Meet L.A.’s Grooming EXPERT

Featuring MY FRIEND and blog guest… Cole Patterson, Celebrity Skincare Specialist/Grooming Expert

How did you get started in the beauty industry?

I started my career as a makeup artist over a decade working on music videos and commercials.  I’ve always been passionate about skincare and wellness.  Being a licensed esthetician I offered more than concealing and contouring for talent.

Working behind the scenes gave me the opportunity to touch celebrities than extended beyond makeup application.  I was able to education them on new products, techniques and tips on how to maintain flawless healthy after pre and post makeup up.

As my career blossomed I acquired a large male clientele working with music artists, professional athletes, and Hollywood’s A-Listers.

I’ve worked with celebrities such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Usher, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Anthony Anderson, Larenz Tate and the list goes on.

What drove you to come out with your own skin care line?

Being a licensed professional and working as a makeup artist I realized skincare to be a factor to maintaining a flawless palette.  I noticed women had a plethora of products to care for their skin on set and home regimen while men were subject to using whatever was available.  Seeing men under served in this area I saw a need to offer them gender specific advanced products that were easy to use and required minimal steps.

In 2014 I formulated Cole Skincare for Men and launched online in 2015 featuring the 3-in-1 Foaming Cleanser as our 1st multi-functional product.

I’m a single mother of 2 children so my day is pretty extreme with juggling motherhood, business, personal life.  Last year I took a leap of faith and pursued my dream of becoming a filmmaker so just as things were balancing out I decided it was time that I live out my dreams and create, produce and direct.  Currently I have a documentary series aired on The Word Network I produced and directed which aired April 16, 2018.

Besides your work schedule what does a typical day look like for you?

My day consist of waking up at 4am to medicate, hit the gym at 5am to return home by 6:30am to get the kids off to school which is an hour drive to make it to my 10am yoga class.

After yoga my mind is clear and ready to create.  I research new products ,trends and techniques for skin care including but not limited to medial treatments and plastic surgery.  I spend a few hours a day working on my skincare line.  By 2:00 I head to pick up the kids, homework, dinner, put them to sleep.  While there sleep it’s my creative space I spend this time to conceptualize ideas, ads, & commercials for Cole Skincare for Men or explore different genre of movies to keep fresh ideas and concepts brewing for my next directorial project.

I am so proud of my friend and colleague Cole!

If you want to learn more about her brand for the men in your life...

visit: http://www.coleskincareformen.com

California Dreamin’

I love to travel if you read my blog you know that. If you don’t know my beauty and lifestyle blog …Welcome!!! So, I am back from another awesome trip!

I love to work and play! Here are a few highlights and snapshots of my trip.

I stayed at a hotel on the Marina. San Diego is a sunny fun filled city. I enjoyed walks on the boardwalk and off the marina too. The cacti really intrigued me and there were so many unique trees and unusual flowers all carefully planted around. So BEAUTIFUL!

I enjoyed seeing what’s new since I have not been to San Diego and the neighboring cities in a few years. I love to EXPLORE and this trip was no different. The area I stayed in was called the Gas Lamp District and it did not disappoint. If you like SKECHERS sneakers and shoes…they have a fabulous store,selection and so is the staff!

The city is so clean,people are so friendly and the city is filled with athletic active people of all ages. It was good to see. The variety of foods was both decadent but also clean and lean. I fell in LOVE with the Edgewater Grill on the waterfront. I enjoyed several dishes that I want to share with you!

I love eating and making ACAI bowls this one was an AMAZING culinary take on one. Kudos to the chef at Edgewater Grill in San Diego. This one was made with Acai gelato. So delightful to the tongue.

 

What a lunch time view! Isn’t it breathtaking?

Shopping in La Jolla is lots of fun too. So many shops so little time! A lovely place to have a drink, I highly recommend LUNCH with the girls time or a night to dine with your sweetie at Georges. The view is absolutely amazing and the food was so delicious !

Corondao Bay is home to the famous Coronado Hotel. The spa and dining so delightful!

 

There is an awesome shop in Coronado that you must see…this is one of the many mini soaps I purchased. It is called Earth Wind and Sea. It has ALL kinds of things for your home,garden or gift giving!  Did I ever tell you I am a soap junkie too??? I wish you could smell this luxe soap bar!

I was pretty jet lagged but wanted to post my trip ASAP. If you love to travel too perhaps this is a nice stop for you to visit in California. If you live in CALI…I’m jealous!

Delta Airlines,Travel and more!

I love to travel for work but I love to play too. When I visit a city I don’t just stay the time my business trip is for I stay a little bit more. If you read my blog…I am all about explore!

This time I was in First Class on an airplane that is usually used for International flights. I got lucky. The seats are like this. What you see is my purse and tote bag filled with beauty & fashion magazines and I had my own large screen and HUGE chair that goes back they call a POD. It goes back like a bed!You can actually go to sleep in it. My table space was like a mini vanity. It was an awesome flight!

Lap in luxury after working hard out-of-town across the country…was a very pleasant and most unexpected surprise.

