Jackson & Hines: the natural beauty blog

Did You See Your Shadow?

2012-02-03T17:14:00.007-05:00

In honor of Groundhogs Day, I’ve decided to blog about shadows. However, I will not be discussing the darkness cast on the ground by a politically powerful groundhog in Pennsylvania (why does he get to extend winter?!); no, no, we are talking EYE SHADOW. These small cakes of powder have a more profound impact than the weather-predicting-cousin-of-a-gopher groundhog. No offense, Phil, but eye shadow is blended into the history of the world, used for decoration, superstition, and ceremonial purposes (dating back to ancient Egypt, the original Greece, and the 1980s). Although the application techniques are far more sanitary and safe (sharp sticks near the eye are never a good idea), we still see bright colors and intricate designs today—especially on the runway!

To each her own, but my day has not yet started until my eyes are done; shadow, liner, and mascara are a crucial part of my face application. I still remember reaching that significant milestone in my youth—the day my mom opened her makeup bag and bestowed upon me her Maybelline Sand Stone trio. Eye shadow adds drama and depth to any look, even that of a 7^th grader. I gradually became more daring with Mark Kay's Cotton Candy (blue and pink) and Clinique's Stardust (purple--which I find out now emphasizes tired eyes) in high school and college. On the first day of my college job, I arrived wearing a Cornflower Blue dress-suit with MATCHING eye shadow. Eek—I know! And now, I am appreciating the simplicity and shimmer of Smashbox's Eyelights (another trio) in Beam.

Eye shadow is such an easy way to personalize and adapt your look for special occasions or to achieve a specific “look.” I recently read Style Eyes by Taylor Chang-Babaian, which is a limited (too short!), yet fantastic, guide to make your peepers pop! They work with varying eye shapes, lid types, and color schemes. There are ideas for EVERYONE! You can find longer and more in-depth guides, but this is a great resource book for the length. Isn’t it amazing how small changes amount to dramatically different looks (insert real-life application here!)!

How do you personalize your eye look? Colors? Shading? Lining? What are your fails and fondest shadow memories? Comment here or join us on FB. We’ll be on the lookout for your shadow!

CONGRATULATIONS!

2011-05-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

Using random.com's Sequence Generator, we have the WINNERS of the Spring Cleaning Giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS Katie C. (#7) from Rochester, NY! You have won the J&H MAKEUP BAG full of SMASHBOX COSMETICS! Katie says her favorite part of spring cleaning is "the happiness it brings into my home!" Thanks for your comment Katie, and to claim your prize please email us at jacksonandhines@gmail.com.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS to (#12) Casey from Fairport, NY! You have won a complimentary MINI-MAKEOVER with our fabulous in-house Esthetician, Linda! Casey says, "I love being able to take all the bulky cold weather wear out of the hallway and closet and put out my spring clothes and shoes." Thanks for your comment Casey, and to claim your prize please email us at jacksonandhines@gmail.com.

Thanks to all who entered, and keep checking our blog for the next GIVEAWAY.

Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:

 7
12
9
5
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2
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13
1
10
3
11
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4
15

www.random.org

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T18:01:00.004-04:00

This is the weekend to finally restock those dwindling J&H products. We know how resourceful and waste-conscious our customers are, but you can only scrape so much from the bottom of the jar! :)

Bring in your empty product containers purchased at Jackson & Hines and receive 10% off its replacement!

PLUS, check out these Earth Day reads from one of our favorite blogs, Chic and Green.

This is the last week to enter the J&H Spring Cleaning GIVEAWAY don't miss out on FREE SMASHBOX COSMETICS!

Tips from Martha

2011-04-16T10:45:00.004-04:00

Check out these bathroom organization tips from Martha Stewart...

Great ideas for any bathroom (master and guest, big and small, half and full). While spring cleaning, take the time to really personalize your space. Make your organization specific to your needs and uses. She has some great towel storage ideas, with a guide for the perfect fold!

These are easy fixes to common bathroom clutter.

Also, check out these ideas from "The Clean Mama" Blog for de-cluttering drawers, cupboards, and counter space.

What's in your bag, and more importantly, how long has it been there?

2011-04-10T20:23:00.003-04:00

Spring is here and now’s the perfect time to root through your makeup bag to determine what
to keep and what to toss. The following chart is an excerpt from "What's a Disorganized Person to Do? 317 Ideas, tips, projects, and lists to unclutter your home and streamline your life" by Stacey Platt.

Once exposed to air, cosmetics start to lose effectiveness and the ability to combat bacteria. The chart below offers a general guideline, but celebrated makeup artist Pati Dubroff notes that some products (with the exception of mascara) can last longer than indicated if stored in a cool place away from sunlight. Lipsticks, foundations, and other cream-based formulas are more subject to spoilage than powders. She advises discarding a product if there is a change in smell or it has been exposed to heat.

*Pressed powder spoils faster if stored with puffs, which tend to accumulate oil. If kept separately from puffs and sponges, these powders can last up to three years.

PRODUCT	SHELF LIFE
liquid & cream foundation	6-12 months
concealer	8-12 months
pressed powder*	1 year
eye shadow	1 year
blush	1 year
mascara	3 months
lipstick & lip gloss	2 years
eye & lip pencils	2 years
facial cleanser	1 year
facial toner	1 year
facial moisturizer	1 year

And, I must add a few of my own notes:

You can lengthen the shelf life of products by using brushes hygienically (ie: washing with mild soap or even shampoo once a week). The eyes are hyper-sensitive to infection, so if you have had a cold or eye infection, you should toss mascaras and liquid eyeliners; they have applicators that are rather difficult to clean and can be like petri dishes for infection. The same certainly goes for wand-style lip-glosses. Pot-style glosses should always be applied with a brush; avoid using fingers to keep from introducing bacteria. I do often recommend applying certain other products with fingers, but always wash hands first of course.

SPRING-CLEANING GIVEAWAY!

2011-04-01T01:23:00.014-04:00

April is finally here. The sun is shining and the birds are chirping, what a perfect time to…clean the house? Yes, it is that time again, spring-cleaning. It is time to hide all evidence of winter and freshen up your house, wardrobe, yard, and MAKEUP BAG.

Although, for me, spring-cleaning the house can end up being a massive undertaking, it is cathartic to finally open the windows and begin the seasonal de-cluttering. Swapping out the heavy winter coat and dark sweaters for lighter, more cheerful attire is definitely more appealing than most spring-cleaning tasks. Although, if you are in Rochester, I would keep the coat out for a couple more weeks, just to be safe. Bringing the house and yard out of hibernation are spring-cleaning fundamentals, however, it is important to go a step further. For a fresh and complete spring look, check the (make up) bag. Look at colors and determine the longevity of your supplies. Spruce up your yard and restock on beauty supplies.

This month at Jackson & Hines, we will be focusing on all things spring-cleaning. It may seem daunting, but not to worry: Jackson & Hines is here to give you a boost in the right direction. We are excited to announce our SPRING-CLEANING GIVEAWAY! ONE lucky reader will win a Jackson & Hines MAKEUP BAG loaded with SMASHBOX products for the perfect, clean spring look (over $100 value). The prize includes an official J&H make up bag, Photo Finish Primer, Blush Rush, Eyeliner Palette, Eye Shadow Trio, High Definition Powder, Lip Tech lipstick, Hyperlash Mascara, and Lip Exfoliant. In addition, ONE LOCAL reader will also win a FREE MINI-MAKEOVER with our fabulous Esthetician and Make-up Artist Extraordinaire, Linda, to create an individual clean, spring look!

How to Enter: Leave a comment here, telling us your name, city, and your favorite/least favorite aspect of spring cleaning.

Bonus Entries - Valid only after completing first mandatory entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do, including your name and city.

Follow Jackson and Hines on Twitter and tweet this giveaway.
Officially follow our blog.
"Like" Jackson & Hines on Facebook
Share this post on Facebook.

We will be announcing the winner on our blog on Saturday, April 30^th.

Also, watch this month for blog topics such as green cleaning, product organization, how long to keep cosmetics, “Wary about Waxing” and “Spring Cleaning: Dr. Hauschka-style” video.

Good Luck and don’t forget to tell your friends and family about the SPRING CLEANING GIVEAWAY!

Open for US addresses only.

Jackson & Hines News

2010-12-06T20:43:00.003-05:00

Shop online and SAVE! When you shop our website, you'll save an additional 5% on EVERYTHING! This is for a limited time only. Online orders include free shipping with eligible purchases, as well as a special gift from Pamela. Just in time for the holidays--make jacksonandhines.com your one-stop shop.

Experience Pittsford's Candlelight Night! Join us on Tuesday, December 7th from 4-9pm for Candlelight Night. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays in Pittsford; there will be something for everyone! Don't forget to stop at the store to warm up and peruse our holiday gift ideas.

10 Things I Cannot Live Without - by Elena O'Connor

2010-11-29T22:47:00.007-05:00

Elena O’Connor, the daughter of guitar-playing dentist Rodney O’Connor, is an Eastman-trained soprano who has performed numerous times with the RPO and Mercury Opera. But she has spent the past year and a half launching and developing Jackson & Hines, a Pittsford beauty boutique she owns with her mom, Pamela. She divides her time between Rochester and Spain’s Costa Blanca, where she lives with her boyfriend, Diego.

10 Things I Cannot Live Without

1. My MacBook: I am not a techie person—don’t know “html” from “http.” But my Mac makes me feel like I’m Stephen Hawking.

2. L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream: We started carrying L’Occitane at J&H back in June, and their Shea Butter Hand Cream is by far our biggest seller. But the Ultra Rich Body Cream is sublime. I love it. If I were stranded on a desert island and could have only one thing, it would be this cream. Not a friend, not a two-way radio: just the cream.

3. Beignets from the French Quarter Café: These sweet little puffs of dough, from the café on Goodman and Park (176 S. Goodman St.), are laden with powdered sugar and make me really happy. Deliriously happy. Like, I eat them and have psychedelic thoughts such as, “This must be what ﬂuffy clouds mixed with rainbows taste like, man.” They’re best enjoyed with a cold glass of Pittsford Dairy’s miraculously creamy “skim” milk.

4. D.H. Lawrence: If only my favorite writer were someone living—that way I could look forward to the next release. I’ve read every bit of ﬁction written by D.H. Lawrence and most of his nonﬁction as well. Sons and Lovers and Women in Love will always have their special places on my shelf.

5. Wegmans: In Spain (where I live part of the year) we have the Alhambra, we have Gaudi, we’ve got some of the best cuisine in the world—plus the freakin’ Mediterranean Sea. But a Wegmans? A Wegmans would make it my Shangri-La.

6. 30 Rock: I cannot get enough of this show. I hope it stays on forever, like 60 Minutes. I laugh my head off watching it...usually alone, eating the aforementioned beignets, and thus beginning my slow descent into becoming Liz Lemon.

7. Brahms: Pretty much every composer has tried their hand at writing an opera, but Johannes Brahms was supposedly so cocky, he didn’t even bother. Anyone who’s heard Jacqueline du Pré play him or Christopher Seaman conduct him knows why. I love Mozart and Rachmaninoff, but Brahms is really up there for me. I love singing Brahms; I love hearing Brahms.

8. Jackson & Hines Facials: OK, I may be a bit biased, but regular facials with Linda at J&H have literally changed my skin. Of course now they’ve become so popular that even I can’t get on the schedule! Over the years I’ve had prescriptions and purchased products from TV; never would I have predicted that an organic product would be what would ﬁnally give me skin I feel proud of.

9. Autumn: Letchworth Park in October + a picnic basket
chock full of Schutt’s apple cider and grape pie + good friends = a pretty swell day.

10. My Family: I have the world’s best boyfriend and friends who are generous, loyal and hysterically funny. I also have parents better than I deserve, the coolest siblings and the most loving aunts and uncles; they’re all people I’d choose to be in my life were I not blessed with them by fate.

As originally published in "Rochester Magazine" November/December 2010 Issue

Cyber Monday

2010-11-29T09:25:00.006-05:00

Happy Cyber Monday! What is better than shopping in your pajamas? Finding great deals on the PERFECT gifts while shopping in your pajamas!

Check out our website and take advantage of this one-time, web-exclusive sale! This is your chance to begin and/or finish your holiday shopping in one stop. Save on Dr. Hauschka, Carol's Daughter, Eminence Organics, FACE Stockholm, L'Artisan Parfumeur and MarieBelle chocolates and teas; we offer something for EVERYONE! Try one of our many spa services or our gift packages for the hard-to-buy-for person on your list. We have a wide variety of J&H exclusive teas, as well as L'Artisan and FACE candles. Don't forget one of our most popular gift items, L'Artisan fragrances--for men and women! Remember a treat for yourself, as the holidays can be a little stressful! We always offer FREE SHIPPING with qualifying purchases and a special gift from Pamela. Your order will arrive in an elegant Jackson & Hines gift box, ready to go under the tree. This is a limited-time-only sale, so don't miss out!

L'Occitane Almond Firming Milk Concentrate - Product Review

2010-10-14T19:00:00.004-04:00

Soft and silky are the first thoughts that come into my mind while using this product. Its light comforting almond fragrance will have people asking, "What is that wonderful smell?" Although its appearance is thick and perhaps firmly when applied, the effect is light and glossy. My favorite characteristic about this product is that as the day goes on, the scent does not diminish. The fragrance stands out on its own, it does not need other fragrances or complements to enhance it.

- Alanna Branch

Shop our online store where you'll always get FREE SHIPPING and a little extra surprise in the box from Pamela :)

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream - Product Review

2010-10-05T11:56:00.005-04:00

Background information

A super-smoothing - and best-selling - synergy of 20% Shea Butter, honey and sweet almond extract, blended with the light and alluring aromas of jasmine and ylang-ylang essences. Texturally pleasing balm glides on and absorbs to help heal and protect dry or dehydrated skin. Anti-oxidizing vitamin E helps nourish. Invites even the most hard-working hands to a fresh beginning.

Product Review:

I have struggled with dry skin my whole life. I have experimented with many different hand lotions and moisturizing products but, none seem to work well. It seems as though I had to apply a generous amount to feel satisfied. Also, most of them produced a wax-like or greasy texture once applied.

Using L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream has helped alleviate my dry skin within a period of a week. The best part is it only takes a small amount for your hands to feel hydrated. The thick, rich cream absorbs quickly leaving your hands feeling smooth and pleasant without leaving a residue behind. The scent has a lovely balance to it. It has a light enticing aroma that is not overpowering. It is a wonderful product with many benefits but the only disadvantage is it lacks standard UV protection.

- Alanna Branch

Am I Young Yet?

2010-09-08T22:11:00.002-04:00

[originally published in the NY Times]

Ofer Wolberger/Bransch

To celebrate the start of the football season, I’m volunteering to take one for the team — no, for all teams, major and minor — by coming clean about my doping. Throughout the fall and winter of 2009, I gave myself daily shots of somatropin, the manufactured form of human growth hormone, or H.G.H., which is believed to build muscle and rev up the recovery time from injuries. Hence the drug’s allure to professional athletes. In my case, I had a torn ankle tendon that required surgery, and at 48, I began to wonder whether my post-op rebound might benefit from the supposed boost of H.G.H. juice?

“It’s worth a try,” confirmed my doctor, an anti-aging specialist. “H.G.H. should also help you lose weight, and you’ll love the way it will make your skin look younger.”

Did I hear that right? Weight loss and younger skin? Could H.G.H. be my double dream come true?

As a compulsive pursuer of youth, an always unattainable and therefore delusional quest, I have chased all manner of facial-rejuvenating and appearance-enhancing agents, from a cornucopia of creams to chemical peels to wrinkle-erasing and skin-plumping injections to aesthetic laser treatments and even a surgical procedure or two. I go so far as to establish first-name relationships with plastic surgeons and dermatologists, their private cellphone numbers the only ones I keep on my auto-dial.

This is not unusual for sufferers of Dorian Gray Syndrome, a little-known psychological disorder first identified in 2000 by a cabal of staff shrinks at Germany’s Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen. The doctors appropriated Oscar Wilde’s novel to describe patients exhibiting an obsessive preoccupation with physical attractiveness and eternal youth, and a narcissistic fixation with “lifestyle drugs” (medications for hair restoration, weight loss and the like) as well as cosmetic procedures and products. The doctors were describing me.

