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Beauty Featured Finance Lifestyle Living NYC Wellness

Downtown’s Ultimate Beauty Gift Guide 2020

 

We can all agree that 2020 was a year like no other, and it will go down in history as one of the most difficult collective challenges in our lifetimes. As the hashtag says, #weareinthistogether. No matter your level of income, age, skin color, or which part of the world you live in, we all had to rethink how we get from morning to night, facing challenges like working remotely and DIY beauty regimens.

We are grateful that our favorite brands made 2020 easier for us. We figured out how to get through it, even if it meant that our hair colorist had to drop off a premixed color formula so that our dear life partners (or children) could apply.

It may not have been a pretty sight, but from the creative photos on social media, it certainly came with a large dose of humility and humor.

This year we have decided to honor the brands who were there for our company in our Downtown’s 2020 Ultimate Beauty Gift Guide.

Here are a few of our favs!

 

Supremÿa Eyes at Night. Exceptional night skin care dedicated to revealing the youth of the eyes.

 

 

Supremÿa Cream An exceptional night treatment specifically for dry skin or skin lacking comfort, which targets the visible signs of aging to offer noticeably enhanced rejuvenation.

 

 

Scent Sational gifts from Sisley Paris. Sisley continues the original collaboration with artist Quentin Jones celebrating Izia in a new package inspired by her colorful ‘rock’ universe. Collages of roses, fluorescent ink, and flecks of paint boldly decorate the box. Its delicacy and lightness contrast with the ‘rock’ design of the box and echo the singular rose at the heart of the fragrance.

 

 

A limited-edition holiday bundle of 3 bestsellers from Bali Body, Ultra Dark Self Tan, Face Tan Water & BB Cream, it’s everything you need for the perfect glow. In a festive gift box!

 

 

Roam Slippers

 

 

ROAM slippers and sandals are all about comfort. They have custom-molded footbeds that are pillow soft while completely supporting your feet. The mid-soles are wrapped in neoprene for wicking and breathability, keeping your feet cool. There is also memory foam added to the uppers that allow the shoes to mold and form to your feet – truly creating a hug for your feet.

 

TYME

​Make ​​travel and everyday styling easier, and faster with Tyme. Combining many different size curling irons with a straightener. No more cluttered drawers, cabinets, and suitcases – just one tool.

One of our Publisher’s new FAV!

 

 

 

Joon Saffron Rose shampoo, this gentle conditioner detangles, hydrates, and smoothes hair. Used in traditional Persian beauty rituals for centuries, the “Antioxidant Powerhouse” created by Saffron, Rose, Pistachio and Pomegranate nourish and strengthen the hair strand while restoring elasticity, making your hair look/feel softer, stronger, and healthier.

Persians have used Saffron, Pistachio, and Rose in beauty rituals for centuries. Saffron, a spice worth more than its weight in gold, is used to strengthen hair. Pistachio nourishes and moisturizes for bouncy and smooth hair.

Coming from a haircare background, Shiva and Kayvon Tavakoli spent their entire lives in the salon haircare world. Their father came to the US when he was 17 years old and after moving to Houston, built a successful salon empire and haircare laboratory.

 

 

 

Joanna Vargas, We needed something to help keep our beauty regiment up, as we all worked from home, spas, and salons were closed during the quarantine. For a wide-awake look, with or without concealer, use the Magic Glow Wand to reduce the appearance of puffiness, invigorating your complexion, bringing your glow back.

 

Use it with a serum or mask for an unbelievably soft and radiant look!

 

One of our newest discoveries Deborah Lippman’s, hand and feet moisturizer, trust us, it will change your hands and feet forever. With the hard winter approaching, start now and by spring you will feel like a new person!

Your hands are the first to reveal your age. Keep them guessing with this award-winning cream formulated with shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oil. Winner of Health Magazine’s Healthiest Hand Cream, as voted by leading dermatologists Broad spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen protects from the sun’s UVA and UVB harmful rays Shea butter, Avocado, and Jojoba oil keep hands moisturized Botanical brightening complex helps to even skin tone.

 

 

 

 

Again for the 3rd year in a row, we are including BrooklynBotany. We cannot get through a winter without their scrubs and now new Sweet Almond oil.

This holiday season we sampled their new Blueberry Scrub, all we can say is THANK YOU Brooklyn Botany. Our dry skin feels renewed, and radiant, the winter dry itch is gone.

