly Lab brings simplicity back into the world of cosmetic samples. Fugly Lab. Select. Sample. Simple.

…So in addition, Chun is offering one fortunate Beauty Chat reader the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to use on Fuglylab.com. Comment on this post and tell us what you would purchase if you won. I will choose the random contest winner Monday, July 28.

Also, if you shop today through the 28th, you will get 20% off you entire purchase before tax and shipping. Coupon code: BCHAT. (A $5 minimum purchase, and excludes the Anna Sui Mini Rouge lip color.)

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Onamia Chun and Fuglylab.com

No, the woman in the picture with me is not my sister, she’s my mother. And no, she hasn’t had any work done, she just ages really well. It’s because of her nearly flawless skin that I’ve never been afraid of growing older or getting wrinkles. Until a few months ago, I didn’t even know about all the various procedures that are available to those that do fear fine lines and wrinkles.

(Myself with my mom, the reason I don’t fear aging.)

With the media focusing on maintaining a youthful appearance, it’s no wonder that non-invasive procedures for the face are becoming more and more readily available. It’s also not shocking to see many women in their late 20s and early 30s lining up for Botox or lip-plumping injections. The younger you start, the longer you’ll be able to say “I’m really only 31,” when in fact you are 40. Every woman is looking for her fountain of youth.

These days, it’s very common to see your favorite movie or television actress on the cover of a magazine with an usually perfect complexion. A lot of that is due to great retouching after a photo shoot, but it’s also due to the wonderful job her plastic surgeon did. This may be a facelift, Botox injections, lip augmentation, chemical peel, or laser resurfacing.

These types of facial rejuvenation treatments are becoming more and more readily available to the everyday woman, making it easy to become addicted to the procedures. Thus it can leave a woman looking like a mannequin at Nordstrom instead of an actual human being. It’s also quite easy to overdose on fillers or any other type of procedure, but luckily, there are several doctors that are learning to say “No” to these patients. It’s a good thing, too. Otherwise, we’ll have everyone looking like Barbie’s sister in the near future.

(The classic beauty embraced her aging appearance.)

What ever happened to aging gracefully? Just take a look at the beautiful Audrey Hepburn; now there’s a woman who embraced her age with elegance.

I can’t say that I will never go in for a procedure, but from what I’ve seen in my mom’s face, I don’t think it’ll be any time soon. It’s not until now, nearing her 50th birthday, that she has even started to consider undergoing a cosmetic procedure. And it’s not even thinking about undergoing a major procedure, just a light chemical peel. I suppose I’ve found my own fountain of youth; it’s in my genes!

What are your concerns about aging?

June 1st marked the day that Beauty Chat turned a year old [proud teardrop].

You see, this blog originally developed as a social networking project between me and Randy. Our goal at that time was to reach out to the beauty and plastic surgery communities, with our original “Look good, feel good, and speak on it!” philosophy. Turns out this idea not only paved the personality of Beauty Chat; we learned that there are a lot of others out there who feel the same way. You know, the non-judgmental chatterboxes (like us) who love talking about the latest this and that.

Turns out, there are TONS of you – our local, national, and international friends – who have subscribed to Beauty Chat and even have a favorite “Beauty Chatter.” I mean, with 10 writers on staff, including myself, a very productive project editor (Denice) and an eye-for-detail managing editor (Leeann), a fabulous in-house designer (Khevna), and a righteous programmer ( Randy), it only makes sense that you would connect with someone who is just as opinionated as you are!

Really, when it comes down to it, the team that makes up Beauty Chat is, like, the coolest group you could ever meet. (Sorta kidding, but not really.)

Here are some of our proud topics and/or moments:

• I was able to “Lipstick Jungle” lunch with Candace Bushnell, the creator of “Sex and the City,” at the Four Seasons in L.A. in June ’07; it was that moment I learned a movie was “possibly” in the works – straight from her! Oh, and who can forget our exciting Bejeweled photo shoot!?

• Mellori chatting about the “art of eyebrow threading” as the beginning of her onslaught of ethnic beauty topics, and developing an amazing friendship with Cibu International.

• Brook’s famous science-behind-skincare articles, in addition to weekly review of “The Hills” on MTV (even when she could barely tolerate the Heidi and Spencer, er, “Speidi” drama), and her interview with its past character, Elodie Otto regarding her new skincare line.

• Leeann hitting backstage at a fashion show to interview the designer of “Girl On Top,” Jon Paul. Her interview with boutique mogul Lisa Kline is still a moment for us to revel in!