But last winter, I found myself in the grip of more than just vanity. I was also battling hypothyroidism, an endocrine upheaval, throwing my metabolism into slo-mo and saddling me with symptoms like weight gain, exhaustion, irregularity, dry skin, lateral eyebrow loss (weird but true) and more. When it first struck, I inexplicably started to swell, bursting out of my clothes, my bloated thighs splitting the inner seams of my best Chloé trousers. By the spring, I had reached the stage where three strangers — a manicurist, a doorman and a hairdresser — all asked the just-chloroform-me-now question “When are you due?”

Read the rest of the story on the NY Times website...

Have YOU tried Carol's Daughter hair and skin care products yet? If not, take advantage of our SALE and get 20% OFF when you buy $50 or more and use promo code CAROLSD20 at online checkout! Of course, if you've used Carol's Daughter, we know you've already placed your order :) Read more...

My Summer Home

2010-09-08T21:32:00.003-04:00

During the bittersweet days of September light, when a low-angled sun is unwavering in its withdrawal, I always have trouble saying goodbye. How to shutter the season? How to close the summer home with a memory to last through the dark months?

Growing up, I looked with nose pressed against a mythic window of class at those who played in their waterfront compounds at Hayden Lake in Idaho. And when I came of age, I heard about the Hamptons and Cape Cod, Aspen and the San Juan Islands, where the zip code itself was supposed to guarantee happiness.

We had nothing to call a second home, and then I saw in a month’s travel that we had everything. Not long after I was old enough to cast my first vote, I realized that with American citizenship came a birthright to my summer home.

With my friend Tim Williams, I stuck my thumb out on a freeway toward the Rockies, east from our West; two Tims on the road. We saw mountain ranges in Montana named Beartooth and Big Horn, and rivers honoring presidents Madison and Jefferson. We traveled over one road labeled Going-to-the-Sun, and heard whispered stories about another heading toward Craters of the Moon.

We slept on hard ground in the high, wind-raked expanse of Wyoming’s brown grasslands, and then thrilled at the very sight of the first 14,000-foot mountains to appear in Colorado. Here was Rocky Mountain National Park, a popout card come to life, and Garden of the Gods, a rare act of apt cartographic imagination.

It was ours, Tim and I came to understand, all of it. We owned it — lake, mountain and forest, meadow, desert and shore. Public land. We could put up our tents and be lords of a manor that no monarch could match. We could hike in whatever direction our whims took us, without fear of barbed wire or stares backed by shotguns. We could raft into frothy little streams, light out for even bigger country, guided only by gravity.

Anne Sherwood for The New York Times

Glacier National Park in Montana is home to the Going-to-the-Sun Road...

Read the rest of the article on the NY Times website.

Right now, use the promo code CAROLSD20 at online checkout and SAVE 20% on purchases of $50 or more! Read more...

Men’s Cosmetics Becoming a Bull Market

2010-09-07T23:01:00.002-04:00

Joshua Bright for The New York Times

Jeffrey Lederer checks himself out after using cosmetics. He prefers Menaji.

By ANDREW ADAM NEWMAN

Published: September 1, 2010

WHEN cosmetics began disappearing from her bathroom drawer a few years ago, Gretchen Bain, who lives in Merchantville, N.J., knew the culprit.

Enlarge This Image

Stephanie Diani for The New York Times

Win Tuttle, 52, a real estate developer in Palm Springs, Calif., shows the effects of having Vapour cosmetics applied to only the left side of his face (right in photo) by Eric Sakas (inset). Mr. Sakas applied a concealer under Mr. Tuttle’s eye and to mask the redness below. Then with a mascara wand, he wiped all but a slight residue off with a tissue and brushed Mr. Tuttle’s lashes and brow.

Her husband, Jarrod.

It turned out that Mr. Bain, 34, a Customs and border-protection officer who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 240 pounds — and whose uniform includes a 9-millimeter handgun — had developed a fondness for his wife’s under-eye concealer, which hid his occasional dark circles. He was also swiping her face lotions and mud masks.

“At one point I just started buying stuff for him because I don’t want him stealing mine,” Ms. Bain said. Now she orders products online for him at Menaji.com, which bills itself as a “masculine” and “undetectable” line of cosmetics and skin-care products. His favorites are an eye gel and stick concealer that target dark circles, and an anti-shine powder that comes (shhh!) in a compact.

Read the rest of the article here.

At Jackson & Hines, we have a full line of men's cosmetic products including L'Occitane. Stop in and see what all the fuss is about. Or, stay anonymous and order online! We're more than happy to help with any skin care or cosmetic questions so feel free to ask away!

Adolescent skin problems: Hope for my skin at last!

2010-08-31T14:57:00.006-04:00

Many young people can identify with the frustration of adolescent acne problems and the endless search for a skin care line that actually works. I was one of those girls who could never find what she was looking for. I tried everything, from over-the-counter to prescription face cleansers. And with each new attempt, I went in with renewed hope for my skin. And because of this optimism, I convinced myself that each product was working; that is, until a week later when I looked in the mirror to find my skin dry and flaky. To counter-act this, I would put on whatever face moisturizer I could find. But my skin never stopped feeling tight and uncomfortable. I went through this song and dance more times than I can count on my fingers, until I realized that I was harming my skin and not listening to the messages that my face was trying to send me. Our faces are a lot more delicate and specific than we think and should not be treated with harsh chemicals. Applying chemicals to one’s face may seem like the most powerful method to get rid of acne, but I have found that natural and holistic treatments have done more for my face than any chemical line has. Each skin type has specific needs that can easily be met if one knows where to look.

I had almost lost hope in my skin until Jackson & Hines started carrying the Éminence line. After hearing my managers and co-workers rave about the line, I thought I would give skin care products one more chance. Éminence struck me as being unique before I even started using it. I was inspired by the intricate routine and intrigued by the variety of product choices that I had. I also felt much more at-ease applying something natural to my skin. I was convinced that this line would be effective because there were products available for every specific skin type, not just one for all. Different types of skin have different needs and Éminence caters to all. And the line goes above and beyond. Many believe that a cleanser, toner and moisturizer are all one needs to take care of one’s skin. Éminence stresses the importance of using a serum. We never think about how our skin needs to be nourished. Serums are important because they provide our skin with nutrients and vitamins, giving it an extra healthy, youthful glow. They describe a serum as a “secret beauty elixir.” This new step was exciting and I immediately went home with some samples and, once again, newly renewed hope. Once I started using the products, my skin started to feel relieved within a matter of days. It felt moisturized, relaxed, and for once in my life it did not feel stretched or tight. It took a couple of weeks until I really started noticing visual changes in my complexion and skin condition. I literally woke up one morning and I did not have one pimple on my face. I had not been able to say that since I was twelve years old. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to finally trust a skin care line. My hope had not been in vain this time.

I have never felt enthusiastic about a face care product. When I saw advertisements on television I found myself not believing the ecstatic women raving about their skin-care lines. But that is because I had never had a positive experience. I can honestly say now that I am confident in and proud of my own skin. Many young people never find a solution to their skin problems. As a 19-year-old, I can confidently recommend Éminence to any young person dealing with mild or serious skin problems. And I speak for many others when I say that it has also proven to be effective for men and women of all ages. It’s time to finally give your skin the treatment it needs!

Have skin care issues? Check out our full-line of Eminence Organics products here. FREE SHIPPING on every order and always a little extra surprise in the box! ;-)

Written by Winona Brown at Jackson & Hines, Pittsford, NY 14534

Test your knowledge of cosmetics safety: 8 myths debunked

2010-07-26T23:57:00.002-04:00

[originally posted at EnviroBlog]

The new Story of Cosmetics video explains why personal care products in the United States contain untested and downright dangerous ingredients.

The (very) good news is the U.S. House of Representatives just introduced a bill to fix all that. But in the meantime (until they pass it!), make sure you don't fall prey to these common myths:

1. Myth: If products are for sale at a supermarket, drugstore, or department store cosmetics counter, they must be safe.

Fact: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no authority to require companies to assess ingredients or products for safety. FDA does not review or approve the vast majority of cosmetic products or ingredients before they go on the market. The agency conducts pre-market reviews only for certain color additives and active ingredients in cosmetics classified as over-the-counter drugs.

2. Myth: The cosmetics industry effectively polices itself, making sure all ingredients meet a strict standard of safety.

Fact: In its more than 30-year history, the industry's safety panel (the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, or CIR) has assessed fewer than 20 percent of cosmetics ingredients and found only a handful of ingredients or chemical groups to be unsafe. Its recommendations are not binding on companies.

3. Myth: The government prohibits dangerous chemicals in personal care products, and companies wouldn't risk using them.

Fact: Cosmetics companies may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances (such as vinyl chloride and cow parts), without government review or approval.

More than 500 products sold in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in Japan, Canada or the European Union.

Nearly 100 products contain ingredients considered unsafe by the International Fragrance Association.

A wide range of nanomaterials whose safety is in question may be common in personal care products.

22% of all personal care products may be contaminated with the cancer-causing impurity

1,4-dioxane, including many children's products.

60% of sunscreens contain the potential hormone disruptor oxybenzone that readily penetrates the skin and contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans.

61% of tested lipstick brands contain residues of lead.

4. Myth: Cosmetic ingredients are applied to the skin and rarely get into the body. When they do, levels are too low to matter.

Fact: People are exposed by breathing in sprays and powders, swallowing chemicals on the lips or hands or absorbing them through the skin. Studies find evidence of health risks. Biomonitoring studies have found cosmetics ingredients - like phthalate plasticizers, paraben preservatives, the pesticide triclosan, synthetic musks, and sunscreens - inside the bodily fluids of men, women, children and even the cord blood of newborn babies.

Many of these chemicals are potential hormone disruptors that may increase cancer risk. Products commonly contain penetration enhancers to drive ingredients deeper into the skin. Studies find health problems in people exposed to common fragrance and sunscreen ingredients, including elevated risk for sperm damage, feminization of the male reproductive system, and low birth weight in girls.

5. Myth: Products made for children or bearing claims like "hypoallergenic" are safer choices.

Fact: Most cosmetic marketing claims are unregulated, and companies are rarely if ever required to back them up, even for children's products. A company can use a claim like "hypoallergenic" or "natural" "to mean anything or nothing at all," and while "[m]ost of the terms have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers, dermatologists say they have very little medical meaning."

An investigation of more than 1,700 children's body care products found that 81 percent of those marked "gentle" or "hypoallergenic" contained allergens or skin and eye irritants.

6. Myth: FDA would promptly recall any product that injures people.

Fact: FDA has no authority to require recalls of harmful cosmetics. Furthermore, manufacturers are not required to report cosmetics-related injuries to the agency. FDA relies on companies to report injuries voluntarily.

7. Myth: Consumers can read ingredient labels and avoid products with hazardous chemicals.

Fact: Federal law allows companies to leave many chemicals off labels, including nanomaterials, contaminants, and components of fragrance. Fragrance may include any of 3,163 different chemicals, none of which are required to be listed on labels. Fragrance tests reveal an average of 14 hidden compounds per formulation, including potential hormone disruptors and diethyl phthalate, a compound linked to sperm damage.

8. Myth: Cosmetics safety is a concern for women only.

Fact: Surveys show that on average, women use 12 products containing 168 ingredients every day, men use 6 products with 85 ingredients, 35 and children are exposed to an average of 61 ingredients daily. The large majority of these chemicals have not been assessed for safety by the industry-funded CIR safety panel.

References are available when you download the pdf here.

At Jackson & Hines, ALL of the products we sell are FREE of unnatural chemical additives. We have specifically chosen the products we sell very carefully and all of them are "All Natural" and/or "Organic" products.

Right now, use the promo code carolsd20 at online checkout and SAVE 20% on purchases of $50 or more!

Watch the Story of Cosmetics

2010-07-26T23:13:00.002-04:00

[originally posted at EnviroBlog]

Annie Leonard does it again. This time she tells us about all those products in the cosmetics aisle that we use so many of every day (12 for women, 6 for men, on average).

If you're familiar with her wildly successful Story of Stuff, you know what you'll get in this 8-minute video: the startling facts, delivered in a way that makes sense to all of us.

So if you've ever read a label in the cosmetics aisle and, brow furrowed, wondered whether anyone out there (like the government, perhaps) is making sure all those ingredients are good for you, this short video is for you.

Cause, by the way, they're not. Check it out:

Now that you're in the know, you'll probably want to take a little action. We suggest you:

Check EWG's Cosmetics Database to find safer products.

Host a screening party to spread the word.

Get the story about the new cosmetics safety bill in Congress.

Do You Know the Best Way to Protect Your Skin When Out in the Sun? Take our Sun Protection Quiz and find out...

2010-07-26T18:18:00.004-04:00

Sun Protection Quiz:

1. When applying sunscreen to the body, one should use...
a. a dime size amount
b. a shot glass full
c. a teaspoon

2. Most sunscreens protect against...
a. UVA light, which can cause cancer and premature aging of the skin
b. UVB light, which causes skin to burn
c. Infrared light and heat

3. Which of these clothing items offers the highest SPF?
a. A hat
b. Nylon Pantyhose
c. A t-shirt

4. UVA light from tanning beds is proven to cause...
a. squamous cell carcinoma
b. malignant melanoma
c. basal cell carcinoma
d. all of the above

Answers:

Question 1 - The answer: B. While a full teapoon is indeed what’s recommended on the face, and entire shot glass full (about 1 full ounce) is what experts recommend for use all over the body to truly block the sun’s rays.

Question 2 - The answer: B. SPF measures UVB protection. Most sunscreens do indeed protect against UVB light, but few products protect against UVA, which, even at minimal exposure, penetrates deeper into the skin and breaks down collagen and healthy cells. One to try with both UVA & UVB protection: Eminence Organics Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream, SPF 32.

Question 3 - The answer: C. An ordinary t-shirt has an SPF of 7. Hats’ SPF ranges from 3 to 7, and nylons do offer a teensy bit of protection over bare skin; they have an SPF of 2.

Question 4 - The answer: D. All of the above. While squamous cell carcinoma is most associated with the use of tanning beds, those who use them frequently are up to 150% more likely to develop skin cancer, not to mention sunspots and premature wrinkles. If you want a bronze look without the risk, try Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate or Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30 in "Cinnamon."

SAVE 20% on CAROL'S DAUGHTER products when you purchase $50 or more!

2010-07-21T19:21:00.002-04:00

Enter promo code carolsd20 at online checkout to enjoy 20% off any Carol’s Daughter order of $50 or more!

When you shop online this month, stock up on great summer skin care like the Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure, Ocean Shea Soufflée, and Almond Cookie Sea Salt Scrub. We've also got your hair care needs covered including favorites like the Black Vanilla Shampoo, Lisa’s Hair Elixir, and the new Hair Milk Lite - great for light weight moisture and protection from damaging chlorine and salt water.

Shop our ONLINE STORE today!

Day Spa's- How to Choose the Best for your Getaway

2010-07-20T23:45:00.001-04:00

A day spa can offer an unparalleled experience in rest and relaxation. For most women, however, such an experience is a luxury and not something they can pencil in to their regular schedule. If this is the case for you, you might not have an idea of what to look for when finally making that appointment. One thing is for sure: when you spend a good chunk of change for a day all to yourself, you want that experience to count for something. For that reason, here are some tips to choosing the right place.

First of all, know what it is you're looking for. If you're just looking for a relaxing day, filled with fun and entertainment-a different experience, in other words-then that's one thing. If you're looking for a spa that will give you some genuine health benefits, that's another. Don't fall into the trap of believing a bunch of hype, especially if that hype is coming from the resort itself. A margarita pedicure might be fun, but it's not going to offer you anything in the way of proven health benefits. Check to see if the services the company offers are in line with proven, well documented techniques in the world of rejuvenation. There's no shortage of literature out there to help you in your research.

If you're a veteran of the day spa scene, make your next visit the time you try something new. There's nothing wrong with being loyal to a specific brand, but it doesn't hurt to fly outside the box once in a while, either. Check out a magazine covering the latest innovations on the scene and then look for a company in your area that offers some of these exciting new services. You might find something you really like and can add into your normal routine.

For your first day spa experience, you might have the best success looking for a company during the off season, or at least making an appointment during the slow hours. While no facility should ever overbook themselves to the point they can't offer each customer an appropriate amount of attention, people are people, after all. Mistakes do happen. If you make your first visit to a new resort, try them out during the early afternoon or weekday morning. You'll likely find them a lot less busy than if you went on a Saturday in the middle of the summer.