 

 

Sweet Almond Oil, the perfect name for Brooklyn Botnay’s oil..  sweet it is, very mild, and hypoallergenic. This oil is safe to be used for almost all skin types including sensitive, dry, and oily skin. It can even be used on children and babies skin.

 

Can’t get to St Barth this year, no worries, they bring their delightful products to you. And, just in time for Christmas with Ligne St. Barth

Feel the beauty of the island – surrounded by warmth, a breath of wind cools your cheeks. Sea Breeze embodies the lightness of a tropical summer day: with the deep blue Blue Lagoon shower gel, tingling like a bath in the surf. Try this sun splash, with grapefruit as an invigorating freshness accord. This beguiling Premium Care Oil gives your body, face, and hair, a golden sheen.

 

 

 

We cannot get enough of this brand. Anything they make it superb. We love the new refill pouch. Sustainability is here for Ouai.

We have tried many dry shampoo’s and it can be hit or miss. But not with Ouai’s Super Dry Shampoo. Works every time and does not leave your hair unruly or limp.

 

 

Ready for a private dinner at home for two, or just want to feel sexy? Intensely seductive, Good Girl Eau de Parfum Carolina Herrera’s Suprême reinvents the iconic Good Girl fragrance with a daring new formula. Redefining the emblematic contrast of lights and shadows encourages you to connect with your rebellious side. Grab one for a delicious stocking stuffer.

 

One does not think about body serum. However, we have been using Immunocologie body serum for years. Yes, it does moisturize, repair, and restore. It’s very light to the touch but deeply moisturizes. A dry oil intended for full-body application. We found that after a bath or shower apply, and leave on your skin all day and or night, it’s silky smooth and your skin will feel radiant and restored.

 

 

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Give the gift of luxury to your loved one, or maybe the gift you have been looking for yourself. Join Downtown New York’s newest intimate space Club 27 where you can focus on your personal fitness and wellness goals, surrounded by inspiration and without any distractions.

 

Mudras.com

 

With this signature bespoke massage treatment, you will experience the magically unique and tailor-made Body Reset massage. This is considered a secret weapon for many of our #MudrasFam. The BodyReset Technique was developed by Yotam Kafri founder of Mudras.com Holiday special for first-time clients. Get 30% off on your first session!
Mention Downtown Magazine to get your special offer. LIMITED TIME ONLY!

 

 

Get your gift certificate now!

 

For those who are enjoying the sheer pleasure of CDB, these are our picks for the 2020 Holiday Season

 

 

 

Meet our first CBD infused moisturizer specifically formulated for the face. Lord Jones Whole Plant Formula Acid Mantle Repair is a soothing CBD moisturizer formulated to help maintain the acid mantle, support the skin’s moisture barrier, and rebalance the appearance of stressed skin.* Each jar contains 250mg of CBD (<0.3% THC).

 

Treat the CBD purist in your life to a trio of our most popular Lord Jones products gumdrops, body lotion, and Royal Oil.

 

 

 

These premium tinctures contain 500mg of full-spectrum CBD derived from specially-sourced hemp for unparalleled purity and quality. Each dropper delivers approximately 20mg of CBD. Available in two flavors, Orange and Peppermint.

 

 

Her Royal Hempress

Her Royal Hempress skincare collection is defined by synergistic, small-batch blends of CBD and potent botanical actives that have been specially crafted with the highest attention to detail. Created by a generational, social-conscious gardener & mother Emma Spivey, Her Highness uses powerful botanical ingredients to complement the transformative CBD to leave skin feeling naturally radiant and for therapeutic relief. 

Her Highness 

Her Highness is a cannabis lifestyle brand based in New York with a curated collection of cannabis, CBD, and consumption essentials designed with the modern consumer in mind. Her Highness product is thoughtfully designed with the intent of bringing cannabis into a woman’s world, not the other way around. With a dynamic range of stylish, high-quality products for smoking, stress relief, self-care, and pleasure, Her Highness satisfies every cannabis craving.

New Highs CBD

New Highs CBD hopes to enlighten and empower women and men towards the path of an elevated lifestyle utilizing the healing properties of CBD. New Highs products invigorate the mind, body, and soul-lifting up high while remaining non-intoxicating.

“Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics inspired by his desire to help my patients. In 2013, patients started asking about CBD and their health. He took the opportunity to research, study, and attended conferences in order to confidently provide answers to patients who were asking about the health benefits of CBD. Here are just some of our favorite products.

Deep moisturizing lotion utilizing condensed red ginseng water that strengthens the skin barrier and balances the pH for healthy and luminous skin. Donginbi Red Ginseng. DONGINBI was created in 1899, based on internationally recognized manufacturing company Cheong Kwan Jang’s philosophy of creating Korean red ginseng for external use.

