Beauty
The Best of 2019 Theatre

Every year plays take on theme’s. This year it is death or suicide and how we do not know our place in this world. When making my best list, I start at the cut off for the Tony’s, The Drama Desk and The Outer Critic’s, which is in April. Those plays already were honored. My list are plays and musicals that have not been on an awards list yet.
Decky Does a Bronco: by Scottish playwright Douglas Maxwell at Royal Family Performing Arts Space was done in September. This wonderfully acted, prolific play has stayed with me since I saw it. Taking on bullying, when the boys learn Decky’s fate they have to deal with their own emotional responses. As innocence is lost and scars are embedded these boys will never be the same.

Heroes of the Fourth Turning: by Will Arbery at Playwrights Horizon. There was a time in this country where you were allowed to have a difference of opinion. In this play just maybe a conversation had been started. You will feel the loss of identity, the feeling of who we were over what we have been taught and where we are at conflict with each other. There is no sympathy, no answer for the suffering, as a disrupted noise just keeps happening. One of the characters claims it’s his generator misfiring, but it sounds like the fear of different sides closing in and of no-one being heard.

Broadbend, Arkansas: Ted Shen’s score to Broadbend, Arkansas, is a cross between Sondehim and Adam Guetell. It was enhanced by Michael Starobin’s orchestrations and gloriously sung by Justin Cunningham and Danyel Fulton. Act 1 by Ellen Fitzhugh tells of a black man working in the south. By accident he joins the Freedom Riders and his journey from there. Act 2 by Harrison D. Rivers, the the cycle has continued for no reason except the color of their skin and hate. We need to start over, but is that possible? Transport Group/Public Theater co-production at Duke on 42nd Street asks these difficult questions.

The Inheritance: Is the only Broadway show that is on this list. Matthew Lopez’s well written and touching play, follows two generations of gay men living in post-AIDS Manhattan. We feel their passions and inhabit their culture and lifestyle. This play hit home and gave it the humanity that this era deserves.

Monsoon Season: by Lizzie Vieh opened at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater straight from the Edinburgh Fringe. This was a demented look at two mid-life crisis. Full of dark humor with multiple twists. I was not able to figure out the ending until the very last second. What a fabulously inspired look at society today.

Dave Malloy’s Octet: At the Signature stage Octet mixed cappella chamber choir, tarot, internet addiction and the indelible flaws that lurk with in us all. Malloy’s score is glorious, as it transfixes you in its majestic harmonies, as it uses the musical stylings of musical theatre, country, indie-rock, punk, electronica and so much more. If you can face the reality of how the internet is destroying our humanity, this is a show for you!

Original Sound: by Adam Seidel at the Cherry Lane Theatre, took on the music industry and the rights or non rights of artists. Seidel, a former music journalist, knows this world and his dialogue brings us into the world of recording and all the traps the lie beneath wanting to be in the spotlight. This show was refreshing.

Be!!a Be!!a: written and performed by the incomparable Harvey Fierstein at Manhattan Theatre Club at City Center Stage I. Fierstein did not do this in drag, but embodied Ms. Abzug’s mind and spirit. Throughout the play we learn about her advocacy for gay rights, racial justice, opposition to the Vietnam War and President Nixon, but most importantly, how she got women the right to have their own credit cards, in their own names. Not only did I learn, but I was given a terrific day of theatre.

Round Table: Liba Vaynberg’s Round Table, at Fault Line Theatre at 59E59 Theaters, was a look at how we deal with illness and the avoidance of what in this case will be a devastating outcome. What seemed like a chick flick version of this subject, has stayed with me and I realize it was much more deeper than I thought.

Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven: Stephen Adly Guirgis’ play has the worst title, but is infused with whip crackling dialogue, that sizzles and embeds itself into your skin. Guirgis play gives you real life people, in a real life situation and makes you see the humanity in it. You may not want to see this slice of life, but Guirgis lays it bare.
Beauty
How to Get Your Fall Fabulous Face with Masktini

This season feel and look fabulous with some of the newest items from Masktini.
We reviewed two new products that have hit the shelves – Side Eye and Hush Money. Both were divine ways to elevate your skin to soaring new heights in autumn.
Hush Money Intensive Restorative Crème
A both day and night facial moisturizer that is honestly perfect for all skin types. An all-natural retinol alternative and a unique plant derived super-hydrator improve skin’s radiance and firmness.
A few weeks of use and your skin looks plump and radiates with a healthy glow that is simply undeniable. An extract of the summer snowflake bulb has Botox mimicking smoothing results, while Matrixyl 3000TM peptides restore collagen synthesis, providing long term anti- wrinkle benefits.
Containing a highly stable form of Vitamin C, the product greatly helped provide luminosity as well as overall improved skin tone. It was truly remarkable the way sensitive skin adjusts to use with wonderful ease.
All-In-One Side Eye
Get ready to see your face in a whole new beautiful way with this amazing product.
A revolutionary eye cream that genuinely nourishes, it is produced from extracts of swiss apple and green tea. It also contains skin-loving peptides to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Powerhouse of ingredients helps take away puffy eye look all while helping the fine lines disappear on your sides. It is a bit of a tiny miracle in a jar.
Masktini, a leader in results-driven, targeted skincare solutions is now available on Dermstore and SkinStore, The Hut Group’s beauty e-tailers. Masktini products use safe concentrations of clinically proven active complexes for a streamlined ritual without sacrificing results. Founded by former Wall Street executive Olga Parno after a personal struggle with constant skin issues, this launch represents Masktini’s mission to transform skin health for all to be fearless and flawless in the skin you’re in.
For ways to get your own beautiful skin this season visit HERE.
Beauty
6 Simple Ways To Practise Self-Care Every Day

Life in the modern world can quickly become overwhelming. Finding a balance between work, life, and play is often a challenge, with bills to pay and expectations from all directions! Burnout is quickly becoming a universal issue. To combat this and put the quality back into life, it’s absolutely crucial to prioritise the practice of self-care – taking enough time each day for yourself, to replenish and cherish your wellbeing. If you’re not the sort that puts yourself first easily, we’ve got you covered; here’s a bunch of great ideas for practising self-care that can fit into a busy schedule and give you that little extra moment of peace.
Spend Time in Nature
Did you know that spending time in green spaces has been shown to improve mental health? Simply taking a quiet stroll in your local park, or sitting and watching the birds can make a huge impact on your wellbeing, and it doesn’t need to take a lot of time off your hands either. Take your lunch outside and explore your local green spaces, or make time to explore parks around your home after work or study to feel a whole lot better each day by simply touching grass. It’s a free option that is highly accessible for people of all abilities, and it’ll help you to feel more connected to your surroundings. Who knows, you might even pick up a new hobby like bird watching along the way!
Pamper Yourself
Sometimes you just need to treat yourself at the end of a long day. You’ve definitely earned it. Simply putting some time aside for yourself and running a nice, hot bath with a face mask from Lush and some KEVIN.MURPHY products massaged into your hair might make all the difference for the week ahead. Make sure you grab yourself a bath bomb and a fancy candle to really set the mood, then make yourself a little cheese platter with drink, grab a book, and you’re all set.
Reach Out To a Mate
Human beings are social creatures. When life gets busy, it’s easy to get swept up in the mess of the day and let relationships slowly slip. Making that phone call to a mate you haven’t seen in a while might be just the ticket. You might even help them – isolation can be a huge deal when dealing with health and wellbeing, and reaching out to someone can make all the difference. Perhaps you haven’t called your family in a while? Maybe your partner would like a cuppa and a chat, if you’ve found yourself just rushing from one task to another lately. You’ll feel better for reaching out and you never know, you might even make someone’s day.
Try Something Creative
Practising art therapy has gained significant traction lately for improving wellbeing, and even for helping to heal trauma. The process of making is both relaxing and cathartic, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Find yourself a medium that you’re excited about and that best fits your budget. It might be something traditional like pencils or paint, or it might be a craft activity like ming soaps or candles. Art is what you make it, it might even be baking or woodwork, whatever tickles your fancy. As a bonus, you might even be able to have the odd group creative session with a few friends, and work on a piece together or just hang out with some relaxing music and potter away at your own little masterpieces.
Immerse Yourself in Art
If getting your hands dirty isn’t really your thing, have a look around your local area for free galleries and exhibitions. You can easily make a quick detour to enjoy some creative works and ponder the meaning of it all. If you’re in a city there might even be free larger exhibitions available to you, like the NGV or ACMI in Melbourne. These might even double as date options or places to explore with friends if you find something you really love.
Get It On Paper
Sometimes it helps to get things out in a way that doesn’t rope others in. Keeping a journal can be a wonderful way to improve your wellbeing, that is both cost and time-effective. All you need is a secure place to type or a pen and notebook and you’re on your way to healthy reflection.
Do a Daily Workout
It’s been said once, it’s been said a thousand times, but the truth still remains: exercise has been shown to improve wellbeing and reduce the incidence of mental illness, and it’s versatile and great for you. Keep it fast and simple with an at-home workout (you might even find free training on YouTube), take a swim, go for a jog, or even join a local gym. Heaps of places have both classes and equipment available that are flexible around work and study hours.
We hope that this article has inspired you on your daily journey to better self-care. There’s really something for everyone when it comes to working on looking after yourself, you can make it fit your own personalised needs. Have a go at a few of these options that inspired you and see how you’re feeling after the change in routine. Just remember to take it step by step and be kind to yourself. You deserve it.
Beauty
ESW Beauty Hosts Spectacular Lips & Sips Launch Event