Manicures... Not Just For Women Anymore

2010-07-20T23:35:00.003-04:00

While many men still consider manicures to be purely feminine activities, there are several that have discovered the benefits of regular and hand nail care. The main benefits are immediately obvious, as you can present to the world a very clean and polished appearance. A man who obviously cares about the appearance of his hands will certainly care about other details in his personal, and probably professional, life. In fact, you may be surprised at how many employers look at the state of a prospective employee's fingernails during the interview process. A man that takes pride in his appearance will likely take pride in the work that he does and the projects that he presents to others.

Along with the fantastic first impression, getting a manicure also allows you some personal relaxation time. Taking the time on a regular basis to have a manicure can force you to sit still for the allotted manicure time, which will soothe that stressful desire to always be on the go. Not only must you sit still, and usually in a massage chair, but you will also receive the skin massage that often reaches the elbow. These massages can promote circulation to the joints and muscles, which will reduce pain and swelling. The relaxation gained from the massage is undeniable, but the health benefits should not be overlooked.

It's true that most Rochester, NY manicure salons seem to cater to women, with plush interiors and feminine colors. If that bothers you, then you might find a salon with a more clinical feel. However, you cannot deny the benefits of sitting in a deeply cushioned massage chair, surrounded by friendly and caring nail technicians, even if there is a bit of pink in the decor. In fact, after a few visits that include a warm welcome by name and a smiling aesthetician, you might realize that the feminine touch to the salon promotes greater relaxation and enjoyment.

Whatever you seek from your salon, you will be able to find it. Don't be afraid to ask your friends and family about their manicure experience before choosing a regular salon. Focus more on the cleanliness first, and ask about the pink walls later. Your general health and well-being is the most important aspect of your manicure, as well as the polished and put-together image that you project with your healthy and maintained digits.

Wedding Hairstyles for Bridesmaids

2010-07-01T12:34:00.002-04:00

Even though the bridesmaids are not meant to be the centre of attention during a wedding it is still important that they look their best in order to complement the bride and the entire wedding. During a wedding, the bridesmaids tend to take a backseat and are there to help the bride with anything they need in the background of the wedding and to lend support. It is up to the bride as to whether the hairstyles of the bridesmaids' matches hers as some brides tend to want to stand out on their big day. Some brides may leave the hairstyles choices of the bridesmaids up to them whilst others may have clear ideas of how they want their bridesmaids to look. It all depends on what sort of bride you are dealing with and her idea of the perfect wedding.

It is usually best for the bride to first choose her dress and her hairstyle before consulting with the bridesmaids in order to either match or avoid having the same hairstyles on the big day. The key to the bridesmaid's look is to keep it as simple as possible so as not to detract from the bride, after all it is her best day and she deserves to look the best. The same goes for the hair, if you keep to a style that is simple and elegant then is will also make it easier to match a hairstyle to any dress.

If you are struggling to decide on a style for your bridesmaids then have a look at the following guide for ideas. These styles can be done on your own without the help of a hairstylist but if you want things to run smoothly it may be wise to have a stylist to attend to your bridesmaids' hair as this will eliminate any last minute problems. You can try an elegant low tight bun style. This is a simple but timeless style that will ensure that your bridesmaids' will look stylish yet won't outshine you. This style will go with most modern wedding dresses with slimmer silhouettes and is also suitable for strapless dresses as it shows off the upper body. This is a style that will suit almost any style of dress and will require little or no maintenance during the day.

Alternatively you might want to opt for a loose top of the head bun. This style involves the hair being piled on top of the bridesmaid's head and is again a classic, safe style. This style can be modernised with soft strands around the face and will work with almost every style of bridesmaid dress.

Nowadays, brides and bridesmaids do not have to stick to classic updo. More and more celebrities are leading the way for loose bridal hair and this can be a good look for bridesmaids as well. Loose hair can be very striking and can be styled either in a curly or straight way or it could be tied at the back for a great half up half down look.

Modern day celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Beyonce have fronted another wedding hairstyle in the form of the ponytail. A sleek, soft ponytail can look great on a bridesmaid and is a simple way of modernising a classic updo.

There are lots of factors that go into choosing the perfect bridesmaid hairstyle including the type of dress you are going to wear, the theme of the wedding and what is going to best compliment the bridesmaid's features. If you take all these elements into consideration you are sure to create the perfect bridesmaid for your big day!

If you'd like hairstyle tips, be sure to stop in and see one of us at Jackson & Hines. We'll be happy to give you our advice! If you don't live in the Rochester area or just want to order your haircare products online at the BEST PRICE with FREE SHIPPING visit our Online Store. Thanks! J&H

Dark circles under your eyes? Ever wonder what causes them? How to "treat" them? Read on...

2010-07-01T12:14:00.002-04:00

Have you ever wondered what causes dark circles under the eyes? Nothing can make you look older. Trying to hide these unsightly blemishes can be difficult if not impossible. But instead of just concealing these unwanted signs of aging, why not eliminate them all together? By taking advantage of the latest scientific advances in skin care, you can treat, heal and restore a younger, healthier condition to this important area on your face. Let me explain.

You see, the thin, delicate structure of the skin around your eyes makes it more susceptible to damage which comes with years of sun and environmental toxin exposure.

Once the underlying cellular structure loses its ability to manufacture healthy levels of collagen, the fabric of your skin breaks down and natural tensile strength is lost. In short, the skin around your eyes begins to sag.

But if that wasn't bad enough, fluid drainage becomes much less efficient and tiny leaks under the skin cause bags and puffiness to develop. Circulation becomes weak and capillaries become fragile resulting in the red-blue pigmentation of dark circles.

But the latest skin care science tells us healthy collagen production can be restored to damaged skin cells. By providing specific nutritional treatment, cells can be healed and stimulated back into production.

When I say "specific" I'm referring to clinically-proven, bio-active extracts from Nature. A remarkable similarity in molecular structure means these substances are readily absorbed very deeply into the skin and utilized by cells to create significant improvements in firmness, smoothness and elasticity.

Extracts from natural sources such as sheep wool and brown algae are rich in wrinkle-reducing vitamins and minerals, along with powerful collagen-stimulating nutrients.

So now that you know what causes dark circles under the eyes and how to eliminate them, what's your next step? Why don't you test the effectiveness of bio-active extracts for yourself? At Jackson & Hines, we can give you all the helpful tips you need and provide you with the RIGHT products to carry out your war against dark circles.

Be sure to stop in at 4 Main St. Pittsford, NY 14534 or visit our Online Store for skin care, hair cair, makeup, and beauty products of all kinds. There's FREE SHIPPING on EVERY order and a little something extra in the package that will make you realize you'll never want to buy from anywhere but Jackson & Hines again!

Wet Shave & Electric Shave Tips

2010-07-01T12:06:00.000-04:00

Puffy skin in the morning will make shaving difficult. This is because of the body fluids. So, do not shave right away when you wake up. Wait for half an hour. This is because it is easier to shave when the hair shaft is exposed along with a tense skin.

It is difficult to get a close and smooth shave if you are bathing for more than 8 minutes. This is because the skin is wrinkle. So, do not stay in the bath too long if you are going to shave after. To moisture your hair and make it an easy shave, use 'before shave' products such as cream, lathers and soap. You can also use hair conditioner. Soft hair allows the blade to glide easily over the skin.

To avoid irritation, do not shave repeatedly on the same area. For stray hair, use pop-up trimmer.

To avoid any diseases, never share your razor with anyone.

The best way to know that you've shaved properly is by touching the shaved area. The sense of touch is helpful in identifying the shaved area compare to a mirror.

Information for a wet shave

Wet the hair for three minutes as the hair will stand up and make it easier to shave. Wet hair also helps in protecting the blades. Or, shave after you shower.

Use a 30 degree angle between the blade and the ski. This method will help to avoid any skin irritation. Apply thick shaving cream for four minutes before shaving. This is because it can reduce the risk of razor burn, irritation, and cuts.

It is important to use a sharp new blade. You know that you have to change the blade if you are using pressure on the blade. Blunt blade can lead to ingrown hair. If there is any cut, splash some cold water. It is also useful in removing excessive soap or lather.

Use long stroke going against the hair growth when you are shaving your leg. Be very careful when it comes to bony areas such as the knees and ankles.

Shave in all direction for underarms hair as it grows in all directions. This will help in removing all the hair successfully. After shaving, do not apply deodorants because it will cause irritation and a stinging sensation.

Shave in the direction of the hair when it comes to shaving for bikini line. To avoid irritation on the skin, do not shave repeatedly on the same area.

Information for electric shave

To get a close shave, shave against the direction of hair growth while the other hand pulls the skin gently. There might be ingrown hair if one shaves against the hair growth. This is an opinion from the dermatologist. But, it all depends on the individual.

When you shave do not press too hard or shave over and over again.

The effectiveness is lessens when whiskers accumulate on the cutters. Some prefer to clean it after three shaves. So, it is best to clean the head at all times.

Be sure to visit our Online Store for skin care, hair care, makeup, and beauty products of all kinds. There's FREE SHIPPING on EVERY order and a little something extra in the package that will make you realize you'll never want to buy from anywhere but Jackson & Hines again!

The Basics to Maintaining Healthy Skin

2010-07-01T11:53:00.001-04:00

With all the skincare products available to us, choosing a skincare regimen may seem like a daunting task! Achieving and maintaining healthy skin does not necessarily have to be that complicated. In fact, a good basic skincare regimen really only requires 3 steps: cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing.

Step 1: Cleansing
Cleansing helps to prevent breakouts and prepares skin for other products such as moisturizer and makeup. This step should include a makeup remover as well as a facial cleanser. Before washing your face, use makeup remover to dissolve eye, lip, and face makeup. Makeup remover towlettes are gentle and effective at removing makeup and can safely be used on the entire face, including the eye area. Removing your makeup first allows the cleanser to work more efficiently. Once makeup is removed, use a facial cleanser following the instructions on the package. Choosing a cleanser should not be difficult. A cleanser's purpose is just to remove makeup, oil and dirt from the skin so it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on this step. Look at the label on the product to determine if it is suitable for your skin type. Foaming/lathering gel cleansers are good for acne and oily/combination skin because they are very effective at dissolving oil. Cream cleansers are better for dry skin because they do not strip the skin of its natural oils.

Step 2: Exfoliating
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the top layers of your skin, keeping it smooth and also helps to prevent pores from clogging. Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week for best results, following cleansing. There are a few different methods of exfoliating, offering a range of options for different budgets.

Scrubs and peel-off masks can be found at drugstores for under $10 and work great for basic exfoliating. For normal to dry skin, try using a scrub such as St Ives Apricot Scrub or Queen Helen Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub. For acne and oily skin, peel off masks like Freeman Facial Peel-Off Mask work well because they reduce oil and refine pores while exfoliating.

There are also a few electronic devices on the market that exfoliate skin and work for all different skin types. Neutrogena has something called The Wave that uses vibration to slough dead skin cells. Clarisonic makes an exfoliating device that uses "sonic technology" to gently remove dead skin cells.

And last, chemical exfoliants. Products containing chemical exfoliants are typically found in higher-end skin care lines, such as those carried at Ulta and Sephora. Chemical exfoliants work on a cellular level to loosen dead skin cells so they fall away from the skin without requiring abrasive action. An example is Juice Beauty's Green Apple Peel, which is a cream masque containing a chemical exfoliator called hydroxy acid. Also, Philosophy Microdelivery Peel, which is a set of moistened pads containing glycolic acid.

Step 3: Moisturizing
Whatever your skin type, moisturizing is a must! Even for oily and acneaic skin. The purpose of moisturizer is not just to keep the skin soft and smooth. Moisturizer also helps keep the skin hydrated beneath the top layers, improving its overall appearance, and helping to slow signs of aging in the long run. Even if your skin is oily, it may not be hydrated deep down. Dehydration can actually cause skin to over-produce oil in some cases. When shopping for a moisturizer, read labels to find something suitable for your skin type. "Oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" are always good phrases to look for but especially for acne and oily skin types. Apply moisturizer as the last step in your skincare regimen morning and night. During the day, always follow moisturizer with a sunscreen to prevent sun damage and premature aging.

If you have additional skin care concerns like acne, or fine lines and wrinkles, you may wish to add an extra step to this regimen. This step would include some type of topical treatment, such as acne gel or anti wrinkle serum. If you use a treatment like this apply it before your moisturizer for best results.

When trying new skin care products, it is important to remember these two things: time and consistency. Alot of people will buy a product, try it a few times and throw it away if they don't see results right away. Most skincare products can take up to 6 weeks of regular use to yield results. So be patient!

Be sure to visit our Online Store for skin care, hair cair, makeup, and beauty products of all kinds. There's FREE SHIPPING on EVERY order and a little something extra in the package that will make you realize you'll never want to buy from anywhere but Jackson & Hines again!

How Laser Hair Removal Treatments Are Performed

2010-07-01T11:42:00.001-04:00

Laser hair removal treatments are increasingly the choice for many people want to get rid of unwanted hair. As a beauty treatment, laser hair removal can give people more confidence and allow them to get on with their lives. Endorsed by a range of celebrities, hair removal of this kind can be a cheap and effective remedy. But before going for this cosmetic treatment it is important to know how laser removal works, and why so many people choose this over other types of treatment for removing unwanted hair.

First introduced to the beauty treatment market in 1998, laser hair removal procedures offered people the first ever non-invasive type of hair reduction, with safe and permanent results in the removal of hair. Laser hair removal has reported to be so effective that is now a commonly accepted and standard form of cosmetic treatment for a range of hair removal needs. The laser treatment for getting rid of unwanted hair is very much a straightforward process.

Firstly, if a patient wants a laser treatment they must have a consultation. This is because people don't always have the same type of skin, and that certain skin conditions will need a certain type of laser hair removal to avoid any problems. Specific medical conditions, hair colors, and other restrictions will affect how the laser hair treatment will have to be applied to the patient in getting rid of unwanted hair. Broadly speaking, the darker the skin color then the lesser the effect of the laser treatment could be.

Further to that, different areas of the body can react differently to the laser treatment, so it is important to have a consultation before any treatment starts so as to best determine what type of laser treatment to use. More treatment for certain areas of women, like the upper lip to the chin, could take longer as there could be more hormonal activity there, whereas the laser hair removal treatment on the legs could see a rapid effect in getting rid of unwanted body hair.

Don't do it all at once

Another consideration to take into account with laser treatments is the issue of timing. Since treatments need to be spaced out over time for the best effect in getting rid of unwanted body hair, it is a good idea to treat different areas of the body at the same time, rather than on their own at separate times. It can be an inconvenient process having to make frequent and multiple trips for laser hair removal if different areas of the body are treated at different times. If there are lots of areas of the body where there is unwanted hair and you need it to be removed, then it is important to know that no more than 50% of the body can be treated for laser hair removal at any one time. This is to minimize the risk of any adverse reaction. Although laser treatments are largely safe, it is best not to overdo it all at once; therefore a consultation can determine the best way to proceed.

A Sunburned Reminder... [from Clumps of Mascara]

2010-07-01T10:46:00.001-04:00

[originally posted on ClumpsofMascara]

Dear Brown Girls,

We do get sunburned. I have the worst one ever and summer JUST begun. I've been spending a lot of time outside and it looks like my every day moisturizer just ain't gonna cut it. My face is about 14 different colors right now with my nose being the most burnt.

It ain't a good look. Learn from me. Of course I'll be talking more about brown girls and the sun in the coming weeks. Including how to heal and repair the skin if you've been a victim like me.

I was born and raised in Florida so you would think I would know better. *guilty sigh*

Enjoy your weekend! Clumps will be back at it on Monday and I'll finally be reviewing NYX's Doll Eyes. Only took me 12 years to get to that. Hahaaaa!!

Love,

We at Jackson & Hines love the posts from Clumps of Mascara! For great all-natural and organic skin-care products for preventing sunburn and dealing with it if you do get a burn, visit our Online Store where there's always FREE SHIPPING and a little something extra in the package!

Skin Care Tips Too Important to Overlook

2010-06-24T23:43:00.004-04:00

Skin is the largest organ of our body. With proper skin care, we can, not only keep it healthy but also keep it looking young for a longer time. Healthy skin is the result of several factors: a healthy diet, right amount of exercise, good skin care practices, a positive outlook, and a relaxed mind. Vitamin A is a very good vitamin for healthy skin. It helps strengthen the skin and repair tissues. It can be taken in foods, as a supplement or as a topical cream. Eating a healthy diet is also vital to having radiant skin. You should at least eat five servings of fruit and vegetable everyday to cleanse the body of toxins that may affect your metabolism. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help prevent free radical damage to the skin.