Botanika life has a wide array of products catering to an active and healthy lifestyle.  Improving what already works by bringing in nature’s miracle ingredient CBD.

 

Whatever your plans for this holiday season, stay safe, do not gather in large crowds, think about your loved ones and, wear a mask. We look forward to seeing you in 2021.

 

From our home to yours Happy Holidays!

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Uncategorized

Award-winning hair stylist Sam Villa on his new Signature Series products, New York & more

Sam Villa in action
Sam Villa in action

Sam Villa is one of New York City’s top authorities on haircare. Beyond being the founding partner and namesake of the Sam Villa brand, Sam is the Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue. His work as a stylist has led him to being a multi-time Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator, in addition to winning Favorite Overall Educator of the Year from the same organization in 2015. In turn, Sam carries the reputation of being the pro that teaches the pros how to do hair.

Last month, Sam Villa unveiled two new products, the Sam Villa Limited Edition Signature Series Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer and the Sam Villa Limited Edition Signature Series Sleekr Professional Straightening Iron. The blow dryer, priced at $190, is lightweight and includes two rotating concentrator nozzles and a deep bowl diffuser. The straightening iron, priced at $150, includes exclusive rounded plates coated with tourmaline and three heat settings. Both can be purchased via www.samvilla.com.

Downtown spoke with Sam Villa about these new products and plenty more. Sam Villa can be followed on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

How does the first blow dryer you ever created compare to the new Signature Series Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer?

Sam Villa: It’s actually the same dryer. People love it so much we have kept it the same, but occasionally will offer the blow dryer in different colors.

What makes your Signature Series Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer different from other dryers on the market?

SV: It whispers quietly and weighs less than one pound. The nozzle stays secure on the dryer but stays cool enough to move in different positions for proper air flow and positive ergonomics.

What is the process like of making a blow dryer? What is the most difficult part of it?

SV: For us, the process needed to include what stylists were asking for: light in weight, comfortable in the hand, powerful and hot enough to smooth the hair with incredible shine. Some dryers are so damaging to the hair because of too much heat.

Dryers aside, what are you currently working on?

SV: A 1” Marcel Curling Iron that converts to a curling wand — imagine two irons in one. Professional Marcel curling irons are difficult to find and we wanted to focus on marcel yet with an added feature…a wand!

What do you teach at the Redken Exchange?

SV: My passion is teaching and the Redken Exchange is where learning happens. I teach a Class called “Directors Cut with Sam Villa.” This class focuses on haircutting and longhair dressing and all about adding value behind the chair. This class is about information that they can immediately take back to the salon and immediately apply.

How did the opportunity to teach come about? Was that always something you had wanted to do?

SV: I grew up around sports, either playing or coaching, and I really believe that is where I developed my skills as a teacher. The very day my father — who was a barber — took me to my first hair show to see Vidal Sassoon, I knew then and there that I wanted to be a platform artist. A teacher. And as a teacher, I must never cease to learn.

Is there a professional accomplishment of yours that you are most proud of?

SV: I am most proud of being voted by hairdressers from around the world as four-time Behind The Chair Educator Of The Year. This tells me I am doing and saying the right things.

If you weren’t working with hair, what would you be doing instead?

SV: Coaching a sport at the secondary level, no doubt.

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

SV: I love spending time at home and playing a game I love: golf!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

SV: Cacio E Pepe — all about the cheese bowl and pepper!

Any upcoming events or concerts you have tickets to?

SV: I want to attend the next Summer Olympics. I want tickets…now!

Finally, Sam, any last words for the kids?

SV: Learn, learn, learn as much as you can and as often as you can. Focus on “how you can” vs. “why you can’t.” If I can do this, you can! Success is like chasing a butterfly the more you chase it the more it alludes you. Yet if you focus on the task at hand, success will land softly on your shoulder!

Categories
Dining Featured

20 Original Gift Ideas For Valentine’s Day 2017

With Valentine’s Day less than two weeks away, most of us have not yet purchased a gift for our loved one(s).

For the sake of originality, here are 20 gift suggestions for those seeking to offer something more original than a bouquet of flowers and/or a box of chocolates:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOJSVVnJ7Rg

1) Jacques Torres Chocolates

New York City chocolatier Jacques Torres has a number of playful Valentine’s Day exclusives available. The “Spanker Lollipops” are for the less conservative chocolate fans, while the Champagne Truffles and I Love You Squares ought to appear to the classier of folks. Available at all Jacques Torres New York locations — Hudson Street, DUMBO, Amsterdam Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Midtown East, NOHO, and Grand Central Terminal — and select sweets are available for national shipping online at www.mrchocolate.com.

