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Going To Brazil

There's a certain mystique about a Brazilian Wax. Everyone and their mother is familiar with the basic Bikini Wax. However, the Brazilian? Ask your girlfriends who got one, and you'll most likely get giggles followed by grimaces of pain. Press them for deets, and it's like asking them the most personal question in the world.

According to Victoria, an esthetician at Janna Beauty Spa in New York City, Brazilian Waxes have been popular for over seven years, and they seem to be a must-do for Valentine's Day.  There was an episode of SATC where there was an ancillary plot line about Brazilians, even though they weren't mentioned by name. Perhaps that's why they became such a hot ticket.

Anyway, in the interest of science and the desire to pamper myself, I decided get one. I went to Pretty City and printed out a coupon for a Brazilian at Janna. A $40 Brazilian Wax for $18, you can't go wrong.

I had no idea what I was in for, no idea at all. I nervously explained to Victoria that I had never done this before,  she calmly reassured me that it would be relatively painless and take 10 minutes. Relatively is the key word here. The procedure started; not bad, just like a basic Bikini Wax. Then the screaming began. Followed by punching a fist into a wall, followed by massive whimpering, gasping for air, odd gynecological poses, and the piece de resistance, flipping onto my stomach, and then flipping back onto my back.

Thank the lord I can walk! Seriously, Victoria was patient, kind and all that you look for when hunting for an esthetician who knows what she's doing. I highly recommend checking this salon out if you're in New York City.

Aside from their Brazilian special, for the month of September you can get a mani/pedi for $30. They sell Jane Iredale cosmetics and Yonka skin care.

Oh, and there's free coffee! The sitting area like the salon, is tastefully decorated and peaceful. Sadly, the treatment rooms aren't soundproofed. I apologize to all waiting outside.

Janna Beauty Spa

28 Greenwich Avenue

Between 10th Street and St. Charles Street

212-352-8480

If you go, please let them know that you read about here.

So, have you had a Brazilian? Would you do it again or not? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Christian Siriano Meets Victoria's Secret

Fashion designer Christian Siriano, past winner of Project Runway is an unstoppable train! This is meant in a good way.                                        

The designer who was loved, hated and gave the world the phrase that just won't die, "hot tranny mess,"on Project Runway has showed his design genus season after season.   He's designed for Bluefly.com, Payless Shoes and now has a limited collection of cosmetic goodies for Victoria's Secret.

His cosmetic collection inspired by  Egypt; the colors of the desert, the blueness of the Nile.  There's eye shadows, lip gloss, big face brush, and a bronzer/highlighter duo. The collection is reasonable ($12 - $32), all packaged in a shiny gold finish. Of  course Christian's name is emblazoned on the side. Theres a gorgeous ruffled makeup bag that could double as an evening bag ($16), that Christian told me he wanted to use it as a gift for his first row guests at his Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show, and found that they were sold out! So if you're lucky enough to get your paws on one of them, whoa, you are a lucky gal!

How do the cosmetics look, feel and most importantly last? Extremely well. I was lucky enough to have a makeover done by Polly Osmond, a Victoria's Secret make up artist. This is what I had on before I left the house:

Boots No.7 mineral base in New Ivory, Benefit Cosmetics Coralista, Revlon Colorstay lipstick #370, Cargo Cosmetics Essential Palette in Cool/Neutral,and Clinique mascara in Black.

 

Polly mixed Victoria Secret Soft Focus Foundation (SPF 20) medium and light for my base. Sultry eyeshadow quad, Christian's Kajal eye liner, his Sunspell/Afterglow bronzer/highlighter, lip liner in Ginger Spice, lip gloss in Melt mixedw with lip gloss in Wet. And of course black mascara. 

It lasted through a long day and night. Lunch, a walk through the Highline, dinner and a night out. Nothing, not the eyeliner nor the mascara melted, fell or smudged.

You can find Christian Siriano's limited edition cosmetic collection at Victoria's Secret stores nationwide and at Victoriassecret.com

All photos courtesy of Jim Diego.

Have You tried Christian's make up line yet? Are you going to?  Have you ever tried any of Victoria's Secret Cosmetics? I'm curious, please leave me a comment and let me know!