Vitamin C helps with healing wounds and other damage to the skin. To improve the practicability of vitamin C in skin care. Vitamin C will also help the immune system fight off illnesses. Drinking water is also important to keep the skin healthy, supple and soft. It helps a lot when the required amount of water, about eight glasses a day. Zinc helps the skin’s natural healing process. It is good in preventing the over-production of sebum, which will also help clear up acne. Drinking an herb based tea can help hydrate the skin and at the same time get your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D is an antioxidant that may play a role in skin pigmentation. Regular exercise enhances blood circulation necessary to maintain healthy skin.

Protein foods supply all the amino-acids essential for keeping your skin youthfu and prove helpful for skin care. Avocado oil used regularly is an excellent skin softener. It is in rich in vitamins and minerals, especially the skin vitamins A, C and E. Apply the mixture of raw turmeric and cream of milk on the face and wash it after 20 minutes. Always remember that your facial muscles are living elastic tissues and that they can be nourished and built up from inside only with a good and healthy diet. A mixture of crushed mint leaves and oats will reduce pimples. Leave this for 20 minutes and wash it with warm water. Crush garlic and take the juice and apply it on the face daily to reduce pimples. Apply a mixture of turmeric and neem on the face.

Skin Care Tips

1. Vitamin A is a very good vitamin for healthy skin.

2. Vitamin C helps with healing wounds and other damage to the skin.

3. Vitamin D is an antioxidant that may play a role in skin pigmentation.

4. Vitamin B helps keep your skin tone healthy.

5. Vitamin B6 helps keep the immune system healthy.

6. Facial treatment that is very helpful for those with oily skin.

7. For Black Spots make a paste with mehndi and oil and apply on the face

8. Drinking water is also important to keep the healthy Skin.

9. Crush garlic and take the juice and apply it on the face daily to reduce pimples.

10. Avocado oil used regularly is an excellent skin softener.

Looking for skin care products that are organic or all-natural? Look no further than Jackson & Hines online boutique shop where you'll get the best prices and FREE SHIPPING on all skin care orders! Eminence Organics, Dr. Hauschka, Carol's Daughter & more...

Cosmetics For Young Mothers

2010-06-24T21:01:00.002-04:00

First of all, congratulations! Having a baby is said to rock your world, only many women find this to be not exclusively in the positive sense. When the climax of the moment has passed, you start assessing the effects – in a word, the aftermath. Don’t worry too much, though; with any luck, the evidence left on your body from giving birth will be minimal, and a few weeks of using special cosmetics will see you through.

The middle layer of our skin is the one that allows it to be elastic; however, if stretched for a long period of time, the fabric of this layer starts to tear in places and form scars, known as stretch marks. Not all women get them during or after pregnancy, but most of them do, depending on how well hydrated they kept, how much weight they gained and other more minor factors.

In the event that they do appear, and you turn to cosmetic help, first of all make sure you consult the doctor, because anything you apply may reflect on your baby, in the process of nursing (for example, any cream based on tretinoin should be avoided due to the lack of proper studies to this effect). A safer bet is to go for an organic product, highly moisturizing, based on natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, ivy, horsetail etc., rich in vitamins E and A and essential fatty oils. Gently massage this in problem areas, and soon the stretch marks will fade away. Furthermore, in order to help the rest of the skin stay healthy, any products you use on the skin (such as sun-block or cleansers) should not contain drying elements like alcohol or soap.

It is most important to realize that the pregnancy is an enhancer of all physical aspects. In the case of hair, during the carriage term, each individual hair on your head grows faster and longer, giving the impression of less falling hair; also, the hormone boost makes it look shinier and healthier.

After giving birth, all parameters just get back to their previous levels, giving what is often a false impression of accelerated hair loss. In any case, rather than simply waiting for things to feel normal again, you could try keeping the use of styling products and colorants to a minimum and washing your hair every other day with a mild shampoo, containing as few chemicals as possible.

Becoming a mother at a young age is, from the point of view of the effect on your body, the best scenario: the chances your skin and hair will recover with the help of hydrating, natural cosmetics is near maximum. So keep your hair on and enjoy this new stage of your life!

For ALL NATURAL and ORGANIC skin care & hair care products like Eminence Organics, Carol's Daughter, and Dr. Hauschka be sure to shop our online store. Great Prices and FREE SHIPPING on all orders!

Green Tips To Keep Your Cosmetics Chemical Free

2010-06-24T18:54:00.003-04:00

[originally posted at TheNewEcologist.com]

Cosmetic products have always been a concern to the ecologists and experts in green products. This is an issue, because often the cosmetic products labeled as green ones are actually dangerous for our health and environment.

Here are some chemicals, which you need to avoid, in case you are going for green cosmetic lines. One of those chemicals is the so called” antibacterial”.

They are based on different chemicals, but the triclosan often used for antibacterial soaps is actually dangerous, for it is affecting the testosterone activity in the cells. Try regular soap instead and trust it is the good old way to kill the germs.

In case you found out that in your product, there is a chemical called DEA, simply avoid using it. DEA is also known as hormone disruptor and can cause a lot of issues for your health.

Perfumes also hide a risk. The simple label “fragrance” actually hides an ingredient called phthalates. This chemical may lead to obesity and affects the reproductive system.

The phthalates is often a basic ingredient for most essential-oil fragrances, so change your perfume or seek an organic perfume line. Formaldehyde is also a bad chemical to consider. It is actually toxic and can cause problems to your immune system.

At Jackson and Hines, we want you to know that ALL of the beauty products we carry in our store in Pittsford, NY and online are ALL NATURAL, CHEMICAL-FREE and in many cases, COMPLETELY ORGANIC. Please stop by if you're in the Rochester, NY area or shop our online store for the BEST PRICES and FREE SHIPPING on ALL PRODUCTS!!!

The Office Summer Slim Down – Part 2

2010-06-22T17:16:00.002-04:00

[originally posted at WeHeartThis]

Five simple categories to help organize your entire office!

Welcome to part two of the Official Office Summer Slim Down. Last week we focused on clearing the clutter from your office and getting rid of the excess (think of it as the dieting part of our project). Part 2 of our office shape up focuses on the whats, wheres, and how-longs of Things to Keep (it’s the muscle building part of a fit and toned office).

So here’s the boot camp part where you get to put your office through the obstacle course. Use these five guidelines, (compiled from Suze Orman, a few other sources and my years in the trenches) sorted by recommended time storage time and paper (original) or digital formats, to get your office in the best shape of its life – just in time for summer!

Before we dive in, in Part 1 of the Office Slim Down, I spoke to the importance of having backup on top of backup for your computer and I’m saying it again. Did I mention you need to backup? Ok! Here we go:

Keep Digitally for 1 Year
• Paycheck stubs. Get rid of once you compare your W-2 and annual social security statement.
• Utility bills. Just in case of billing errors. If you are using them for a home office deduction then make sure you have access to 3-7 years.*
• Cancelled checks*
• Credit card receipts*
• Bank statements*
• Quarterly Investment Statements. Hold onto them until you get your annual statement.
*Unless you need them for tax purposes and then you need 3-7 years.

Keep Digitally for 3-7 Years
• Income Tax Returns. Yes, even returns can be digital. Many accountants are filing this way and it makes sense. In terms of timing you can be audited for no reason up to three years after you file. If you omit 25% of your gross income that goes up to 7 years and if you don’t file there is statute of limitations. So keep returns accordingly. And always check with your accountant to get the details of your tax situation. Some accountants suggest keeping all tax returns, which is simple if they are digital.
• Sales receipts related to taxes
• Medical bills and cancelled insurance policies
• Records of selling a house
• Records of selling a stock
• Receipts, cancelled checks and other docs supporting income or a deduction on your tax return
• Annual investment statement

Keep in Paper Format for 7 Years
• Records of satisfied loans

Keep in paper format while active
• Contracts
• Insurance documents
• Stock certificates
• Property records
• Records of pensions and retirement plans
• Property tax records and disputed bills
• Home improvement records (for at least 3 years after due date for tax return that includes the income or loss on the asset when it’s sold)
• Store all car maintenance records with the title until you sell the car

Keep in Paper Format Forever
• Marriage licenses
• Birth certificates
• Wills
• Adoption paper
• Death certificates
• Records of paid mortgages

Each January take a look through all of your digital files and streamline. With this workout, a commitment to continue the hard work and a short chat with your accountant, your office will always be healthy and fit.

Jennifer Palais clears chaos and brings order to offices, business systems, schedules and minds and is known as an organizing expert and coach. Her approach is 10-years in the making: Inspirational, well informed and practical. It is a process filled with fun, joy and discovery. For more organizing tips, follow her on Twitter.

Brow Tips from Juliana Landis @ Umberto Salon in Beverly Hills

2010-06-22T17:08:00.001-04:00

[originally posted at StyleApothecary]

For professionally groomed brows in the comfort of your home the key is to have great tools and good light. I always try to have good natural light when tweezing at home as you can see even the smallest of hairs. Use a regular mirror as magnifying mirrors can be deceiving and you can end up over-tweezing.

Vanity Mirror $14.99 at Ulta

Before you start find a brow shape that suits you and use a brow pencil to fill in the desired shape. Brows should begin in line with the nostril, you can hold your brow pencil vertically to find the right point exactly. The highest point of the arch should fall above the outer edge of your iris. Hold your pencil in front of your nose and tilt it diagonally to the outer corner of the eye, the line up where it meets the brow is where the outer point of the brow should be, you may have to extend the brow in this case you would pencil it in.

M·A·C 'Impeccable' Brow Pencil $15.00 by M·A·C at Nordstro

Now you have your brow shape its time to trim. Brush brow hairs upward and trim above the top line of the brow with nail scissors, you can also brush hairs down and trim if necessary.

Nail Scissors, Curved by Pfeilring $36.00 by Pfeilring at Smallflower

It’s time to tweeze. Use a white pencil to shade in the areas you want to tweeze then start plucking away, if you are not sure if a certain hair will alter the brow shape, move it with the tweezer without plucking to see how it will look and if it looks ok pluck it, if not leave it alone, this helps to avoid holes in the eyebrow.

Tweezerman 30th Anniversary Special Edition Slant Tweezer $25.00 by Tweezerman at Skin Store

For at home maintenance the tools you will need are slated tweezers, I like tweezerman as they have a lifetime guarantee, I like Paula Dorf's brow pencil in Wet Sand, it works well on most people even blonds and Paula Dorf's Brow powder trio comes in Brunette, Blond, Red and Neutral and has wax to keep unruly brows in place. I like Prestige's soft white pencil to outline the brow.

Brow Tips from Juliana Landis @ Umberto Salon in Beverly Hills

Mascara Monday: Smashbox Hyperlash mascara

2010-06-22T16:53:00.002-04:00

[originally posted at ClumpsOfMascara]

Just in time for summer, Smashbox debuts their newest mascara. Let's see if this baby is worth packing for your summer getaway.

Smashbox Hyperlash mascara

Price: 4 out of 5

Packaging (Brush Wand): 5 out of 5
Overall: 3.5 out of 5

What it claims: "Rev up your lashes with this high intensity all-in-one mascara that lifts, lengthens, volumizes and defines. The unique dual applicator has a brush on one side and a comb on the other for beautifully full, amazingly long, clump-free lashes in seconds. Naturally derived peptides and antioxidants help protect and repair, while rich pigments bind to lashes for an ultra-dramatic look. " (source)

The truth: Not bad. I am totally loving the wand.

What I loved about it: Check out the amazing wand!

While the teeny tiny bristles may be TOO tiny, I think they are perfect for separating and elongating the lashes.

What I didn't like: I would have liked a little more volume and length before it got a wee bit clumpy.

Overall: Mind if I vent for a quick sec? A light bulb recently went off when a YouTube subscriber left a comment saying something like "I don't know why people complain about a mascara clumping when they've applied 3 coats." By george, this is true! Not all mascaras are build-able and are meant to have more than 1 coat. Such is the case with Hyperlash.

Read the rest of the article here...

Jackson & Hines carries the full line of Smashbox products in our boutique in Pittsford, NY. Stop in when you can and we'll apply some free samples for you! Or check out our online shop for a vast array of makeup, skin care, and other beauty products.

Important Skin Care Tips

2010-06-17T21:17:00.003-04:00

Skin Care Tips

1. Vitamin A is a very good vitamin for healthy skin.

2. Vitamin C helps with healing wounds and other damage to the skin.

3. Vitamin D is an antioxidant that may play a role in skin pigmentation.

4. Vitamin B helps keep your skin tone healthy.

5. Vitamin B6 helps keep the immune system healthy.

6. Facial treatment that is very helpful for those with oily skin.

7. For Black Spots make a paste with mehndi and oil and apply on the face

8. Drinking water is also important to keep the healthy Skin.

9. Crush garlic and take the juice and apply it on the face daily to reduce pimples.

10. Avocado oil used regularly is an excellent skin softener.

Looking for beauty products to go make your skin and hair look great? Look no further than Jackson & Hines. FREE SHIPPING on all skin, makeup and hair care products and the only the best AUTHENTIC brands like Eminence Organics, Carol's Daughter, Dr. Hauschka, Tocca and more. Or visit our Boutique in the heart of quaint Pittsford Village in Upstate NY's Finger Lakes Region!

The beauty rules of order

2010-06-17T21:01:00.004-04:00

originally posted at kivitv.com

Applying cosmetics in the right order results in a natural-looking finish and streamlines the process by preventing mistakes.

By Laurie Drake

The sequence in which you apply serums, creams and cosmetics can be as important as the products themselves, so we asked a celebrity dermatologist and a makeup artist for their advice on what goes on when and why.

The Basics of Skin Care

Apply products with active ingredients that are designed to repair before you apply heavier products that protect. These "actives" include antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids, peptides, vitamins and pigment lighteners. They contain molecules small enough to penetrate the outer layer of skin in order to get down to the deeper layers where they work to hydrate, brighten, smooth and firm the skin.

Heavier products, such as moisturizers and sunscreens, go on next because they function as shields, keeping UV rays out and moisture in, says Ava Shamban, M.D., who is the featured dermatologist on ABC's "Extreme Makeover." "If you make the mistake of topping a sunscreen with an antioxidant serum, the serum won't be able to sink in since the cells are already sealed," says Shamban. In other words, access denied, no matter how pricey or terrific the product may be.

The Basics of Cosmetics

Applying cosmetics in the right order results in a natural-looking finish and streamlines the process by preventing mistakes. "It has a lot to do with texture, such as not putting cream formulations on top of powdered ones," says makeup artist Tonya Crooks, whose regular clients include Megan Fox and Fergie. Using a mineral powder foundation before cream blush will look blotchy because it will be hard to blend the blush. Lipstick should always go under lip gloss, so you can still achieve the shine you're after.

Top Ten Beauty Rules of Order

Only a beauty-pageant contender would use all of the products that follow, but for purposes of illustration, here they are in their optimal order of application, after your morning cleansing routine.

1. If you use hydrating mists to plump up the skin, or gels for acne or rosacea, apply now. The mists soften the top layer of dead skin cells (the stratum corneum) and help conduct water-soluble products down to the deeper layers of skin.

2. Active ingredients in water-soluble gels and serums go on now. Examples are antioxidant serums, AHAs, peptides, vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, growth factors and pigment lighteners.

3. This is the time for moisturizer, which contains humectants to restore water to the skin and conditioners to soften it. Just as important, the moisturizer seals in the products that precede it.

4. Sun protection comes next. If your eyes are sensitive to the ingredients in regular sunscreen, use an eye cream with SPF that's formulated to be nonirritating. On the rest of the face and neck, apply a broad-spectrum facial sunblock to fend off both UVA and UVB rays.

5. After allowing five to 10 minutes to let your sunscreen sink in, apply foundation. If you prefer the sheerness of a tinted moisturizing sunscreen, use that instead.

6. Whatever the foundation hasn't covered gets painted over with concealer. A fine-tipped makeup brush works best to deliver concealer to blemishes, under-eye circles and red spots.

7. Translucent powder and powder blush go on next. (If you like a dewy look, skip the powder and apply cream blush instead.) Adding color to the cheeks at this step helps quell the urge to be heavy-handed on the eyes. "If you apply eye makeup to a pale face, it's easy to overdo it," says Crooks (NOTE: CHECK SPELLING), "and then by the time you add blush, it all looks too theatrical."