2) D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac

A bottle of D’USSÉ — a brand with a 200+ year legacy — may be easy to find locally, but the drink itself was naturally-aged at least four and a half years in France’s Château de Cognac. Combining cinnamon, almond, honey and dried fruits in its flavoring, D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac is the rare spirit that is both strong and delicious. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, D’USSÉ has released some great free recipes online; I recommend The Storm, which mixes the Cognac with triple sec, grenadine, cranberry juice and ginger beer.

3) TOMS X James Goldcrown

Few brands are as universally-loved as TOMS, arguably the pioneers of the one-for-one business model. TOMS has come a long way from basic colored slip-on shoes, and its new TOMS X James Goldcrown collaboration is especially eye-grabbing. James Goldcrown is the artist behind the viral Love Wall murals found in New York and Los Angeles, and as released in early January, the new TOMS x James Goldcrown shoes are beautiful, love-centric, and available for both men and women.

4) MOUTH

A member of The Specialty Foods Association, an affiliate of Fare Trade NYC and a member of the Good Food Merchants Guild, MOUTH is a popular online retailer known for its indie food, drink and gift picks. In other words, curators are choosing the best of what’s new so you don’t have to spend your time researching such. The new raspberry-flavored, hand-crafted X&O Candies? The Bourbon & Tequila Spiked Chocolate Sauce? The Love You Like XO set including Raspberry Rhubarb Goat Milk Caramels? Too many great options — and these are just some of the picks that MOUTH has curated for Valentine’s Day!

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5) The “Game Day” Sugar Cookie Set from Ava’s Cupcakes

If your better half is a football fan, then Ava’s Cupcakes has a new product that will suit both your Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day needs. Helmed by chef Michelle Spell, Ava’s Cupcakes is offered the “Game Day” Sugar Cookie Set, featuring colorful and shaping football-themed cookies. Goal posts, team helmets, stadium, edible platinum trophy…It’s all there! And beyond those special days in February, Ava’s also offers gluten-free and vegan options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt9vHPtbU4Y

6) Yes To’s 2-Step Single Use Lip Kit

A smart gift may lead to some lip action, so it’s best to be prepared for that. Yes To just released its 2-Step Lip Kit, consisting of Exfoliating Lip Scrub and a Lip Mask. Both parts of the kit smell like coconut and are nearly 100% natural like all Yes To products are known to be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaLkxOf8CPQ

7) H2O+ Beauty’s L-Balms & Lip Gels

Other lip-related products to look into this year are H2O+ Beauty’s new Oasis L-Balms and Lip Gels. Each balm is packed with natural beeswax to help nourish and smooth dehydrated lips. Each gel includes a splash of Water Lily extract, leaving lips with a plush texture and a glossy finish. Beauty meets hydration with H2O+.

8) Hugh Acheson’s Curated Steak Box from Snake River Farms

Snake River Farms’ meat is utilized by many top chefs, including Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck, Gabriel Rucker, Alvin Cailan and Michael Mina. But unlikely many vendors to top restaurants, Snake River Farms also sells its meat direct to consumers. Hugh Acheson’s Curated Steak Box — priced just under $200 — includes American Wagyu filet mignon and ribeye, one Lodge skillet, one Mercer saucing spoon, 1 Bragard kitchen towel, Jacobsen’s Flake Finishing Salt, and Hugh Acheson’s Steak Cooking Guide. In other words, meat you won’t forget, along with some tools on how to prepare a great steak in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gscJa1Cz_po

9) Artis Elite Smoke Collection

I have observed that make-up is a long-term game, as it is not just about buying brands that are good for your skin, but also about the tools you use to apply it. The Artis Elite Smoke Collection — available at www.artisbrush.com — is comprised of 10 brushes. As an example, the larger oval brushes (Oval 10, Oval 8, Oval 7) are designed for the application of base products. Each of the brushes are made exclusively with CosmeFibre. In turn, expect brushes that are both long-lasting and easy to clean.