ESW Beauty gave a whole new meaning to luscious this week during the fantastic Lips & Sips Launch Event.
Hundreds of lucky guests gathered at the Manhattan hotspot, The Rose, for a spectacular night of beauty hosted by the wonderful founder, Elina Sofia Wang.
The beloved brand’s new category of lips was showcased in grand style during the soiree that saw attendees indulging on smoothie inspired cocktails and treats all night.
More than just another product launch in the industry, this party was also a fantastic way to celebrate the work of Wang as a successful business entrepreneur.
ESW Beauty focuses on vegan and cruelty-free beauty products that mix clean ingredients along with good-for-you foods with sustainable and playful packaging.
We fell in love with the Smoothie Lip Treatments the second we tried them at the party. It is rare to find something that makes the lips feel plump and stay refreshingly lovely all night long like this line. This line is also made from clean ingredients, vegan and cruelty-free, as well as is sustainable and made with 50% PCR tube.
The Vanilla Almond Butter Smoothie Lip Treatment moisturizes, soothes, and protects with a subtle caramel brown tint. These ingredients, in combination with shea butter and vitamin E, contain antioxidants that will soothe irritation, and may also help protect the lips from environmental damage.
Guava Mango Smoothie Lip Treatment will visibly improve fine lines, wrinkles, & elasticity in your lips, while providing a light pink tint. These ingredients, in combination with shea butter and peptides, help to remove dead skin cells and support fuller, smoother looking lips.
White Pitaya Coconut Smoothie Intense Hydration Lip Treatment is a clear, glossy lip treatment inspired by white pitaya and coconut can deeply hydrate your lips. These ingredients, in combination with shea butter and hyaluronic acid, help to relieve and prevent dryness and flakiness of the lips. Lock in moisture with this product to keep your lips soft and smooth.
Of course, ESW is a dazzling success with the new lip packs, but also is just as much deserving applause for their wonderful face masks.
After struggling with stomach ulcers for many years, Elina decided to start a cleaner lifestyle and by changing how she approached her food choices, she also began to transition her beauty vanity to clean skincare products. She found that there was no sheet mask line on the market that not only had non-toxic formulas, but also had healthier ingredients and thus she decided to start her own line of sheet masks and skincare tools.
Beauty
Fall Beauty Colors the Senses