8. Eyebrow shadow or pencil, eye shadow and eyeliner are now up. Crooks prefers eyebrow shadows and pencils that are one shade lighter than your hair. If you use a pencil, it should be well-sharpened, hard and waxy to encourage the drawing of fine, hairlike strokes.

9. Mascara should be applied very carefully at this point to avoid smearing all of the good work that's gone before it.

10. Lip treatments, lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss are last, but not least. Chapped or dry lips should be prepped and plumped with a treatment cream or lotion. If you use lip liner, it goes on next, followed by lipstick, which can be topped off with lip gloss.

Laurie Drake is a former Vogue staffer who has written about beauty, health and fitness for Allure, Glamour, Self, Prevention, Town & Country and InStyle magazines. She was won three Gold Triangle Awards for print journalism from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Looking for beauty products to go make your skin and hair look as great as your outfit? Look no further than Jackson & Hines. FREE SHIPPING on all skin, makeup and hair care products and the only the best AUTHENTIC brands like Eminence Organics, Carol's Daughter, Dr. Hauschka, Tocca and more. Or visit our Boutique in the heart of quaint Pittsford Village in Upstate NY's Finger Lakes Region!

Win! Your Choice of $50 Worth of Products from L’Occitane!

2010-06-17T20:36:00.003-04:00

Win! Your Choice of $50 Worth of Products from L’Occitane!

How to Enter: Visit L’Occitane and leave a comment here with what you’d like if you win.

Bonus Entries - Valid only after completing first mandatory entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Follow L’Occitane on Twitter
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Follow Jackson and Hines on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this every day. Please be sure to tweet the following:
Win your choice of $50 worth of luxurious natural beauty products from L’Occitane & @JacksonandHines http://ow.ly/203c7
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Disclosure: Giveaway ends June 24. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to L’Occitane for providing the giveaway prizes. Opinions here are my own. We were compensated to write, host and promote this giveaway.

How to: build a perfectly balanced salad

2010-06-17T20:22:00.002-04:00

Originally posted at WeHeartThis.com

June 14, 2010 | By: Tyna Werner

I was a kid when I first heard the phrase “salad days” and even though I took the phrase quite literally, it still sounded great to me; very summery, sunny and even yummy. While I had a rather limited range of vegetables I found edible, I always loved and ate every last forkful of my dinner salad (I’m sure being drenched in French or Ranch dressing helped things along).

Actually, this Shakespearean turn of phrase, in today’s times, refers “to the days of carefree innocence and pleasure of our youth.” Which again, to me, sounds very much like summer; is there a more carefree and pleasurable time then the endless summers of childhood. And for me, summer = salads, so today I’m sharing my formula for building the perfect summer (or anytime) salad.

A number of years ago, wht review team member Sherri shared with me her “secret” to always making a perfectly balanced, tasty salad. She said this basic combination of ingredients, mixed and matched to suit the meal, always produced a hit; a dish that had her guests raving. Turns out you only need a handful of quality ingredients to prepare a delicious, simple yet complex tasting salad.

When you need to prepare a salad for a last minute supper party or for the family meal; wash, chop and toss a mixture of the following:

• Fresh Greens – The mixed lettuce bag selections in the grocery store are a nice time saver, but you should always Rinse Well, even if they are marked “prewashed”. Check your farmers market too – I’ve found vendors that make their own customized mixes of fresh organic lettuces.

• 2 or 3 Basic Vegetables – Toss in a few crunchy veggies, like cucumbers, snow peas, baby carrots or celery. Unless I know the tastes of every guest, I go with the commonly liked choices and avoid the two veggies I find are most often picked out of the dish – onions and tomatoes.

• 1 nut – For some reason, nuts in salads always say “fancy” to me. Pick a fave; walnuts, almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, pine nuts, etc.

• 1 fruit – Again, to me, fruit in salad equals classy. Some of the best choices include apples, strawberries, oranges and pears.

• 1 cheese - The best part! A sprinkling of cheese makes everything better. Gorgonzola and goat cheese work really well with most fruits – and you can’t go wrong with fresh mozzarella – or try shredded extra sharp cheddar for a bit of bite.

When gathering your collection of salad ingredients, think back to some of your favorite salads and “steal” some of those flavor combos. Love Greek salads? Look to feta cheese, cucumbers and tomatoes. Thinking country chic? Try apples, walnuts and blue cheese. Preparing a meal with Asian flare? Maybe orange (or tangerine) slices and slivered almonds. The possibilities are endless!

Then simply toss well and serve with a simple dressing to let the fresh ingredients shine.

Readers – what are some of your favorite salad combinations? And does anyone want to share the secret to making a simple, flavorful dressing?

Summer Trends for the Fashionista on a Budget

2010-06-17T20:09:00.002-04:00

Originally posted at WeHeartThis

June 15, 2010 | By: Lindsay {Shrimp}

It’s summer – finally, and that means long nights sipping blackberry mojitos in outdoor restaurants. It also means showing off that figure that you worked out all spring to get into shape. (You did work out all spring, right? Right? Yeah – me either…) Summer also means rocking the latest shoulder-baring, thigh-skimming fashions.

Unfortunately – for me at least – it does not mean loads of extra cash for purchasing an expensive new summer wardrobe. But fear not, my friends. I have the ultimate summer budget shopping guide for those of you who worked out your bank account (the one area I wish I had more fat) more than your booty. I’ve rounded up a few of the hottest trends to get you covered from head to toe, even on a skinny budget.

SHOES

Bold, sky-high wedges are in high-demand this summer, and at only $29.99 the Cynthia Vincent for Target Gladiator Wedge Sandals in cognac are a dream come true. At 4.5”, they’re not for the faint of heart, but they’re just one of the prettiest things to hit the fashion scene this summer, in my humble opinion. Finally, they’re faux leather, which really appeals to me as a vegetarian.

For the wobblier among us, flats are always in style, and the Payless Tomohawk Beaded Ankle Sandal, with its cute little ankle wrap and beading hits the high points of several summer trends for a measly $24.99 (Regular price -Now on sale for $20.99!

Finally, and certainly not least, Havaiana Brazil flips flop are my go-to shoe of summer, and they’re well worth the $22.00 price tag.

ROMPERS/JUMPSUITS

Much to the chagrin of many, rompers and jumpsuits are back in a big way. I’ll even admit to a $7 clearance acquisition from Old Navy.

One reason for their upswing in popularity? They’re quick, easy and comfortable, and they can be dressed up or down and given a high-fashion edge with a pair of fabulous heels (perhaps those Cynthia Vincent wedges?).

This season, Forever 21’s got an amazing and stylistically diverse array of ropers at equally amazing prices. My pick is the Darling Silk Romper, (at left) a lovely and forgiving blue shaded frock which would make the perfect introduction to this tricky trend, and where else can you get 100% silk for only $29.80?

If you want to incorporate a subtle floral print, another summer must-have, try the $16.00 – omg, make that $7.99 – Printed Knit Romper Dress from Charlotte Russe. Even the romper averse may be able to slink into this steal of a little black dress, updated with a pink, green and yellow flower print. (How timely, we were all just musing over learning to love florals in a recent Etsy post ~ wht)

Oh, and in case you weren’t sure of the difference: a romper is short in length (like a dress and shorts above) while a jumpsuit is long, like pants!

TIE DYE

Here’s another one creeping back from the past – a hippie staple, no less! The key to rocking tie dye is to wear it as more of an all-over pattern. This gives it more of a grown-up look than just donning a swirling dyed mess on a tee shirt. Walmart’s Norma Kamali Tie Dye Leggings are only 10 bucks and are a smart, budget friendly way to ease this trend back into your wardrobe.

Other tie dyed options include the still in fashion maxi dress, like Forever 21’s Tie Dye Maxi for $29.80. In my opinion, this is the way to go, because this dress is a statement piece in and of itself.

Finally, a light khaki short with a white tie dye is feminine and screams summer. I suggest New York & Company’s Tie Dye Chinos for only $20.96; the white print is larger then the tie dye norm and more modern, plus the shorts are not too short nor too long – just perfect.

TRIBAL & HEAVILY PATTERNED PRINTS

This is one trend that I absolutely adore, hands-down. I think a lively print and color palette is a great way to punch up a tired wardrobe, and for this one, a couple accessories that can be paired with many outfits would be the best way to go. You’ll spend less on a trend with unknown staying power and most likely get more use from one nice accessory then a single article of clothing.

For instance, Wet Seal has a super-feminine Floral Fringe Scarf, already a steal at $8.50, just reduced to just $3.00, and it would be perfect with skinnies, ballet flats, and a white tee for summer!

You could also get the ballet flats themselves with a pattern, like Target’s $12.50 Mossimo Odell Floral Ballet Flats which will work with jeans, shorts, dresses and skirts – most any basic in your closet.

My personal favorite, however, is full-on, over the top, boldness, like the New York & Company Caftan Knit Dress. The bright yellow shade manages to be vivid and pretty all at once, and there’s something almost sexy about that palm print. Not to mention the figure flattering and flowing shape that gets some definition with an empire waist and slightly risky v neck.

If you’re ready to blow off my accessory advice and plunk down your credit card or hard earned cash for this dress, I totally understand. I am seriously on a very tight budget at the moment, and it’s still all I can do not to buy this right this second. It’s only $32.97, how can I resist? (Get out that card Lindsay, this beauty has just been drastically reduced – it’s now online for only $19.95 ~ wht)

I’ve touched on a few of summer’s biggest trends, but if you’d like to incorporate a few more of this seasons look, here’s some advice:

•• Beaded accessories are huge right now, so you could try a pretty beaded headband or a halter with a beaded collar.

•• Anything sheer and gauzy is a major ‘do’, plus a nice sheer top will keep you a little cooler come July.

•• Finally, if you’re a denim junkie, go for either super-skinny or a relaxed boyfriend jean. Anything deconstructed (thinks rips and tears here) is in, but I see no point in paying extra for the holes, personally!

Now that you all know what I’m lusting after. What are your big summer must-haves?

Lindsay is a lover of kittens (even grown ones), Earl Grey, and traipsing the world in search of new memories. Check in at Shrimp Salad Circus for her take on design, vintage, inspiration, and everything you ever wanted to know about nothing in particular!

Dear Brown Girl: An Open Letter

2010-06-16T21:33:00.000-04:00

Post by B On 9:01 AM

Dear Brown Girl,
Hey sis! How you doin'? I hope you are managing to find some positivity despite, well...everything. I know life is tough for a lot of us. I don't even have to tell you what's going on, because I know you're living it. Don't let the bull crap of the world question your worth and purpose. You are wanted and needed and the world is a better place because of you. Don't let the media tell you WHY you can't get a man. Yeah, I know mainstream magazines hardly highlight our beauty but have you looked in the mirror lately? Girl...you fine! And freakin' A, man! It is so hard to find television shows and movies where we are the stars. I mean...where are we in Sex and the City? *sigh*

But you know what? Despite what the media tells me (which I ignore), I KNOW better. When I see websites like Chocolate Brides and Black and Married with Kids, I don't feel hopeless. When I see websites like Black Girl Long Hair and Black Girls Run, I feel elated! These ladies have decided to share their stores about their personal adventures in hair and fitness, but they are also smashing stereotypes! Because believe it or not A LOT of people don't think that Black women can grow long hair. Websites like La CosmopoLatina and Disgrasian feature news, tips and reviews catered to my Latina and Asian sisters. When I go to events like the World Natural Hair Show and Blogalicious Conference, I feel like my thoughts and lifestyle matter. I don't feel so alone anymore!

And don't get it twisted my non-brown girls. It's not about exclusivity.
But how am I supposed to feel about myself when women like me are hardly shown in print media? Is there something wrong with my dark skin? My kinky hair? My size 12 hips?

Who remembers A Girl Like Me?

I too was a little Black girl that didn't always love her brown skin and thick hair. I loathed my big lips and dreamed up of long straight hair. I didn't see the beauty in being a brown girl.

This past weekend I had a meeting with The Peace and Beauty Project. After the meeting, I chit chatted with a 16-year old and her Mother. Her Mother went on and on about how her daughter was constantly being teased. As a result of that, the teen's self-image was the pits. I sympathized with her because I can relate. My parents never knew it, but I was bullied every day in middle school. For being too smart. "Talking white". Having long hair. Not having a boyfriend. Not having boobs (if only they could see me now...HA!!). I cried my way through middle school. I hated how I looked and didn't see my beauty for a very long time.

But now I see it and can't help but shout it from the rooftops. Clumps of Mascara was never a blog that was strictly for brown girls. Beauty products and practices are universal and I would never want to limit myself to just one audience. But what Clumps of Mascara attempts to do is remind brown girls what they CAN do. YES, you can wear this color. YES, you can wear your hair a certain way. YES, you can start your own business. YES, YES, YES.

I know, I'm all over the place with this letter, y'all (in typical B fashion) but it was laid on my heart to write this. I hope you realize that you are a Queen. And that goes for ALL girls. Yep...you're royalty. Treat yourself like so. Take care of your body, your mind, your spirit and yourself like your life depends on it. Because it does. Be the best person, citizen, wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister, _________ you can be. Find inspiration and be an inspiration. Get yourself a mentor. I have been so blessed to e-cross paths with mine. I wonder if the ladies behind Afrobella, Luxe Tips and Execumama know how much I love them. These ladies are such enormous inspirations for me. I look at them and see stars. I aspire to be the strong entrepreneurs, wives and mothers that they are.

Who and what inspires you? Find them. Find it. I know we're all trying to get somewhere but don't forget to help others while you work on your hustle.

I love y'all. I really do. In a world where people are so used to shootin' WTF-faces and shun hugs and handshakes, I can honestly say that I love y'all.

Go 'head, my Queens. Let's continue taking this world by storm!!

Love,

Weekly Update ~ DermTV.com - What causes WRINKLES

2010-06-16T21:19:00.002-04:00

By cakedoo1 · June 8, 2010 · 0 Comments · 130 Views

Looking for all-natural and organic skin care products by Eminence, Tocca, Carol's Daughter, Dr. Hauschka, and our latest L'Occidant? Visit our online beauty shop for great prices and FREE shipping by clicking HERE .

We are always learning new and improved techniques for treating wrinkles, but how often to we really think about what is causing them. Dr. Schultz describes the main causes of wrinkles, once again putting the science into easy to understand terms for his viewers. Please click on the following link to view this week’s episode, DERMTV.COM

Gift Guide ~ Fathers' Day ~ Magwear Magnetic Wristband

2010-06-16T21:11:00.002-04:00

By Makeup Addict · May 31, 2010

Thought this was a very cool Father's Day gift and wanted to share it with you, our loyal Jackson & Hines readers and customers! For a Father's Day gift set, be sure to Contact Us.

Magwear Magnetic Wristband $14.99 Available @ Redenvelope

This ingenious accessory keeps screws, nails, nuts and bolts close at hand. Inside the rugged plastic caddy, an intensely powerful magnet holds metal fasteners and small tools. No need to hold them in his mouth or pocket, or climb down the ladder to retrieve them. Adjusts to fit wrists of any size. 3" sq. Blue or Red.

Makeup Addict thinks this a unique and simple solution for a lot of people. I know that I am constantly dropping nails, etc. while trying to hang something up. This gadget is ingenius. What father would not want it -- actually, I want it!!

2010-04-29T16:23:00.003-04:00

Click the image above for a Mother's Day Special Offer you can't afford to miss!

Dr. Hauschka Body products – review

2010-04-26T21:45:00.001-04:00

[originally posted by Lesley McCave on weheartthis.com]

Now, everyone knows about the love affair with British beauty products, but how about German ones? I can only name one Teutonic brand, but it’s a highly respected, holistic one – Dr. Hauschka, founded by the eponymous chemist more than 40 years ago.

We got an amazing mix of goodies to sample, including a Soothing Mask, Fresh Deodorant and their Neem Nail Oil Pen. But two products dominated the box, with multiples for a lucky few of us to try…

Intensive Treatments are a 28-day skin boot camp, recommended for use 4 times a year (seasonal, to help your skin adjust to the changing conditions) or for when your skin may need some extra care. Ranging from 01 (to calm and clarify acneic skin under 25) to 05 (to balance and fortify menopausal skin) they are a cross between a toner and a mist and are loaded with healthy ingredients.

Read the entire article.

Shop our online store for Dr. Hauschka skin care and beauty products! Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all Dr. Hauschka orders!