• The newly-built, blossoming relationship between Total Beauty and Beauty Chat – thanks to our very own, Denice. And you know you can always count on “Neecy” to give you the latest on foot rejuvenation.

• Jacquie’s personal story regarding weight loss, motherhood (Norah and Jonas are the cutest!), and keeping her sanity in the process. Oh yeah, remember to say Yes to Carrots when you get the chance!

• Andrea’s insight to the art of applying eye shadow during our COLORON photo shoot, and mixing shades for a va-voom look, especially for those of us who could use the assistance (ahem…me!)

• The brilliance of Jennifer’s first post on plastic surgery: her promo on “My Beautiful Mommy.” And being based in Southern California, how could she not give tips on how to avoid sun damage?

• Sarah’s new “handbag of the month” series for readers who are just as purse-obsessed as she is! Her chic style definitely comes through her writing.

• Stephanie (our newest Beauty Chatter!) and her first product review: skinHarmony Pure Skin Care and joining Sarah, Leeann, and Jacquie for “Shecky’s Girls Night Out.”

Also, in honor of Beauty Chat’s birthday, all of us decided to answer this question:

“What does Beauty Chat’s 1-year mark mean to me?”

Me (Elana): “It’s so fabulous to see an experiment turn into a full-fledged blog that attracts both male and female readers. I work with an amazing group of talented individuals, all who I am very proud to call my fellow Beauty Chatters. Witnessing the growth of Beauty Chat is an indescribable feeling and an accomplishment that we can all enjoy.”

Randy: “It’s a nice feeling to be one of the creators of Beauty Chat and be able to watch how it has grown within just 1 year to be a favorite destination for thousands of Internet users a week and even win awards. Some people wait years to experience growth that we have in just 11 months.”

Denice: “I have never really been a beauty products kind of girl, but Beauty Chat has changed all of that! I went from not using any type of beauty product (outside my normal makeup) to using some of the best products around. I have met amazing women who have started their own companies and are passionate about what they create and do. Beauty Chat has been an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many others.”

Leeann: “I am so proud to be a part of Beauty Chat. Contributing since the blog’s beginning, I have had the opportunity to watch it — and all of our staff — grow and change over the past year. I can’t wait to see what year number two has in store! I am so appreciative to Elana (Beauty Chat creator) for giving us the ability to express ourselves through this wonderful outlet.”

Mellori: “If I have to sum up Beauty Chat in two words over the last year, it would be – Absolutely Fabulous! I am so happy to be have been apart of this community from the start – having seen it grow from what it started out as to what it is today is amazing!”

Brook: “For me, Beauty Chat is a way to teach and learn at the same time – I get to share useful info on areas of the beauty industry that interest me, and also learn more about the aspects that are important to others. Don’t we all love to get as much as we can from one source? That’s what I think we offer here.”

Jacquie: “Beauty Chat is a new way for me to express myself. It has helped me come out of my shell and share my point of view with others. I love being part of Beauty Chat and a special thank you to all its members and readers for helping me grow!”

Jennifer: “Beauty Chat has given me the opportunity to write about topics that I’ve loved all my life. It’s great being able to share my findings with all of our wonderful readers and I love reading everyone else’s posts. I look forward to continue being a part of such a wonderful team!”

Khevna: “Beauty Chat gave me an opportunity to design an award-winning blog.”

Dre: “I love Beauty Chat Blog because of our contributors and reader’s wide range of thoughts and opinions on what beauty means to them. It is also a blessing to witness the creativeness that is instilled in my fellow Beauty Chatters each and every day. Overall, I am extremely happy and grateful to be a part of Beauty Chat!”

Sarah: “A place to indulge in my fashion and beauty obsessions, Beauty Chat has offered me the experience of sharing with readers great deals, trends, fashions, and products that I believe are worthy of recognition. Allowing me the opportunity to become a fellow Beauty Chatter, Beauty Chat, and the team of wonderful bloggers, have made me feel at home and I hope to be continue to bring readers the latest designers, and merchandise for some time to come.”

Stephanie: “I have really enjoyed reading all the posts on Beauty Chat over the past year, I have learned about so many new topics and products. Its exciting to be one of the newest members of Beauty Chat.”

So in celebration of Beauty Chat turning a year old, we are holding a contest for all of our die-hard fans out there!

To enter our giveaway featuring an exciting product package worth approximately $350 from iQ Derma and Redpoint Beauty, just click here and visit the Fab Freebie article to leave us a comment with your favorite Beauty Chat post!

