Terrible Tuesday. Part IV.

Keefer brings over iced coffee around noon. After a couple sips and a quick chat, we walk across the bridge and grab some cheap sushi in the East Village. After lunch, Keefer wisely suggests (is it just me, but don’t you crave something sweet after salty Asian food?) some fro yo. A pretty cool idea: you pick a flavor of choice, add your favorite toppings, weigh and pay, and you’re good to go. I picked the classic “Eurotart” with fresh strawberries. Perfection.

Then it’s off to Odin to scoop up the last Rag & Bone waxed canvas messenger in olive…which I love love love. I’m going to wear it to death this fall and winter.

We cab it back to Williamsburg, and can’t find anything fun to do. We’re completely stumped. But while rambling around the neighborhood streets, we stumble a park along the water…with the best view of Manhattan. It’s the perfect place to lay out, read, picnic, and people-watch. Keefer and I pick a bench and soak in the scenery.

Keefer at the park.

Park pose.

Our next Terrible Tuesday is already planned; picnic in the park (weather permitting, of course)!

We’re getting hungry again so we dine sidewalk-style at Zipe Zape. And everything is just perfect: from the sangria to the croquetas to the baked oysters with aioli. Definitely worth a repeat visit very soon. Then it’s off to Marlow for some bubbles and the chocolate caramel tart. Belly all full and we don’t care! After all the good food and drink, we decide not to “chase the night” (a Keefer original). I go home, listen to Obama, and get a blissful night’s rest. The end.

xomiomia

Let’s get physical.

As you know, I preach about protecting your skin from the sun. And while the debate continues (chemical vs physical sunblocks), I champion the physical kind. There are two types of physical sunblocks: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and are perfect for daily use. And because these utilize physical blocking agents (as opposed to chemicals), physical sunblocks are particularly suitable for sensitive skin. Never understood why sunblocks of yore left your skin feeling slick, greasy and downright gross? Now you know.

Now before you scamper off to your last summer hurrah this holiday weekend, please protect your skin. You’ve got one face and one body, so treat them right.

My favorite sunscreens are from Menscience and Brave Soldier. I love MenScience Androceuticals TiO2 Sunblock for my face, and Brave Soldier Solar Shield for my body (awesome on the face too, for drier skin types). Both provide a super-matte, replenishing and protective finish. These two blocks do it all.

miomia's sunblock picks

To purchase MenScience Androceuticals TiO2 Sunblock, click here. To purchase Brave Soldier Solar Shield, click here.

xomiomia

Bewitched. Bothered. And bewildered.

As most of you know, blush is the one cosmetic item I can’t live without. Why? Because simply, blush does all the right things for your face. It instantly makes you look brighter, happier, younger, and more alluring.

And while I have a stack of blushers in the ol’ medicine cabinet, my absolute favorite is Julie Hewett’s “Vampie” Cheekie.

Julie Hewett "Vampie" Cheekie

This chunky pot of pure genius flushes my cheeks and lips flawlessly. A couple dabs on the cheeks effortlessly gives me the glow that results from all the best things in life: a great round of tennis, too many tequila shots, belly-aching laughs with friends, and an unexpected kiss that leaves me breathless.

So come get your glow on, girl. You’ll be glad you did. To purchase the “Vampie” Cheekie from Julie Hewett, click here.

xomiomia

Terrible Tuesday. Part III.

Text Keefer around 11:30. He brings over iced coffee and poses like Rick Owens.

Is he or isn't she? I'm confused.

It’s a beautiful day (really, truly, deeply), so we walk over the Williamsburg Bridge and mosey on over to Momofuku for some killer wings and slurp-worthy (but super-salty) bowls of ramen. While the food was awesome, the highlight was seeing David Chang. A late lunch on a Tuesday…and David Chang is working his magic in the kitchen, entertaining a group of big wigs. He can clearly cook, but has a big head like me. Guess it’s a Korean thing. Keefer and I had no stinkin’ clue as to who these people were. They were clearly important, so we’ll leave it at that. Oh yeah, Joel Stein was also there with his very pretty wife.

Our fingers smell like david chang.

Head over to the “park” at Union Square for a little people-watching. The scene is lame (we can’t even play a decent round of “fighter”), so we train back to the burg. Grab some cupcakes at Cheeks for a little sugar rush and scoot on over to Huckleberry for a little 2-for-1 action: Campari & Soda. Lots of them. Then it’s off to Bonita for some corn and tacos. And sangria. And then we’re off to Dressler for a little nightcap action. Tequila. The end.

xomiomia

Terrible Tuesdays, Parts I and II.