New Product Alert & Review - Smashbox ~ Naked Beauty Lip Gloss Collection

2010-04-25T21:53:00.000-04:00

[originally posted at styleapothecary.com]

From shimmering nudes to soft pinks, the collection is packed with nearly-naked shades for eyes, lips and cheeks. This summer, expose your natural beauty and create an ethereal, lit-from-within glow with these Smashbox essentials

for Summer 2010 Smashbox is preparing to release a new makeup collection just in time for summer. Naked Beauty Lip Gloss Collection ($25.00) It will be available this exclusively at Smashbox.com, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom beginning May 2010.

Included shades: BARE (sandwashed pink), BUFF (sheer soft peach), NAKED (shimmering champagne), NUDE (creamy nude pink), EXPOSED (bubblegum pink), NATURAL (rosebud pink), SUNKISSED (shimmering golden brown), PURE (juicy melon)

METSV says: These are so cute and perfect for tossing in your pocketbook or pocket for that matter! They'll even fit in your skinny jeans pocket! These are truly sheer and perfect for summer nights to compliment a rosy or bronzed glow. These will look exceptionally good if you're doing a more defined, smoky eye...you'll get a hint of sexy, soft color on your lips. If you're looking for glosses that scream color, then these won't be for you, however, worn over a lipstick or darker color lip stain, they may just be the ticket. I have the glosses in Buff and Naked. Naked has a bit more shimmer and is more on the champagne-y side while Buff is a soft peachy-pink. Both are really pretty, go on effortlessly, are not sticky and have pretty decent staying power. I'm finding I use these on weekends when I have barely there makeup on, or even when I'm heading to the gym just so that I don't look like a total wreck! So funny, I was putting one on in my car the other night right before I was heading in the gym and my sister texted me - (she must have seen me) and said "what's with putting on your lips before a workout?" Hey, a girl has to look her best even when she's a sweaty mess. The Naked Beauty Collection is a must-have for this summer.

cakedoo1 says... OK, who doesn't love Smshbox? I know I am always eager for changes of seasons and holidays, because I know that means in Smashbox introductions.. Having said that, the Naked Collection is born! If you have looked at a magazine then you know that this season is showing lots of nude colors in clothing, shoes and cosmetics. I especially love a nude lip so I was so excited to get this in.. I couldn't be greedy and hoard all 8 colors - even thought I really wanted too. What Smashbox has done with this collection is give us the ability to try out all of the colors, there is no commitment to one color.. I love the Smashbox formulas! I think it's so smooth and soft on my lips. It's got a glass like shine that give a lovely vibrancy to my look.. I got this gloss in Buff - I have been using it all week.. It's a light baby pinky beige and it's perfect on my, I am very pale so I like to have a nude lip with a pop on the eye and this fits right into the look for me. Also this isn't heavy and goopy, it's light but coats my lips and feels buttery smooth on. I do touch up during the day.. I have been wearing this for a few days now and am hoping that I can buy a full sized bare, it's gorgeous! (Bare is the 4th color from the left)

Lilmissashley says...These little Smashbox glosses are fabulous! I tried these out in two colors, pure (2nd from the right) and nude (1st from the left). Pure looked a bit too bright for me when it was in the tube, and I have to admit... a bit brighter than the picture above. However, after applying I saw a much more subtle pinkish color. It was very natural looking but still very glossy and makes my lips pop. The nude color was a bit more subtle and natural… great for the workplace .It made my lips look amazing without overdoing it. This would be a great color if you want to tone down your lips, especially if you have a bright eye shadow on or something. Out of the two colors, I favored the nude slightly more. It matched more outfits and I am so used to wear pinkish/reddish colors that it was so refreshing to try a different color for once! Both glosses had the sweetest taste/scent to them. It wasn’t overwhelming, but a definite treat..especially if you touch up mid day... which I did. They are also just the right size for a travel gloss. You can just toss one ( or all 8) in your purse and you’re all set! AMAZING!

Makeup Addict has been using Smashbox ~ Naked Beauty Lip Gloss Collection in Natural and Sunkissed -- and when I mix them Natural Sun Kissed! Smashbox has done it again--these are the greatest colors for spring and summer (and I am going to use mine in Fall and Winter also). But these are absolutely perfect for the Spring and Summer days. As always Smashbox provides us with creamy light lip gloss. They go on so smoothly and feel so soft, smooth, light and creamy. There is no stickiness or waxy feel to them at all. The gloss is outstanding -- they really do shine! There is not one color in the collection that I don't absolutely love. Remember, you can mix them to get a completely different tone and look. They stay on pretty well and my lips are loving them -- no chapped lips. I will admit that I sometimes cheat -- I also apply to my cheeks for a light blush which I love in the heat. Hey, I am assured of matching lips and cheeks that way. The price is right for such a collection that you will treasure.

Looking for Smashbox products in the Rochester, NY area? Jackson & Hines, located in the center of the beautiful village of Pittsford, NY is your place to shop for the full line of Smashbox beauty. Click here for a map to our location and stop in today for the Summer 2010 lineup!

A Mother's Day gift by Carol's Daughter

2010-04-25T21:44:00.000-04:00

[originally posted by Brittany on clumpsofmascara.com]

Mother's Day is right around the corner.....and while I know most of us don't want to get all caught up in another commercialized holiday, if anyone deserves a special day, it is Mom!

Well, at least my Mom. She is greatest. Even when I pulled some crazy stunts.

-Like when I came home with tattoos and piercings after my first year of college.
-And when I changed my major....three times.
-Oh...and when I moved to the other side of the country.

Mom is my biggest fan and supports so many of my ventures. She deserves only the best. But what do you get a woman who seems to have everything? And what she doesn't have....she makes?

Read the original post here.

Check out our superbly packaged GIFT SETS... perfect for Mother's Day!
Read what people are saying about ordering from Jackson & Hines' online store.

Eco Fashion Find, a bag for all reasons!

2010-04-22T22:34:00.002-04:00

[originally posted by Stef on weheartthis.com]

Here at we heart this, we love a good bag. And have we got a cute one to share with you on this Green Monday!

I’ve drilled it into to my head that when I’m going to the supermarket, I grab my reusable bags. I get to use all my cute totes, I cut down on my plastic bag usage, it’s a win-win. But somehow, remembering to bring at least one on non-grocery shopping trips always escapes me. Honestly, I could wallpaper a room with the Sephora bags I’ve accumulated. I do not need another! I think I’ve finally found the answer...

Read the rest of the article here.

Shop our online store for Accessories of all kinds! Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all accessories!

Acne Sucks: Pimple Poppin'

2010-04-21T22:41:00.002-04:00

[originally posted by Brittany on clumpsofmascara.com]

It wouldn't be an efficient "acne" series if I didn't talk about poppin' pimples.

That's right, I said it. I know dermatologists and estheticians would tell you NOT to pop pimples but I do it anyway.

I'm such a rebel, right?

But don't call me stupid just yet. There are methods to pimple popping. And they don't work for ALL pimples. Shoot...they don't even work for all skin types. Having said that, don't let this post motivate you to go around popping pimples aimlessly. I am simply showing you what I do. It has been successful for me for quite some time but I don't want any of y'all sending me hate mail if you end up with scars because my method didn't work for you.

Mmmkay?

Meet the pimples' best friend....

Read the rest of the article here.

To help prevent acne and maintain healthy skin, shop our online store for the best in all natural and organic skin care products. Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all skin care products!

Dr. Hauschka cosmetics review

2010-04-20T22:17:00.000-04:00

[originally posted by Stef on weheartthis.com]

For my first venture into Green Monday, I jumped at the chance to review Dr. Hauschka cosmetics. Because healthy makeup is something that I really support. Don’t get me wrong, I try to make green choices whenever I can. But I’ll be the first to admit, I find myself buying things from time to time that I know are not good; for either me or the environment! But as for cosmetics, think about it, you’re putting it on your face. Near your eyes, on your mouth. Doesn’t it make sense that you want it to be as pure as possible?

Dr. Hauschka are well known for their body line. As well they should be, they’ve been making it for over 40 years and are a leader in the field of natural, good-for-you products. (And popular with our testers too.) But I was less familiar with their cosmetics. I happily discovered that the same high, organic standards are met with their makeup as well.

With a botanical and natural mineral ingredient list that takes it’s cue more from the farm than a lab, the products not only enhance your beauty, they nurture your skin. Filled with extracts of biodynamic, organic and ethically wild-harvested botanicals, they don’t just cover your skin but help it glow at it’s natural potential. They advise “Live life naturally. Live life beautifully.” It’s easy to see how that’s possible with such high quality products as these!

Read the entire article here.

Shop our online store for Dr. Hauschka skin care and beauty products! Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all Dr. Hauschka orders!

Interview with Christy Coleman, natural makeup artist

2010-04-18T18:03:00.000-04:00

[originally posted by Stef on weheartthis.com]

When I was offered the chance to speak with the makeup artist Christy Coleman, I said absolutely. Because not only is her work amazing and her client list a who’s who in the entertainment industry, more importantly, she’s a makeup artist who only uses natural products. And you know we heart this loves a do-gooder! Personally, I try to make smart choices in my beauty products whenever I can. But to Christy, it was less of a choice than it was a calling.

When preparing for the interview I took a look around her site. It was obvious I was about to have a conversation with a true pro. Editorial work with just about every magazine in the business. Shooting with some of the best photographers on the planet (Mark Seliger, Irving Penn, Bruce Weber). And oh, the faces she’s worked on! But it was looking through the collection of personal images on her site that was a real peek into her life, and illustrated some of the things I was to learn in our conversation. Photos of Monks mingle next to ones of cowboys and Heidi Klum, an elephant pic a few rows away from a baby chicken, her feet in Havaianas rest on the edge of helicopter flying over a tropical locale and many of her trusty and beautiful dog Rider Pearl. I knew this was a woman who would have some tales to tell, and I couldn’t wait…

Read the entire article here, including why Christy decided to use only natural products on her skin, a Jackson & Hines mantra.

Shop our online store for all natural skin care and beauty products! Super prices and FREE SHIPPING on all skin care products!

Beauty Review: Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Tui Hair Smoothie

2010-04-15T21:28:00.004-04:00

I have more Carol's Daughter products to share with you!

I received an email after the last Carol's Daughter review that I thought I would answer in this post.

Q: Are Carol's Daughter's products just for women with natural hair?

A: Absolutely not! Anyone with any hair type can use these products. My hair is natural AND loc'd. My opinion of these products will probably only benefit other ladies with hair like mine. But I love to review them anyway....just in case something I say peaks your interest enough to make some purchases yourself.

And with that, let's bring it on!

Read the original post here!

Buy Carol's Daughter Hair Milk online from J&H!

$10.80 - Free Shipping, Amazing Price!

Curel ~ Launches Skin Advisor w/ Dr. Westley

2010-04-15T15:14:00.003-04:00

Curél has launched a new interactive, online tool, the Skin Advisor that offers skin analysis and provides advice on common skincare issues. Check out for yourself @ Curel Skin Advisor.

Read the rest of the article here.

Visit our online store for all of your SKIN CARE needs.
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From HFCS to Omega -3 and Glowing Skin

2010-03-12T16:24:00.002-05:00

When customers come by Jackson & Hines, they often comment on my skin and want to know what I use. I use natural and organic skin care products. My two favorites – and lines we carry at Jackson & Hines- are Dr. Hauschka skin care and Éminence Organics skin care. I like these lines because they are both truly natural and organic. I have learned that just because a product says,”with natural ingredients”, it does not mean it is good for your skin. It is not so much what has been added to the product, but more importantly, what is not in the products – ingredients such as parabens. Both the Dr. Hauschka skin care and the Éminence Organics skin care only have natural and organic ingredients. Both lines do not have chemicals added that create problems for our skin or the environment. I like the Éminence Organic line because of the wide range of products from which I can select. However, this wide range can be a bit daunting so I highly recommend working with an esthetician experienced with this line before purchasing. At Jackson & Hines, our esthetician is well trained by Éminence Organics skin care and has many years working as a certified esthetician. I believe as I have made this switch to these natural organic lines, and not having the chemicals on my skin, that the health of my skin has greatly improved.

Although I am such a believer in what we put on our skin, I believe the real reason my skin is so healthy is because of what I put inside my body. We are what we eat. We know that what we eat can affect our hearts, our spleens, our stomachs, our livers, our brains. Yet we tend to think that we eat does not affect our skin – our bodies largest organ. I believe it does and changing our diet to have healthy organs – including your skin- is not that hard to do. As a lactose intolerant vegetarian, my intake of animal products has been limited to eggs and honey. Many people that know me well will think this diet is what I would propose for healthy skin. But what I have come to appreciate is, although I eat a diet in limited animal products, my diet was still very heavily a diet with lots of processed foods. I am aware that anytime we change food from its natural form it is now a processed food. I am not referring to simple and long of years method for preserving food such as; drying fruit or baking bread. I am instead thinking of the foods that found its way into my pantry. Foods with ingredient lists that did not resemble anything on a food pyramid or food my aunt or grandmother did not have in their kitchen cupboards.

A few years ago, while vacationing in Tuscan Arizona, I attended a seminar on healthy eating. The speaker intrigued me as he shared why High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) may not be something we want to have in our foods and stressed how important it is we read the labels on all our packaged foods. I had already decided to limit high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from the foods I was eating and what I was feeding my family. Already missing from our food cupboards were sodas and all other soft drinks. Yet, when I started to read the ingredients on all the processed foods I was purchasing (and in what was already in my pantry and refrigerator) I was astonished with how ubiquitous this ingredient was in what I thought was food. A life without HFCS meant changes of what I was routinely buying for our groceries each week. I had to remove from my shopping cart; saltines, ketchup and bread, cans and jars of my favorite pasta sauces and most of the salad dressing, which I grown to love, had to be left on the grocer’s shelves. Chips, cookies, cereals and favorite brands of non dairy creamers listed HFCS as an ingredient. Sometimes it was tucked away after an array of chemicals I could barely pronounce. Other times it was proudly listed in the top two to three ingredients.

Is this manmade sweetener really bad for us? Do we know? Is it worth it for us to be the guinea pig of food manufactures that so love this cheap ingredient? What will the corn refiners association (CRA) gain or lose if we were to remove high fructose corn syrup from our food? I do not know the answers, but I decided for my family and me I did not want to take the risk. I decided for my family and me that until we understand more why in our society we have such an epidemic of obesity, type -2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol and a plethora of emotional disorders, whose timing are well correlated with when this laboratory created ingredient appeared in our foods, that I would leave high fructose corn syrup on the grocer’s shelves.

As I stared in my empty pantry and barren refrigerator shelves I questioned what do I now use for food? What do we now eat? And then common sense kicked in. As Michael Pollan in, In Defense of Food, states so succinctly, “eat the way your great grandmother would eat, eat food”. I do not have to go back that far. My grandmother and at least one of her daughter’s – unfortunately not my mother- ate food. They ate food the way in came from the ground. They ate eggs from chickens that lived and ate outside, milk from cows and enjoyed the vitamin and taste of oranges right from the fruit picked from a tree. They did not take supplements, probiotics nor followed the latest food fad or diet craze. Their doctors had no way of testing their blood for levels of Omega- 3 and even if they knew about this critical essential fat , their beautiful hair and glowing skin suggested it was of no concern. They picked fresh fruit and vegetables from their garden which were not government certified as organic. My aunt ate meat from cows and chickens that she knew – to my chagrin. But the meat was usually considered as just part of the meal and only on special occasions had the starring role on the plate.

So food has returned to my refrigerator and pantry shelves. It is not as convenient as before, but it is so much more enjoyable. I love the feeling of community as I shop for milk in the local dairy knowing that the cows from which it came are grazing nearby. My eggs are from a farm with chickens that sleep in coops, but spend their days foraging for food outside. I am anxious for warm weather so I can “shop” for the best local fresh produce. When I get it all home, put it together and enjoy cooking with real food. I know the fat in the pea soup I made this morning was with olive oil and not trans fat or something else derived in a laboratory. I know that the peas are organic, the onions and garlic fresh, the carrots crisp and the aroma wafting through out has transformed my house into a home.

With a refrigerator and pantry designed without; High Fructose Corn Syrup, trans fats and any other food imposter, I have seen many benefits: My heart (I hope) is happier - my stomach surely is. My energy is greater and both my waste (what I have been putting in my recycle bin) and waist are less. My hair appears to stay more on my head and less in my bathroom sink. And my skin is glowing.

Use natural, chemical free products to care for your skin, but without eating real food your skin will not be happy and may not glow.