Fall is just around the corner. The time is now to get your beauty on with an array of fantastic offerings. Here are some simply gorgeous things we love to make you feel beautiful this season.
Armani Beauty’s Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow is the absolute best eye shadow selection of the season. There is something so divine about using a product that goes on smooth like butter and feels like silk on the face. Every shade of color goes with any skin tone and will make the lucky wearer feel the power of luxury. It is exquisite and a true game changer in the industry.
Perfect for creating the Latte eye, and the water-infused formula is creamy, blendable, and long lasting. Use a neutral, matte shade like 30 on the lid, then apply a darker, matte shade like 36 in the crease. Then, go in with a neutral shimmer in the corner with shades 9 or 12.
Lights Lacquer is the nail polish that you have been wanting your entire life. Your hands take on divine sophistication with this incredible brand. Let your hand do the talking with this on because you will have a lot of wonderful things to say!
The female-founded, Latina-owned brand founded by KathleenLights, has launched YNBB III, the third volume of the popular nudes collection, featuring six new sheer nudes that were thoughtfully designed to enhance the natural beauty of all skin tones. YNBB III is the perfect collection for the latest nail trends dominating the beauty space, in the award-winning formula Lights Lacquer is known for. YNBB III includes rich sheer jelly & crelly (similar to a jelly, but has more pigment) tones.
Your hair is set to feel as much luxury with Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Shampoo and Conditioner.
Infused with blackberry and quinoa protein, this shampoo and conditioner helps preserve hair color and restore naturally lightened strands. The shampoo and conditioner are also beneficial for an irritated scalp.
Make your hair feel even more superb with Rogaine. The 1st FDA-approved over-the-counter topical hair loss treatment proven to regrow hair truly works. It fits easily into your daily routine, with offerings in two convenient formats: foam and solution; both which provide same great results with continued usage.
We love the way the Women’s Solution makes a noticeable difference in about a month without feeling like you have used harsh chemicals. Hair becomes noticeably thicker, especially on top root areas. This is such a sensitive topic for women, so they way it works well and in a sophisticated way is truly admirable and should be applauded.
For 35 years, Rogaine products have been proven to counteract the effects of hair loss by revitalizing hair follicles so you can regrow thicker, fuller hair. All Rogaine products feature minoxidil, the only ingredient clinically-proven to stimulate new hair regrowth in topical form.
Stream2Sea sunscreen brand developed by Autumn Blum, a chemist, entrepreneur, and ocean advocate who has testified before Congress on the harmful effects of chemical-based personal care products on the environment. What is available to the consumer is an incredible brand that protects your skin and for all the right reasons. The offerings of the company are great for both kids and adults. We even adore the way it is fantastic for people with sensitive skin. Enjoy your time in the sun during fall walks on the park or even brisk hikes on trails full of colorful autumn leaves.
Stream2Sea offers a range of sunscreen products that are consciously formulated to be safe for both the environment and the user. Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, the formulas are water-based and non-greasy, so you never have to worry about the sunscreen blocking your pores! The products are biodegradable and packaged in either recyclable sugar cane resin or PCR plastic made from recycled milk jugs. Its sunscreen formulas are enriched with a potent blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients like wakame seaweed, aloe vera, tulsi (holy basil), green tea, and olive leaf. These ingredients work together to protect and nourish the skin, making them ideal for adventurers from all walks of life. With Stream2Sea, consumers can make a wise decision that supports a better future for all.
PHYTO Pro Style line is favorite of celebrity stylists, this new and improved hairspray, naturally controls and tames hair, and provides medium hold and volume. Now reformulated with less alcohol, it is made with Silk proteins, which have filmogenic properties and boost shine. The ultimate red carpet favorite, this has been used on celebrities such as Emily Olsen and Angela Bassett to finish off and hold their looks.
The PHYTO PRO STYLE Volume Mousse was used on Lucy Hale’s hair at the 2022 Met Gala, this new formula is a dense, lightweight, creamy mousse that gives hair volume and body. It has been reformulated with Quinoa extract, which is rich in proteins, and the hydrating properties of Provitamin B5.
Beauty
The Steps of Skin Exfoliation: A Guide to Achieving Radiant Skin