On Tuesdays (my one day off from the shop), I relish playing “bachelor.” Lying horizontal on the couch, watching judge shows all afternoon, and reruns of “Frasier” late into the night. And let’s not forget my passion for “fast food” pizza. There’s a reason why a couple of my dearest friends call me “PJ.”

For the past 2 Tuesdays, however, I’ve been outward-bound and adventuring with a lovely lad named Joseph Keefer. He’s young, brilliant, fashion-forward, and wildly hilarious. I’ve never seen a boy toss his mane like he does; this signature move of his makes women sigh and swoon. Miomia’s brow & makeup artist, Thomas McEntee, made the introduction and it’s been buddyville ever since. Joseph, coincidentally, assists Thomas in managing the hottest men’s boutiques in NYC, Odin. He also writes a blog you should check out:

http://thisisthefirstfloor.blogspot.com

Joseph and I both happen to have Tuesdays off from work, so we’ve been hanging and seeing where the city (or the burg) takes us. I mentioned that I’d be adding a more personal touch during the relaunch of this blog, so I hope you don’t mind getting a tiny peek into my personal life.

First Tuesday (7/29): Hungover, as usual. Settling into another day of couch-surfing. Keefer texts. In atypical fashion, I’m actually feeling motivated to hustle out of the apartment. And again in atypical fashion, I want to shop. Scoop up a pair of sensible sandals and 2 functional 1/2 price frocks. We continue to roam about Williamsburg, until we end up at Cheeks Bakery for a much-needed afternoon sugar fix: cupcakes and seltzer. Then it’s off to Huckleberry to squeeze in a couple happy hour 2-for-1 drinks. Everything’s hunky-dory until I ask for the check and the male bartender slides in,”Thanks, girls.” That’s right. GIRLS. Maybe you had to be there, but I haven’t laughed that hard for…seriously? A month, perhaps? And I’m always laughing about something, if not everything. Please refer to the pic below on what might have led to the bartender’s careless oversight regarding Keefer’s gender. He does have such pretty silky locks, no? We roll on over to Lazy Catfish. The free PBR from 8-10pm isn’t quite my scene, so Squiggles Murphy comes to my rescue. The two if us enjoy a quiet dinner at Oak Cafe (ribs were off the hook) and nightcap. The end.

Second Tuesday (8/5): Wake up surprisingly alert. Keefer and I decide to walk over the bridge and head to the East Village for some cheap sushi. The day’s hotter than hell, but the cheap sushi more than makes up for the sweaty trek. We stop in Odin, say hello…and stroll over to NoLita for some quiet window-shopping and people-watching. Cab it back to the burg and pick up some coffee gelato and settle in for some much-needed air conditioning and the last episode of “People’s Court.” Keefer runs off to a magazine party and I head out to dinner in the city. The end.

our 2nd terrible tuesday

Doesn’t Keefer bear an uncanny resemblance to a younger version of Dave Grohl? As you can see, these past two Tuesdays have been far from terrible. But naming this new tradition “Terrific Tuesdays!!!” makes me gag.

xomiomia

A personal treat: pre-date or post-work

Next time your skin’s looking beat, try Dermelect’s Signature Replenishment Facial. Whether you’re prepping for a hot date, or need to relax after a long day of work, treat yourself to this simple, yet highly effective, at-home facial.

Beauty begins with great skin – skin that glows. This signature regimen starts with the basics to let you realize immediate improvement in your skin texture. This synergistic blend of Corundum Crystals, Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile and Salicylic Acid will deliver beautiful results…fast.

PREPARATIONS: Set the mood by developing a sense of luxury and serenity for yourself and your surroundings. Close the door, and leave the outside world…outside. This is your time. Shut off your phone, turn on your favorite relaxing tunes (lately it’s Tony Desare and classic American standards), prop a couple pillows under your head, have a pitcher of citrus water (or a scotch on the rocks) and some soft towels available.

Step 1: DETOXIFYING OXYGEN (O2) FACIAL COMMISSION: The effectiveness of your entire skincare regime rests on cleansing correctly. Get your hair off of your face with a headband. Layer a generous amount evenly over damp face and throat. Allow oxidation to foam into a luxurious masque. Leave on for a couple of minutes allowing product to draw out impurities and hydrate skin. Rinse well with lukewarm water.

Step 2: MICRODERMABRASION 2-3 FACIAL REVEAL: Gently massage to cleansed, damp skin, in a circular motion, a nickel-sized amount of cream for 2-3 minutes. Leave on for 2-3 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 3: CELLULAR REDEFINING FACE SERUM: Hyaluronic Acid, Tea Tree and Comfrey, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Safflower and Chamomile combine to hydrate- use a couple of drop on cheeks, forehead, chin, & throat.