Asheville commercial photographer Julie McMillan of Silver Birch Studio Photography - product shot
BRÖÖ / Photo: Julie McMillan

10) The Craft Beer Barber Collection by BRÖÖ

For those interested in both grooming and beer, BRÖÖ is an exciting brand and its new Craft Beer Barber Collection is sure to keep its users both clean, refreshed and cool. Beer has long been used as a home-brewed remedy for strong hair and healthy skin, and the products of BRÖÖ are rich in B vitamins and proteins. The Craft Beer Collection includes the 3-in-1 soap-free Hydrating Condi-Shave Cream, the 4-in-1 Shower Session Wash, and the 3-in-1 Hydrating Mug & Mane Lotion. Perfect for the shower and beyond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOrc0ExNCgU

11) PHYTO PHYTOLOGIST

PHYTO’s PHYTOLOGIST is the first of its kind, targeting the four attributes of hair-thinning: density, thickness, strength, and shine. Its 99% natural formula is full of powerful plant extracts (e.g. Cacao, Indian Gentian, Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi). On top of being an effective hair treatment, PHYTOLOGIST is lightweight and can be left in.

12) Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin

Based in the Yarra Valley of Australia, Four Pillars Gin has made major waves in the U.S. since launching here less than a year ago. Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin includes indigenous lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper, juniper, cardamom, coriander, star anise, lavender, cassia, and angelica, while each batch also includes eight pounds of fresh orange gins. Beyond being served in a beautiful bottle, Four Pillars numbers its bottles, further exemplifying how this is the rare craft gin that could also appeal to the masses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct8nRenzfjM

13) Beachwaver S1 Curling Iron

The Beachwaver Co. got a lot of press when it was uncovered that the Beachwaver S1 was used by celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa at the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The Beachwaver S1 makes three different styles of curling easy to do within minutes: defined curls, loose beachy waves, and glam waves. The S1 is now being sold for a limited time in white via www.beachwaver.com.

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14) Lord Jameson Patisserie’s Valentine’s Day Limited Edition Petite Pouch

In the case that you are spending your Valentine’s Day with a canine, there are still gifting options to consder. Just in time for Feb. 14, the Lord Jameson Dog Patisserie — which launched in New York last year — is offering its Valentine’s Day Limited Edition Petite Pouch. Its ingredients are 100% organic, vegan and free of GMOs. Also available for sale at Beasty Feast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I5Fz4R81fs

15) Clinique’s Pep-Start HydroRush SPF 20 Moisturizer

Clinique has a new product on the market for waking up your skin: the Pep-Start HydroRush SPF 20 Moisturizer. A long-lasting, lightweight daily moisturizer, the Pep-Start HydroRush boosts collagen. Available at local New York Clinique counters and at www.clinique.com for just under $30.

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16) Truffle Mustard and Oil Collection

In this gift set from Maille, Black Truffle and Chablis Mustard is packaged in an exclusive stoneware jar from La Maison Maille, as packed in an elegant black and gold gift box. The rare upscale mustard meant for a foodie. Now sold at both www.maille.com and the Maille Flatiron Retail Store located at 927 Broadway.

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17) Tapas For Two Gift Box by La Tienda

A picnic in not ideal this time of year in New York, but this gift box from La Tienda may have you reconsidering that. This Spanish-themed tapas box for two includes La Riojja dry-cured chorizo sausage, Peregrino anchovy stuffed olives, Torres truffled potato chips, and Marcona almonds. It is available for order via www.latienda.com.

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18) Angels & Cowboys 2016 Rosé

This Sonoma County wine has the color of a champagne diamond and is lively and racy with hints of pomegranate, golden delicious apples and wildflowers. It’s perfect for sipping alone, or works well with a large range of foods, including roast chicken, salmon, seared tuna, crab cakes, and ceviche. Or, of course, a Valentine’s favorite: strawberries and chocolate. This treat can be ordered from www.gothamwines.com.

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19) Salty Candy Duo by Jacobsen Salt Co.

Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day, but perhaps you will be craving some saltiness with the sweet. In that case, the Jacobsen Salt Co. has the Salty Candy Duo box, in which Black Licorice and Caramels are both wrapped up. Williams Sonoma sells these sweets, as does the company via www.jacobsensaltco.com. The brand also offers unique gift sets including Salt Of The Month Club and The Ultimate Pantry.

20) Turbo by Judas Priest

For those seeking a heavy metal-themed Valentine’s Day, well, Judas Priest has just re-issued its classic 1986 album Turbo as a three-disc set. In addition to the remastered original studio album, the set includes a full show from 1986’s Fuel For Life Tour, as recorded at Kansas City’s Kemper Arena. All the Priest hits are played and all the expected stage banter of Rob Halford is included. A wonderful rock time capsule featuring one of rock’s greatest bands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7fZPMUHotE