Good luck, and here’s to going onto our second year…Cheers!

Photo Credit: Thanks Dan – you awesome photographer, you!

I have many friends who have complained about not being able to get natural-looking makeup for their everyday activities. So I have come up with some simple tips for all of those who want to look good without much effort. It took a lot time to play, I mean research, in order to get some simple, yet amazing techniques. 

I like to start out by covering all of my little imperfections with Lancôme’s Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer. I was able to find the perfect match to my skin tone and now don’t have to worry about dark circles under my eyes. It also hides little red spots on my forehead, chin and around my nose. Then I use Sephora Double Compact Mineral powder foundation with SPF 10. It’s great for my skin because it allows my pores to breathe unlike other powders that clog the pores.

                                        (Jennifer enjoying her natural-look for daytime fun!)

To keep my face looking simple it’s important not to add too much color. This is why I turn to MAC’s Fafi Eyes 1 Quad. It has very light and neutral tones that add just enough color without making me look too made up. You can use the dark grey to line your eyes or use a separate liner, my favorite is Lancôme’s Le Stylo Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner. This liner won’t smudge to the corners of your eyes and really is long-lasting! Finish off your eyes with a couple coats of Maybelline’s Volum’ Express Turbo Boost® Waterproof mascara. You’ll see volume instantly!

You may want to skip bronzer for your daily routine, but adding a little bit of blush will make you look refreshed even when you are running around downtown. I’ve used Nars blush in Desire and loved the way it looked. Don’t be scared if it looks too pink in its container, it’s completely different once you have it on. Just be sure to keep it light – you don’t want to look like you’re on your way to the big red tent.

Also, be sure not to add dark colors to your lips, and leave the dramatic tones for your night out with the girls. Try a light shade of pink, almost nude, to add a hint of color. Something light and shiny will also allow your lips to look a little fuller. Again, try not to overdo this either, you don’t want to look like you were kissing a pan full of oil.

When you’re getting ready for your night out don’t worry about starting all over. All you need to do is add some dramatic finishes! For dark smokey eyes, add a darker shadow to the crease and outer corners of the eyes. I recommend MAC’s eye shadow pots in either A Little Folie or Mystery. Keep the lighter color on the inside corners to add depth.

                                                   (Jennifer Goes Glam for a night out)

If you have light eyebrows you may want to fill them in a little to better frame your eyes. Colorscience Get Framed Brow Kit comes with three colors (Espresso Brown, Neutral Brown and Golden Brown) that can be used on your brows and eyes. Add enough color to give them a full and natural appearance; try to avoid the Groucho Marx look. Also, line your lower lash with the same liner I mentioned above. This time use the sponge on the opposite end of the liner in order to get the smudge/smokey effect.

You’ll want to use a little bit of bronzer to enhance some of your facial features. It’ll give you an amazing glow and add some color if you haven’t gotten around to getting a tan yet. Just be sure to keep it natural, you don’t want to look fake. Try MAC’s Bronzing Powder in a shade that best fits your skin tone.

For lips, I like MAC’s Viva Glam Lipstick and Tinted Lipglass. With the right combination, you’ll be able to get “Kiss me” lips without the sticky feeling that other glosses leave.

Take one last look in the mirror to make sure you look fabulous and you’re ready to go!

What are YOUR favorite makeup lines?

Keep visiting Beauty Chat for the latest in skincare, plastic surgery, seasonal fashion trends, hair care, and well…beauty!

Lots in store from all of us, so be sure to subscribe for the latest.

Running Hollywood Pin-Ups and Original Bombshell, two emerging companies that are equally successful in their own right, Amber LeVonne can easily be characterized as a thriving entrepreneur. She has taken her interests and brought them to the public, while creating an ever-growing buzz among everyday consumers and celebrities alike.

If being a self-starting businesswoman sounds appealing to you, follow LeVonne’s advice, “Have faith in your God-given talent and don’t ever give up. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

Always happy to support people and products that we believe in, Beauty Chat is proud to introduce you to LeVonne’s endeavors:

After being asked to use her rhinestone-applying abilities at a 2002 Academy Awards event, she decided to go into business for herself. Then, Hollywood Pin-Ups was born. Adorning items such as clutches, hair brushes, lip gloss tubes, and much more with Swarovski crystals, her work represents a refined, sophisticated beauty.