THE SERVICE from the flight attendants was amazing. Delta is my go to airline AND also my happy place. I love to fly! Delta  99% of the time takes care of me. Never disappoints and the CHEF has really stepped it up. The food and desserts are amazing.

Now, I’ve got another half  week ahead…back to TV today and on The Chat,gotta get caught up in my office and makeup studio and taking care of my husband who I have missed too. A business owners work is never done.

Can you say exhausted already?

Enjoy your week,Beautiful!

Discover Beauty & Health Secrets of Asian women!

It
This Friday is the start of the lunar New Year and although I am a FOODIE I am also in Beauty and LOVE sharing my passion! I love to eat,cook and makeup.So this year I am sharing some beauty and not food recipes.
My favorite places when I travel are the various neighborhoods I especially ADORE exotic Chinatown. I find there is such a mystique about Asian women and how they look…even in their golden years. On a personal note as an all American girl who just happens to be of Chinese and Polish ancestry I can truly relate to the mystery as well.

Growing up I often wondered what was the white yet translucent block of face powder?
The exotic bamboo face brushes?
What were the vials or mini bottles they would drink?
The unusual food with both salty and sweet taste and the unique fruits and vegetables. As time went on I learned there is a reason for everything and every product. I too began using these beauty potions and to this day, still do.

Celebrities are all about the secrets from the Orient too. So can you!

I am delighted to share some notable beauty secrets that you can start using in your beauty regimens too if you would like.

Asian women I have interviewed from China to Japan all agree they were told to stay out of the sun. If they were in the sun for work or errands they wear large straw hats and some even go as far as wearing white gloves. Most Asian women freckle easy and do not like sunspots.

Tea is an everyday beauty ritual. All kinds of tea from white tea to oolong tea. To fight off cancer they love green tea. To give them energy and stamina ginseng tea. There is even a tea for inner cleansing and detoxifying tea. Note: They customarily do not use sugar or sweet and low in their tea. Did you know that tea also freshens breath and keeps your gums healthy too? Allow me to turn you on to a delightful type tea.
Jasmine tea is both delicious, smells and tastes divine. You must try it.

Asians love their fruits and vegetables. They shop everyday for fresh food even for fish and meats. They love healthy stir-fry dishes. They try to avoid greasy or deep-fried foods. If they do have them, they eat it in moderation. Asian people have all kinds of recipes good for your health recipes and unique delicacies

Rice is a favorite food in their diet as well. It fills you up faster and low in fat. so you tend to eat less. Soups as main meals are another way to eat and stay trim. They fill the bowl with chicken or beef stock and toss in fresh veggies. What a delightful explosion of tastes!

Ginger is revered by many cultures. The Chinese use it to aid digestion, treat stomach upsets, and revitalize the skin and to relieve diarrhea and nausea for more than 2,000 years. I recommend you make a tea out of it. Simply cut a few slices of it and pour boiling hot water over them. It will calm your tummy down.
It is also wonderful to cook with.

Ginseng is an excellent supplement to improve your energy levels and mental alertness. It is also used to help lower cholesterol levels.

Jade Face Skin Smoothing Roller: Asian Royalty has used it for years. Excellent when rolled unto the face for revitalizing the skin by bringing the blood to the surface. Also is very relaxing. One side is for eyelid area and other side for face. You have to feel it to believe it’s magic. I am addicted.

Pearl Cream is a beauty must have. To this day Asians use this ant-aging ancient secret cream. It is made of crushed pearls and other emollients. It’s opaque in color and melts on your fingers when applied to the face and becomes translucent. It helps brighten the complexion by lightening sunspots and keeps the skin moist and hydrated. It smells as if you visited a flower garden.
Day Spas all over the globe offer luxurious PEARL facials that brighten and condition the skin.

Rice powder is a square block of powder that looks like the size of a brownie. This powder makes your make up last longer and tones down shine. If you have a problem with peri-menopause or menopause it helps to prevent makeup meltdown. It can be used by itself on your skin or over makeup base. It is unisex. It is applied with a kabuki powder brush

It also comes in a powder to go version. A little notebook of 70 papers come to this business card like booklet. It powders the face as well as blots oil. They are called Asian Powder Papers.

Shark fin supplements and other herb shop potions are recommended to keep their fountain of youth. Even the celebrities are doing it. They say Nicole Kidman the actress takes them to keep her skin looking gorgeous and younger looking.

Dragon fruit: As argon oil is the new buzz in skin care so is the dragon fruit for our skin cells. This pink delight does wonders for the complexion when added to skin care. I love to eat it by itself.

My recipe for a cheap D.I.Y Jasmine Rice Face Mask:
Take a cup of rice, rinse gently. Next pour the rinsed rice into a clear small bowl with enough water to cover it. Wait until a milky residue appears. This is your facemask. On a clean face, place the milky watery solution from the rice on your face with a drenched cotton pad. Let it dry. Rinse with a luke warm washcloth and warm water. You will feel so refreshed and your skin will feel like silk from this facial smoothie.