On Becoming Orthorexic

2010-02-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

I am always pushing the limits on non traditional approaches to healing and wellness. As a practicing vegetarian- with a severe lactose intolerance-, I can attest that my health is so much better than where I was 18 year ago when animal products were such a predominate part of my diet. Over the years, I have also stopped relying on traditional medicines for common ailments such as a cold, insomnia, upset stomachs etc. and again feeling better with no drug side effects. I want to say this works for me, but I cannot say it will work for everyone else. As my health improved with diet and lack of over the counter medicines, I became more and more skeptical towards traditional approaches. I should have become leery with how far away my pendulum had swung as I found myself questioning when physicians -with the highest of degrees from Harvard or Yale- would recommend a course of action and I would doubt what they we proposing. However, I would go to my hair dresser and she could recommend any new trend in natural health and I would be beating down people to jump on board with her recommendation. Pamela my doctor would say, I suggest you take these steroids to help maintain your asthma. Steroids! I was horrified. How could he make such a recommendation? I need to see data on not just how effective it is, but tell me about the side effects. Yet, I was willing to pay $41.00 a bottle (that lasted a week) for Acai Berry juice because my hair dresser had a client who knew someone who had relative and they were healed from all aliments just from drinking this juice.

So it was not surprising when my sister suggested that we go on a retreat together and recommended an all natural, all raw, all vegan place; immediately I was packed and ready to go. Well… I was not packed. I struggled with what I wear to a place like this. Are there evening dinners? What do we wear to the lectures? Is breakfast casual or business attire? You see, I had no knowledge of what to wear and more importantly, I had no knowledge of what would actually take place at the retreat. My sister – whose recommendations are just as important as my hairdresser ‘s– said “let’s go” , so I packed a variety of different outfits, different shoes and most importantly all of my makeup and a couple of bottles of my favorite perfumes - nothing like smelling good while you are eating raw.

As we pulled up to the beautiful campus, my sister and I were clinging to each and grinning like two 5- year olds off to our first day of kindergarten. The check in process was a bit laborious and the amount of forms requiring signatures and releasing the organizations of all responsibilities seemed a bit over the top. But this, nor our husbands sitting with stoic expressions wondering if they were going to miss the start of the football play– offs or even more concerning having to eat lunch at the retreat, would dampen our joy. Check-in is finally done, our hands are a bit tired, but our joy is high as we kiss our husbands goodbye and watched as they sped off – hoping the gravel kicking up from the tires did not create any damage to the property or us. Oh and look at this bountiful table – who knew there were so many different types of sprouts that one could eat. We are so hungry and eating this salad of raw sprouts, decorated with raw peppers and flavored with this special house dressing, all seemed like the perfect culinary treat- although my heart and my palate longed for a bit of sea salt or some nicely fresh herbs. My taste buds were not being fooled by these olives soaked in sea brine and what is this ground kelp?

By the second meal of sprouts and several lectures later – I was no longer impressed. Who is this guy, where are his credentials and why should I believe him when he says eating breakfast is not healthy? My mother taught me otherwise, my doctor believes it is the most critical meal of the day and my hairdresser has never shared such nonsense. And how did he get John Wayne’s medical records stating that he had 40 pounds of “stuff” in his colon? Aren’t these records private? And is that even medically possible? http://www.snopes.com/horrors/gruesome/fecalcolon.asp.

During the next few days we were indoctrinated with all the benefits of eating sprouts including that Sunflower Sprouts are a complete protein containing all of the essential amino acids. In addition to a multitude of sprouts, we were told to drink a green drink three times day and fresh wheat grass juice twice a day. During my less than 10 minute doctor visit – the PhD doctor (never did figure out in what or from where) – prescribed over $500.00 in supplements I needed to take. The doctor rapidly reviewed my blood lab results commenting on the excellent health I was in. So with perfectly nutritious food and in excellent health – I still needed $500.00 of supplements? Did I mention this was just a two months supply! So maybe $500.00 is not that expensive for supplements (personally I found it outrageous), but when you add this to the cost of the program and the additional cost for everything else it made sense – to my utter dismay- when I heard a woman share that she took out a home equity loan to be at this retreat.

It was most apropos while I was at this retreat I was reading Michael Pollan’s book, “The Omnivore’s Dilemma (www.michaelpollan.com). While being confronted with my own dilemma of eating raw versus cooked food orshould we have fruit in our diet, I was grateful to Pollan’s book and the opportunity for his insight into logical thinking as we consider what our diet should be. I believe there is great value in eating a lot of raw food, but also recognize how important in has been in our development as humans the ability to cook food. Somewhere in our quest to find the right diet, the right thing to eat, the right decision on what is healthy or not, we have lost our ability to make sound decisions based on good old common sense. It is so easy to be swayed as we try to make a good decision on what is healthy. I grew up enjoying eggs and butter, but it was just few years ago that both were consider foods of death. They taunted you of good memories as they sat on the shelf while a skull and cross bone sign hung over daring you to purchase. Margarine was the health food choice and eggs should only be considered as cradles for baby chicks. I am told that I must take probiotics in order to maintain a healthy gut. Is my gut unhealthy? Can I take too much? How will I know it is working? Omega -3 is in my cereal, my margarine replacement, in my soy milk and I have the option of buying 0range Juice with Omega -3. Yum, fishy tasting orange juice.

I enjoyed Michael Pollan’s book, The Ominvore’s Dilemma so much I hurriedly went to the store and purchased his next book, In Defense of Food. I loved it and appreciated through reading this book what I might be, or might become; Orthorexic. In my pursuit of healthiness have I developed an unhealthy obsession with being healthy. If I have then I am determined to cure myself of this potential disorder. I have decided to do this without the consult of my either doctor or hairdresser – well maybe just a little from each. I will listen to my body and employ a healthy dose of common sense. And to those that know me well, I will still say no to any creature with parents or eyes being featured on my dinner plate.

Today I enjoyed delicious sandwich that was made especially tasteful with nice crispy broccoli sprouts – so glad I have been able to get over my fear of sprouts that developed during my “healthy” retreat.

What messages do we leave for our children?

2009-11-23T11:02:00.003-05:00

When I read Elena’s blog on” Hair today, gone tomorrow”, I felt so proud of her- my daughter, but then I started to reflect on why Elena needed to express her beauty through her hair, even when the hair was “borrowed” from someone else’s head. As her mother I taught her to be obsessed with her hair and I also taught my younger daughter, Allyson, to be the same. I did not intentionally plan to teach them this obsession, but I did. Just recently Allyson wrote a note to our hair dresser saying… “You are like part of our family”. I have grown to love my hair dresser and she is a dear friend, but our friendship formed from my weekly visits to her salon. I was there once a week and my children – from babes- were there at least every other week. Allyson saw the hair dresser more often than her own relatives. We were a family obsessed with hair.

My childhood messages instilled in me that I was not going to be relegated to few bad hair days, but a bad hair life. Being the youngest of child of six, I was blessed to have preceding me three very beautiful sisters. My sisters were pleasing to look at, by not just our family, but friends and even strangers would constantly compliment on their beauty. The appreciation for their beauty always seemed to be expressed by commenting on the long and flowing crown of glory that they were so blessed with. How many times did I hear not just how exotic they were with their flowing locks, but usually “the” other comment was said or implied…”and just where did Pamela get her hair?” My hair was and is “excessively curly” - although that was not the term used in those days. How many Sunday evenings did I have to spend indoors with my mother, bless her soul, as she tried to get my hair to look like the rest of the family? That kit –she would find in some drug store- with that awful smelly substance that dreaded pink comb and instructions to avoid any contact with hands eyes or any part of your body that needed protection. My mother knew nothing of straightening hair with an iron. I had to be subjected to these drug store chemicals that permanently changed my “excessively curly hair” to something straighter, with hopes that the outcome would yield results with hair more like my siblings.

So I learned to keep my hair straight; to not go swimming with the other kids because the damage that would occur to my now straight hair. I learned that every three months, no matter where I was, that I had better be getting my roots retraced. My relaxed hair (or creamed hair, as we would say in Jamaica) became a way of life. My college friends and I bonded while doing hair. When ever I moved to a new city – the obsession kicked in – “I must find a hair dresser and one who knows how to deal with my type of hair!” And as I aged, my hair grayed and now I must keep my hair straight and colored – my head had become a chemical time bomb.

Do not get me wrong, I love the relaxed look of hair. I am so proud of my “life sisters” with their beautiful hair styles. Although I have not seen Chris Rock’s movie, “Good Hair”, it did allow the conversations, but my awareness was not because of this movie. As I opened Jackson & Hines and through the selling and being educated on the natural skin care products, I realized I was living a double standard. We must go where our education leads us. As I learned how critical it is for our health and beauty to stay away from skin and body care products that are so full of chemicals- I was not helping myself as I cared for my skin with natural products such as; Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, Éminence Organics or Carol’s Daughter, while I subjected my scalp to a product that was so strong it could actually break down and change the natural structure of my hair follicles.

I have decided to let the excessively curly hair on my head be free and healthy. I have not relaxed my hair for several months and I am enjoying the curls. What a pleasure it is to work out with freedom; to enjoy the exercise and not worry about the hair. What a pleasure it is to put my head back in the tub and allow the warm water to massage my scalp. What a pleasure it is to enjoy a rainy day – inside or out. What a great joy it was to relax and enjoy my Éminence Organics facial the other day and did not have to worry about the hair. What a pleasure it is to be free.

Now I am still not there with the gray thing. As much as I am enjoying aging, I am not ready to go gray. Fortunately I have found a natural solution. Well… I have found a product with natural ingredients that allows me to color my hair with out guilt to my body or the environment. I use either Herbatint or Naturtint to color my hair. Both of these products can be purchased at natural food stores and they both do a wonderful job. They are permanent hair colors, but use ingredients that cover the gray “naturally”. They can be used often – I know someone who uses her color every week with out any damage to her hair. They are truly wonderful products and I applaud the person who came up with these formulas. Now I wish someone would do the same for a relaxer for those with”excessively curly hair”, who would like the freedom to chose to wear their hair straight - a product that straightens hair, but one that is kind to the environment and to our bodies.

Thank you Elena for “Hair today, gone tomorrow”. I am sorry for the message I left to you and Allyson about your hair. You are so beautiful, so wonderful, so glorious and I am so proud that I am your mother and you have my genes - genes for wonderfully, gorgeous, excessively curly hair. And to my children that I acquired a few years – I am also so very proud of you, you are wonderful and glorious too.

OMG: I just had the most incredible facial!!

2009-11-19T17:01:00.007-05:00

Today, my mom and I had facials with Darlene, our amazing educator and master aesthetician for Eminence Organics, a 50-year-old Hungarian organic skin care line that is brand new to J&H!

First off, when my mom emerged from the treatment room, her skin looked absolutely amazing!! Then again, her skin is beautiful to start with. I-- on the other hand-- have a very challenging skin type: oily and sensitive. Aestheticians are always tempted to put really caustic stuff on my face, but my experience with Darlene was gentle and relaxing, and she had a wide array of products-- a veritable arsenal with which she addressed my concerns, which ran the gamut: large pores, fine lines around the eyes, and hyper-pigmentation. We talked about how I can incorporate my new Eminence prescription into my beloved Dr Hauschka routine with the Herbal Spot Treatment and Stone Crop line for some targeted solutions.

What I love about Eminence and Dr Hauschka are their business philosophies. They are completely plant-based products-- totally devoid of chemicals-- and both companies promote organic, sustainable farming of their ingredients... and are involved in a number of charities like Heifer and Habitat for Humanity. Love that!!

Hair today, gone tomorrow.

2009-11-19T10:37:00.009-05:00

For the better part of my adult life, I have worn hair extensions. A weave. And last Tuesday, in a moment of Britney-Spears-style mania, I removed them... for good.

I loved my extensions. To me, they were glamorous, and apart the from the requisite monthly visits to my hairdresser, they were rather low-maintenance. But lately they’d become fraught with problems:

1) My adorable boyfriend had noticeable trouble running his hands through my hair. This never really seemed to pose an issue with my ex-flames, but with my current beau it makes me so sad that he can’t express is affection for me the way he’d like because I have a glorified wig sewn to my head!

2) I run a store that is filled with natural beauty products, and inspiring women to tap into their own unique beauty and celebrate it has become a real passion for me. But, hello?!? How can I inspire women to celebrate their natural-born beauty, when I don’t do the same with mine??

3) I’m so inspired by Dr Hauschka as a company, and as I learn more and more about organic products, I learn more and more about ethical production and fair trade. And it occurred to me: why is it that I can even afford to have human hair attached to my own? If hair from a pashmina goat is so expensive, why is human hair so cheap? I can only conclude that someone, somewhere is not being fairly compensated for this hair that I wear for the sake a vanity.

4) I’m getting older and I’m simply not sure that long hair looks good on me anymore. With long hair and not enough sleep, I’ve had times lately when I’ve looked in the mirror and seen looking back a cross between a witch and a Geico Caveman, like if Conan O’Brien had used their faces for the “If They Mated” segment of his old show.

In addition, Chris Rock’s movie (which I have yet to actually see), the Oprah show that followed it, Solange Knowles’ new short and chic ‘do, and the general revolution that I see happening with women all over has inspired me to make this change. And just because it was the right fit for me, I wouldn’t dream of imposing my view upon anyone else. We all have to do what makes us feel good and beautiful and confident, and if for someone else that means donning long locks and fancy wigs, as long as they are created ethically and fairly, I say a hearty Hooray!!!

I must admit that I miss my long hair, and I’m thinking of having braids put in just to give it a chance to grow. For now, I find myself having to relearn how best to style it in a way that reflects my personality, and how to care for it in general. After so many years of abuse, my hair is definitely damaged. For the past week, I’ve been supplementing my hair care regime with moisture-rich Carol’s Daughter products and-- lo!-- I’m seeing a big difference in my hair already.

Until now the BF had only known me as a long-haired woman, so I was nervous to unveil my new look to him. I was actually a tiny bit scared that the world would see me as ordinary and plain, but to my surprise, I’m only getting rave reviews... particularly from him! But more importantly, I see this ostensibly vain effort as something of a milestone on my path to what I deem success in life: being a responsible citizen of the world, and being true to myself.

What about you? Is there anyone else out there who can relate to my experience? Maybe you’ve purged perms or peroxide, or another “beauty crutch” in your own life...

Fall and Winter Skincare Guide

2009-11-15T16:39:00.009-05:00

As the seasons change we take special care to winterize our homes and yards. The dropping temperatures and harsh elements can also wreak havoc on our bodies, thus the need to “winterize” our routines is just as important. One of the most common beauty-related ailments in the fall and winter is dry, lackluster skin. Fortunately, with a few simple changes we can maintain a healthy glow even in the dreariest of days. As you reevaluate your routine, make sure that you include these easy fixes.

A morning cleanse is an essential way to begin the day. The warm water helps to awaken body and mind as it relaxes the skin and opens the pores, allowing a deeper cleaning. Using a gentle press-and-roll motion, you remove waste, not just on the surface of your face, but through your lymphatic system as well. Part of the Dr. Hauschka philosophy is that you should scrub your bathroom floor, not your face. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser like Dr. Hauschka’s Cleansing Cream or Cleansing Milk. We now also carry several gentle organic cleansers from Eminence Organics, so stop by our store or website to find your perfect match. Finish your cleansing session with a cool compress to reduce heat-induced inflammation and to close your pores. Continue with toner and moisturizer. You can find your skin-type appropriate moisturizers on our website or by visiting our store. As you go through your daily skincare routine, be conscientious about what you are putting on your face; although outside might be white with snow, we can always find ways to live “green.” All of the lines that are carried by Jackson & Hines are striving to maintain and enhance our inner beauty and environment.

Our lives are hectic, but we are never too busy to take care of ourselves. Your schedule for the day is daunting so before you rush out of the house grab a reusable water bottle. Awakening Beauty: the Dr. Hauschka Way explains,
"You use a moisturizer to keep water inside your body, but you’ve got to replenish
that water regularly in order to support your body’s most essential needs. Bodies need water to conduct every biological function. Many people experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, and fatigue because of a lack of clean pure water. Water is one of the secrets to beautiful skin, in part because it helps eliminate waste from the body and thus removes a burden from the skin."
Our busy days often result in poor choices and the illusion of convenience; we rely on our sugar-packed beverages and caffeine-induced consciousness, while neglecting what our bodies and minds really need. Try introducing a few more water breaks into your day. Start a water stash; if it is readily available, we have no excuses. Keep a pitcher of filtered water with a few slices of lemon on an eye-level shelf in the refrigerator, while you move the sugar concoctions to the back. When you are running out of the house, grab your water bottle before you get your purse. It seems so simple, but it is a necessary lifestyle change. Maintain your healthy glow by regularly flushing toxins out of your system and continually replenishing your body’s water supply.