LeVonne personally designs the pieces herself, developing creations and/or fulfilling the requests made by customers such as Ashlee Simpson and Eva Longoria. The Hello Kitty clutch pictured with Paris Hilton above was even featured on VH1. LeVonne dished about Hilton, “Paris is a very polite and a sweet customer, and has a lot of my designs.”

With the support of various A-listers, you can expect to see much more of Hollywood Pin-Ups around Tinseltown.

And if that weren’t enough to be proud of herself for, LeVonne also heads Original Bombshell, a line of cosmetics that was purchased for her back in August 2007 as an anniversary present from her husband.

Since taking control of the brand, she has ran with it, creating face and body sprays, moisturizers, and lip glosses, all of which come packaged in cute little retro wrapping (think surfer girl circa 1950s).

A few of the many products that you might want to pamper yourself with include “Puttin’ on the Spritz!,” an SPF 15 oil-free hydrating mist, “Ooh…Baby!” cranberry soufflé body cream, and “Luscious Lip Shine…Kiss This!” in the “Cat’s Meow,” which is peppermint flavored. And you may be pleased to know that all of the Original Bombshell products are not animal tested.

Like Hollywood Pin-Ups, this company has its starlette supporters as well. “We have a lot of celebrity bombshells, from Jessica Simpson, Katherine McPhee, and Cameron Diaz, to Carmen Electra,” LeVonne explains.

Just in time for warm weather, we are giving away an Original Bombshell “Love at First Light” SPF 30 daily moisturizer.

TO WIN: Just tell us why you too are an Original Bombshell by Friday, May 9th, and you will be entered to win this summer must-have!

The way I see it – the heart and soul of a company largely contributes to its success, and I love learning about the brains behind fabulous products. This is why I excitedly wanted to chat with Terry Carter of Travertine Spa – a line of natural botanical body care products and lovely loungewear. With a HUGE celebrity clientele base with products and apparel that is tailored for both and women, Terry wholeheartedly believes in what Travertine Spa stands for. With personal satisfaction using one of his “moisture therapy” products (as well as owning a comfy Yoga Wear top), I have to share one of my new favorite skincare lines with you.

Check out our exclusive Beauty Chat interview:

Elana: How did you develop the idea for Travertine Spa?

Terry: I was a corporate attorney who really didn’t like the atmosphere that I was working in; it was a hostile environment that I did not enjoy. I got away from my stresses in the workplace by going to spas. I wanted to share with people what I had learned and experienced by just taking time to take care of myself, so I decided to create Travertine Spa in 2005.

E: Tell me about the launch of your product line. Did apparel come second?

T: Initially, it was only products. But clothing gives me another opportunity to develop quality products people can enjoy and wear wherever they go. We introduced the clothing line last year at the MAGIC Marketplace trade show in Las Vegas. Travertine Spa is a lifestyle brand that resonates quality, so with products and clothing, people can have the whole Travertine Spa experience – anything from wearing the Yoga line or Men’s Resort Lounger, using the Petal Body Cream, or Protein Shampoo. By creating both, I knew each could complement one another perfectly.

E: Which products would you recommend for your male clientele?

T: We are a unisex brand, so many of our items are great for men. I would recommend the Men’s Resort Lounger. It has an amazing fit. The Lavender Body Wash and Massage Oil also appeal to our male clientele. The Shea Hand and Nail Cream is a product that is used by women, but is used frequently by men as well.

                             (Jordan Sparks of “American Idol” shows her love for Travertina Spa)

E: What about Travertine Spa attracts your large celebrity base?

T: Above all, our products are made with quality. It’s pretty easy to spot great products against those that are simply regular. Celebrities (like our regular customers) want something that is valuable. Every bottle we produce, every T-shirt we make, has the utmost quality put into it. Our comfortable clothing and great smelling products have really been well received with all of our customers, but in particular, we are very blessed to have great celebrity clientele. They can choose any brand they want, but when celebrities choose Travertine Spa products, it’s a great feeling. It lets me know that I’m creating items that people want and enjoy.

E:  What do you believe to be the importance of aromatherapy?

T: It’s important to use products that not only feel good but have a therapeutic benefit as well. Essential oils are a natural way of providing holistic benefits for the body, whether it is tea tree for its antibacterial benefits or lavender for its calming effect. As a former lawyer with a high-stress job, which involved working with multi-million dollar contracts, I wanted to find clean, healthy ways to rejuvenate myself. I believe I have created that experience with the Travertine Spa line.

Unwind, rejuvenate, and check out Travertine Spa products and apparel – all of which can be purchased online.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Terry Carter