Step 4: RAPID REPAIR FACIAL MOISTURIZER: Apply a thin a thin layer to face and throat after cleansing in the morning and evenings.

Step 5: LINE CORRECTION EYE GEL: Keep the jar in the refrigerator- realize the added cooling effect as it conforms to the gel. Gently circle the gel around the eye area with a light tapping motion. Allow the droplets to absorb. Apply daily to and around the eye area.

Step 6: PORE REVOLUTION & T-ZONE MATTIFIER: Apply a thin layer as needed to a freshly cleansed face to curb surface skin oils of the nose, chin and forehead. Works to mattify, repress shine and prevent clogs.

To great skin, simply!
xomiomia

Escentric Molecules. Version 2.

It’s exactly two years since Escentric 01 and Molecule 01 were launched on an unsuspecting world.  Their creator Geza Schoen envisaged them as an intriguing new proposition in the world of fragrance: two scents introduced simultaneously as an homage to a single scent ingredient, or aroma-chemical.  He was also keen to offer a clear-eyed riposte to the myths and flimflam of the fragrance industry.  But Schoen – and his London-based collaborators ThisCompany and MeCompany – had no idea that his creations would instead weave their own intangible mystique, to the point where they have inspired an impassioned tribe of global devotees, from San Francisco to Sydney,  Moscow to Manchester.

And now the second chapter…Escentric 02 and Molecule 02 share the same relationship as their predecessors, Escentric the blend and Molecule the single aroma-chemical extracted from it.

Molecule 02 is based on ambroxan, a nature-identical aroma-molecule.  Real ambroxan is found in ambergris, but the stratospheric cost of its extraction makes it prohibitive for use in fragrances.  Ambergris itself is one of the few natural animalic fragrance ingredients that has no connotations of cruelty because it is produced and excreted by the sperm whale.  It can float on the ocean for years evolving under the influence of sun and salt water.  Then it is collected when it washes up on shore, by which stage its distinctive nutty, warm scent is a symphony of boronal, ambrinol, dihydro ionone gamma – and its best-smelling aromatic part, ambroxan.  Wear Molecule 02 and you will notice a fresh, almost mineral smoothness which subtly expands to envelop you.

Escentric 02 uses an unparalleled concentration of ambroxan, in combination with vetiver and muscone, a particularly gorgeous nature-identical musk.  Orris, elderflower extract and hedione lead into the instant effervescence of the topnote, again, a fresh “mineral” effect.  Schoen free-associates: “Gin and tonic, a hint of an Austrian lemonade called almdudler, the whiff that you get when you first open a brand-new Apple laptop…”  It’s a clear, clean scent,  but it dries down to something warm, sexy and elusive.  If  the Escentric Molecules repertoire has a hint of paradox at its heart, you might say, in this case, that Escentric 02 has a haunting sparkle.

To purchase your bottles of Molecule02 and Escentric 02, click here.

xomiomia

Bedford’s South Side Goes High Brow

Straight from Refinery29. Written By Kathleen Adams Clements.

“No, its not your imagination: The south side of Williamsburg’s Bedford Avenue is looking a lot cuter these days. And while the transformation began a while back when hot-spots Bonita and Dumont Burger moved in, SoBed’s element of awesomeness was recently upped by the auspicious arrival of Mr. Thomas McEntee. The brow guru, makeup maestro, and sometime Odin shopkeeper can now be found exclusively at Katie Chang’s snazzy unisex apothecary, miomia. And after our recent visit, we’d say he’s well-worth the trip on the L-train.

Having worked with legends like Ole Henriksen and made up models in mags such as L’Uomo Vogue and Surface, McEntee knows all the tricks of the trade, and he ain’t scared to use them. But rather than beating the beauty into you like some of his more brutal peers, he coaxes the prettiness out, which, obviously, starts with some bitchin’ brows. Mr. T is a gentle giant of the wax-world and his tender technique means he barely hurts a hair, even if he’s banishing a bunch of them. The result was a bang-up brow job that gave me a much classier shape, as if there was any shape to start with. After sitting in Thomas’ chair, be sure to peruse some of Katie’s good clean treasures. We fell in love with many of her hard-to-find small-batch skincare lines. But our fave buy was McBride Beauty’s travel kit, which is pretty much the perfect summer accessory, other (of course) than perfect brows.”

Thomas is available every Sunday, and Mondays by appointment only. Brow appointments cost $40 for the first visit, and $35 for following visits. Please email thomas@thomasmcentee.com to set up your appointment for beautiful brows!

xomiomia