Although water is an important part of preventing seasonally dry skin, you must have the proper tools to combat the result of harsh weather conditions on our bodies. There are a few essentials that should be kept within reach at all times. Lip moisturizer that works with your body rather than temporarily coating the surface is one such tool. When you go through the checkout at the grocery store, you see a variety of lip care products. They are conveniently placed because we need more—we are constantly searching for the one. Unfortunately, in most balms and sticks, the common ingredients include camphor and alcohol, which over time dries skin. While the skin on the body is thicker with many layers, our lips are very thin with very few layers of natural protection, thus resulting in the need for more protection. Regular balms and sticks work, for a while, by coating the lip, but by merely coating the skin on our lips, the protection is short-lived. We eat something, drink something, pull on a sweater, wrap a scarf, and in an instant our protection is wiped off. For long-term relief, we look for something that works with the body and not on the body, like the Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Balm and Lip Care Stick. These products help your body by naturally promoting skin renewal and protecting without dependency. They are not going to dry the skin and are absorbed to prevent the need for constant reapplication. You can also find gently lip exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells, like Smahsbox Emulsion Lip Exfoliant. If you exfoliate your lips, be sure to have the Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm to naturally assist the restoration of the skin.

Moisturizing for the new day is essential and should not be missed in your morning routine; however you should not use moisturizer at night. While we sleep our bodies are in a naturally healing and revitalizing state. If you are using a heavy moisturizer at night, you are preventing your body’s natural processes. Your nightly skincare routine should include cleansing and an occasional (weekly) mild mask. We have a wide variety of masks from Dr. Hauschka and Eminence Organics. When using a mask, apply after cleansing the face, leave on for the prescribed amount of time, and then gently rinse or wipe off. If you would like something to assist your nightly natural processes, you can safely use Dr. Hauschka’s Rhythmic Night Conditioners. The Rhythmic Night Conditioner helps your body’s natural healing and eliminating processes, and makes a difference after one use. By allowing your body to naturally manage oiliness, your skin will self-correct during these dry months. A heavy moisturizer is unnecessary and can shift your body’s natural balance.

Lastly, get plenty of restful sleep. The last little tip seems just as simple as drinking more water, but it is crucial for your health and healthy glow. It is not a surprise that your morning routine takes much longer when you have not received adequate sleep. You have to hide the signs of neglect; the dark circles and dull coloring are tell-tale signs that you did not allow your body enough time to recharge. During these winter months your health is of vital importance, especially with cold and flu seasons. It is not a coincidence that when you’re feeling under the weather, all you want to do is sleep. Sleep is nature’s remedy with no adverse side effects. So, it makes sense that we need adequate sleep to maintain our overall health and well-being. It should be easier to get a little more sleep with shortened days and colder temperatures; it is the perfect time of year to curl up in a warm blanket and rest.

For the perfect winter look, try healthy and vibrant skin. Incorporate a few of these changes at a time and begin to see a difference. For more information and products, check out our store (4 North Main Street in Pittsford) or our website.

Got Questions? We've got Answers!

2009-10-17T17:24:00.002-04:00

Having the right products is only half of the battle. What do you do next? There are so many myths and questions about makeup application and skincare techniques, so,we are beginning a "how-to" video series on Facebook. We will post one video a week to answer your cosmetic questions.

To submit your questions, visit Facebook and send your question. While you are there, show your Jackson & Hines love by becoming a fan! If your question is chosen for a weekly video, we will place your name in a drawing for a free in-store makeup application (or free gift if you do not live in the area).

What befuddles you as you venture through your makeup routine? What makes you go "hmmmm?" Send us your questions.

TO SUBMIT A QUESTION:
1-Sign in or create a free account with Facebook
2-Search for Jackson and Hines (the group)
3-"Send a message" with your name, email address, and question.
4-Check back weekly for our answers

***Please do not post any personal information on the public wall, as this is seen by other people.***

If you have any questions, please let us know. Remember the only "dumb" question is the unasked question.

Blog Bonus Time!

2009-10-17T14:32:00.005-04:00

Thanks to all who attended the grand opening of our new store at 4 North Main Street in Pittsford. It was an elegant and relaxing evening among friends. If you missed our night of leisure, please feel free to stop by for a chat and chocolate sample while you tour our new store. We love our new location and have many more opportunities for our clients. Schedule a make-up lesson/application with our in-house artist or enjoy a luxurious Dr. Hauschka spa treatment in our beautiful spa room. Please join us in enjoying our new space.

We are pleased to offer a seasonal sale on the new Smashbox line, Reign. These warm, rich fall colors are perfect as the weather cools. The Doubletake Lip Color is a must-have with liner and lipstick in one pencil. This sale is also available on our website.
Also, at this time, we have a blog bonus with purchase. Exclusively for our blog readers, get a Joie de Charlotte lotion AND shower wash for FREE with purchase of $30 or more. We have a limited supply, so act now!

Make sure to check our blog for holiday gift ideas and offers!

Grand Opening Event!

2009-10-03T18:45:00.004-04:00

With this evening of fun and food, music and makeup, we are excited to welcome Suzanne Adams, makeup artist extraordinaire for our new addition:

In addition to makeup applications and lessons, there will be raffles, 10% off all purchases, as well an additional 5% off when you schedule an appointment.

Visit our site to RSVP and sign up for a make-up lesson or application.

Natural night time skin care

2009-09-14T14:07:00.001-04:00

When we think of Natural Skin Care we often think about what products to use. At Jackson & Hines we sell Dr. Hauschka skin care and it is a wonderful product. But to me natural skin care is so much more than just the products we use. Natural skin care must include; what we eat, our water intake, how we manage stress, our physical activities and how we care for our skin following how our skin is “naturally” designed. When I started using the Dr. Hauschka line one of the very first changes I had to make was to stop moisturizing at night time. This was major change for me. For my entire life I have moisturized at night time. I sometimes think that my beginning life cycles were –being nursed, potty trained and then moisturizers. How many jars of Ponds cold cream were in our cabinets at home? As I grew the moisturizers became more sophisticated, more intriguing and most definitely more expensive. Those ads told me that while I slept these magic potent would transform my blemished, aging, dry skin into skin directly emerging from the fountain of youth. So I lathered it on! I bought more, different brands, higher priced while completely forgetting what I studied in school about our skin and completely ignoring common sense. While we sleep all of our organs are rejuvenating – getting ready for the next day. At night time our skin is trying to rejuvenate itself. Dead cells are sloughed off, waste and toxins from our systems are being eliminated and the skin is trying to heal itself. While we sleep the skin is producing the right amount of oils to moisturize itself. When we add additional moisturizers (oil based) we are confusing our skin - sending the wrong signals and telling our skin to not naturally produce its own moisturizers or to over produce. When we moisture at night we are trying to combat the aging process, but instead we could be causing our skin to lose its elasticity and potentially increasing more lines and wrinkles.

Since I have stopped moisturizing at night my skin looks smoother, has a healthy glow and interestingly, I am using less moisturizers in the morning. At first it was difficult. The first few nights my skin felt very dry as I fell asleep. I did use the Dr. Hauschka Rhythmic Night Conditioner and this product did help me transition very rapidly. My skin loved this night conditioner – thought I was kissed by an angel during the night. This conditioner is a water based product that is full of natural ingredients such as royal jelly, white hazel and much more. After 28 days on the conditioner I use toner only after cleansing.

So tonight drink some water, wash and tone your face, go bed and let your skin get some real beauty rest.

Introducing Smashbox Cosmetics!

2009-09-12T13:21:00.004-04:00

We excited to now offer Smashbox Cosmetics at Jackson & Hines. Designed by photographers to create the picture-perfect look, there is something for everyone in this new line! The signature foundations and concealors are the equivalent of a daily airbrush session. And, add a splash of color with the numerous color combinations for lips and eyes. No need to shy away from the camera with Smashbox cosmetics.

We have a limited number of "Try Me" kits available at an incredible price. A great introduction to the line and convenient for on-the-go beauty.

Come in and take a look at our new line and get the "Fall Look" today!

Natural Skin Care Mom is now an empty nester

2009-09-10T14:47:00.003-04:00

This past weekend we took our daughter to college. Leading up to move in days I would find myself overwhelmed with emotions and knew that I would spend the last moments of goodbyes drowning in my tears. The night before - I laid awake in those lonely hours between morning and night thinking about what I still had to say. Had I forgotten anything during the past 17 years – there is still less than 13 hours left! The moment to say good bye finally arrived and while staring in my beautiful daughter's eyes through a mist of tears – I did not break down and cry, I just held her and told her how proud I am of her. Her eyes glistened with tears waiting to shed, but the smile on her face said I am happy and Mom I will be OK.
I am now home and I miss her. The nest is truly empty, but it is the emptiness in my chest that hurts the most. No more good night kisses for awhile, no more missing dishes later found in obscure places in her room. The electric bill will only need one stamp and I will get to choose what station to play on my car radio. Who will now tell me when I am not saying something right, wearing the wrong outfit. And how will I Text – sorry TXT? Who will be there to guide me with my computer woes… “Mom there is no ANY key on the computer. Just press ANY key!” I am so confused.
But even though she is not at home, I am still her Mom; maybe not to a baby girl or to a teenager, but to a young lady - a young lady who understands how to do her laundry or at least knows how to get it ALL back in her suitcase for a holiday visit. My young lady of a daughter knows to focus on the quality of food and not just quantity. As I left her, I heard one of her suite-mates saying, “let’s go to CVS for some Cheese-its.” That night when I asked what was for dinner? The answer - Cheese-its. I hope she read the package. I have never had them, so I am not too sure what is in the ingredients - hydrogenated oils? High fructose corn syrup? Cheese? Maybe just one night it is OK, but over time I hope she and her generation research and see the correlation between obesity, type 2 diabetes and when our society started using high fructose corn syrup in our foods. I hope over the years in school she will have chance to study aboard in Europe and while there question why the European government will not allow the same soft drinks we sell to be sold in Europe with high fructose corn syrup. My daughter and her friends are part of a remarkable and brilliant generation - a generation that supports recycling and fear that they will have to clean up the planet because of carelessness and the love of excess from my generation. But I also hope this generation - and mine- will look at the labels, as we sort our trash, and not just focus on what we put in the recycle box, but what we are putting in our bodies and on our skin. I hope my daughter and friends seek to understand if there is any relationship between such things as anti-perspirant in the deodorants and breast cancer. I hope this generation of ladies; will not be like so many from my generation who question the use of anti perspirants after they have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
As you read this brief note you may wonder what does this have to do with natural skin care. Nothing! It is just a note from a mother who is now facing life as an empty nester and a mother who just so happens to believe in Natural Skin Care.

Mom, daughter find beauty in change

2009-09-04T14:18:00.002-04:00

A woman and her sister visited Jackson & Hines this week because they read an article in the newspaper about us. They said the article was intriguing and interesting. Another customer said it was inspirational. When the Democrat and Chronicle called and said they wanted to write a story about us – why I left my corporate world to open a small boutique and why my daughter moved from Manhattan to Rochester to be part of the business- I did not know what to expect. But Elena and I both enjoyed telling our stories to the newspaper writer. We had no script nor had we prepared in any way what we wanted to say. We just shared from our hearts. We laughed and even cried up a bit as we related the work we have done over the past year to create and open Jackson & Hines. As I sat through the interview- sharing and listening – my passion for the business continued to grow. I love running this business. Creating this business has allowed me to connect with so many people. Strangers have walked into Jackson & Hines and left as friends. Creating this business has allowed me to connect with people on line. People I do not know and probably will never meet. But people who have allowed me joy with filling an order that I hope not just met their needs, but far exceeded their expectations. Doing this article about Jackson & Hines in the Democrat and Chronicle has reinforced for me the beauty we each have inside and I hope that each encounter with Jackson & Hines will allow us each to discover this inner beauty. To read the Democrat and Chronicle article please click on the link (or copy and paste the link into the URL): http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009908300312

Chocolate Giveaway

2009-08-29T10:52:00.002-04:00

We still have chocolate boxes available for our blog readers. Come to the store and claim your prize today! Thanks for visiting the Jackson & Hines Blog!

FIRST BLOG GIVEAWAY!

2009-08-23T13:41:00.002-04:00

Welcome to all our new readers! It is time for our first blog GIVEAWAY! We begin with FIVE boxes of our specialty chocolates! Beginning TOMORROW (August 24), the first FIVE people to come in the store and mention the blog will recieve a FREE box of assorted chocolates. We open at 10:00 and limit one box per customer. So, hurry in!

Enjoy a Monday with FREE Jackson & Hines chocolate!

Complimentary Screening Pass

2009-08-23T13:32:00.003-04:00

We are excited to offer advanced screening passes for Fox Searchlight's film, Adam. The screening is in Henrietta on Wednesday, August 26 at 7:30. One pass admits two people. Passes are limited, so pick one up today! Stop by the store for your pass and a store-sponsored surprise.

2009-08-13T10:45:00.003-04:00

When one walks through the village of Pittsford, New York, one immediately gets the sense of a quaint, cutesy area where you can raise a family and where everyone knows everyone else. All of the shops are either boutiques or resturants that have been around for years. Unfortunately, the only "modern" stores in the village are Starbucks, a jewellry, and a bra boutique.
When Pamela and Elena started Jackson and Hines, they wanted to bring luxurious items into the store. Brands such as Dr. Haushcka, L'Artisan Perfumuer, tocca, and FACE Stockholm are brands that can only be found in certain boutiques, in certain cities, in certain countries! Pamela and Elena wanted their customers to be able to get "hard to find" brands in their store. This is exactly what they have done. In the little space at 39 S. Main Street, they have managed to create a boutique that people just can't seem to stay away from. With the luxurious prodcuts, fine teas and candies, rich chocolates, and soothing head to toe spa options, Pamela and Elena have created a peaceful environment where people want to just.... be.
Now, I must admit, my name is Allyson Chapman and I happen to be the daughter of Pamela Hines, so it may seem like I am a little biased when it comes to Jackson and Hines. But, in all honesty, everytime I walk into Jackson and Hines, I immeadiately feel relaxed and that I am in a warm, inviting environment. It really is a beautiful shop where there is truly "beauty within," not only inside of the actual store, but inside the hearts and minds of both Pamela and Elena.

A Fresh Start

2009-07-28T18:23:00.001-04:00

In the summer of 2008, Pamela Hines decided she'd had enough of corporate life. She had spent years climbing proverbial ladders, breaking proverbial ceilings, all the while with her proverbial nose fast to the proverbial grindstone. But on her, say, zillionth visit to the Atlanta airport, a young security guard made a statement in passing that would change her life.

As she stood in her camisole and stocking feet, taking her laptop out to put it on the conveyor, the gent manning the security inspections recognized her: "Ma'am, you're back again? You're in this airport way too often." Pamela laughed politely, but was suddenly launched into dazed thought. With his simple statement, she realized a re-prioritization of her life might be in order.
She weighed her possibilities, mulled over what to do next, and sought the counsel of her family only to learn her daughter was simultaneously experiencing the same ideas about revamping her own life. Jackson & Hines was borne of their mutual desires to make enjoying life take new precedence in how they spend their days, and their mission to share that sentiment with all women. We hope at Jackson & Hines to encourage all to remember the joy that comes with knowing you've given the perfect gift, the pleasure that accompanies savoring one of our acclaimed chocolates, the renewal of femininity that's natural in the presence of a fragrant candle or a spritz of perfume, the inimitable relaxation in simply sipping tea while deeply engaging in a good book.

We at Jackson & Hines invite you to relish in these simple joys, to encourage others to do the same, and to behold all of our beauty within.

In addition to our commitment to helping women discover their beauty within, we are also deeply dedicated to harvesting the beauty within our community with a spirit of service and of giving back. For any individual, giving back may be as simple as reading to an elderly neighbor, mentoring a young mind, or participating in a community clean-up day. In our own effort to give back, we at Jackson & Hines use as many local business partners as possible, do our best to create jobs, and make sure a portion of every dollar spent here helps to support local not-for-profits, such as the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley and the Wilson Center for Cancer Research.