Exfoliation is a vital step in any skincare routine, as it helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover, leading to healthier and radiant skin. By incorporating exfoliation into your regimen, you can achieve a smoother complexion, improve skin texture, and enhance the effectiveness of other skincare products. However, it’s crucial to understand the different methods and steps of skin exfoliation to avoid potential damage and irritation.
In this guide, we’ll explore the steps of skin exfoliation and provide valuable tips for a successful exfoliating experience.
Step 1: Understand Your Skin Type
Before beginning any exfoliation process, it’s essential to identify your skin type. Skin types can vary significantly, ranging from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone. Each skin type may require a different approach to exfoliation. For instance, those with sensitive skin should opt for gentle exfoliants, while those with oily skin might benefit from stronger exfoliating agents.
Step 2: Choose the Right Exfoliant
Exfoliants come in various forms, such as physical exfoliants like scrubs, chemical exfoliants, and enzymatic exfoliants. Physical exfoliants or scrubs contain small particles that physically remove dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliants use acids to dissolve the bonds between skin cells. Skin-nourishing Fur Silk scrubs are excellent physical exfoliants available in the market which suit all skin types. Enzymatic exfoliants, on the other hand, utilize natural enzymes to break down dead skin cells.
Step 3: Patch Test
Before applying any exfoliant to your entire face, it’s crucial to perform a patch test. This involves applying a small amount of the exfoliant to a discreet area on your skin, such as behind your ear or on your wrist, and observing how your skin reacts. This test helps you determine if the product causes any irritation or allergic reactions. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use immediately and seek alternative exfoliation options.
Step 4: Cleanse Your Face
Before exfoliating, ensure that your face is clean and free from makeup, sunscreen, or any other products. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face, and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Step 5: Start Exfoliating
For physical exfoliants like scrubs, take a small amount of the product and gently massage it onto your damp skin using circular motions. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as this can lead to irritation and micro-tears in the skin. Concentrate on areas that are more prone to roughness, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
For chemical exfoliants, follow the instructions on the product label. Generally, you’ll apply a small amount of the product evenly to your face and let it sit for the specified duration. Afterward, rinse with water.
Step 6: Post-Exfoliation Care
After exfoliating, your skin may be more sensitive than usual. It’s essential to follow up with a soothing and hydrating skincare routine. Apply a gentle moisturizer to lock in moisture and restore the skin’s protective barrier. Avoid using other potentially irritating products immediately after exfoliation, such as retinoids or vitamin C serums.
Step 7: Exfoliation Frequency
Exfoliation frequency depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you’re using. For most skin types, exfoliating 2-3 times per week is sufficient. However, those with sensitive skin may benefit from exfoliating just once a week, while those with oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from more frequent exfoliation.
Step 8: Sun Protection
After exfoliating, your skin becomes more susceptible to sun damage since the outer layer of dead skin cells, which provides some protection, has been removed. Always apply sunscreen with an adequate SPF before heading outdoors to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Incorporating regular exfoliation into your skincare routine can yield remarkable benefits for your skin’s health and appearance. By understanding your skin type, choosing the right exfoliant, performing a patch test, and following the proper steps, you can enjoy smoother, brighter skin. Remember to be gentle with your skin and adjust the exfoliation frequency based on your skin’s individual needs. With consistent and mindful exfoliation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the beautiful and glowing skin you desire.
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