If you have never been to the Orient nor a Chinatown in a big city. It is a must do. It is fascinating, interesting to learn the culture and a delight to your eyes! Stop by a tea shop, explore the fresh markets and visit the herb shops where you can consult the doctor for what ails you…for free! (In most cities) He or she asks you questions and by
looking at your tongue and into your eyes recommends medicine for you!

Your fountain of youth and energy is at your fingertips.
Chinese New Year is approaching and you do not have to be Asian to celebrate the beauty finds, food finds and healthy tips.
Life is an adventure…explore beyond your door!Got a beauty question on the above? Email me.
See me on TV today at http://www.wjxt.com. I’ll post the link later today.

“WOW” Brows in Beverly Hills!

Beauty is in the brow of the beholder but a KING creates beautiful brows…

The King of eyebrows that is! Damone Roberts in Beverly Hills. 

While working and playing in California I decided to book an appointment with Damone after a delicious lunch at the one and only Nate n’ Al’s Deli. I have heard about and seen  Damone’s work in magazines, seen him perform his magic on stage and have watched him on TV. I like the way my stylist does my brows BUT wanted to see what he had to offer as well as see his beauty studio. I booked an appointment the morning of the day I could go and HE had an opening five hours later the staff told me that was unheard of, as he is so booked.

 LUCKY me!

Once in this small studio, I felt an immediate Zen like calm. The décor lured me in and took me to another place. The shades of browns, gold and mirror accents created the loveliest ambiance. Candles burning and what I call “pretty lights” (lighting that brings out the best in your face) surrounded me.

Hip vibe music was playing and the staff welcomed me as soon as I entered Damone’s haven. He had other brow experts who were working on clients and were stunning and with perfect brows of course! As I waited a few minutes, I was offered some cucumber infused spa water. There were walls lined with Celebrities and magazine covers autographed to Damone. Madonna, Beyonce, Megan Fox, Robert Downey JR., Vanessa Williams, Mandy Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow to name a few.

My walls at my makeup studio are lined with Sports Celebrities, newscasters and more. It was nice to see his gallery of STARS. Wish I lived in California~ 

I noticed a flat screen TV and watched of course Damone and what he does best on the screen. I then used the powder room and what did I find. A golden glowing bathroom lit with a candle and oh so much more! When I went to touch up my lipstick there were “walls of Love” all around me. Sharpie marker adoration and love notes from Celebrities he makes gorgeous! Right in front of my eyes was a heart with Actress Megan Fox and a love note to Damone. I so wanted to be on that wall. Kiss that wall with my lips and tell him something wonderful too. However, I had not yet had my brows mastered. So, I went back and sat down and a few seconds later this handsome, light caramel FLAWLESS skin and the shiniest, healthiest, long lush locks I have ever saw on ANYONE! (Male or  female.) Came to greet me…it was my golden moment! He shook my hand and showed me over to his domain. A chocolate colored chair with a silky dark bronze flat pillow. 

As I lay down, he moved my bangs, started the consult, examined what my brows look like, and assessed what he needed to do.  I felt like I was talking to an old friend. He offered me a chance to tell him what I do and use to groom and tint my brows. I told him and he silently went to work. Gently, soft spoken and effective. I barley felt a thing…no pain and so relaxing. Unheard of right? As he spoke to me and asked me how long was I married, what is my husbands name and what brings me to LA…I soon realized. It is NOT ALL ABOUT HIM, an ego, and his famous clientele… It’s all about ME!

How refreshing!

He complimented me on my haircut and necklace. He also explained to me because I am an exotic mix of Polish and Chinese descent that my brows were very sparse and they appear to grow straight across. He professionally recommended I use a brow shadow not a pencil or gel. 

Now, let’s go back a bit. Every time he moved his wrists, arms. Face towards me there was the most intoxicating scent coming from him. Not too much …just right.

I had to stop and ask him what might it be. He shared with me it might be his signature scented candles that light up his studio. Or he said it might be something he is testing and wearing a fragrance prototype that he plans to come out with and best of all its going to be unisex. Oh, it is working and he was working it without even trying. He smelled so delicious!!! 

He filled my brows with a natural taupe color and added a little magic eyeliner that is like an instant lift…especially for jet lagged me. It was a product called Pink-A-BOO. Addicted instantly even though I have a candy shoppe of beauty. I had nothing like this. I had to own it. He handed me a mirror to see his masterpiece and then sat me up to view it in the mirror. Forty-six blissful minutes later NO REDNESS nor sticky streaks around my eyes…sadly our time was over.

I was so excited about buying the eye pencil…he had offered to take a picture together and I forgot to do it. His next client had arrived and I was afraid to bother them.

 If YOU want beautiful brows and to meet my new friend fellow make-up artist…

Make Damone Roberts your “Bucket List” for beauty!!!

 

I cannot wait to see him again my next visit in LA or in his studio back home in the best apple to bite into NYC!

Old Hollywood Glamour spot

Formosa Cafe an old Hollywood place serving stars since 1925. The bartender and waitresses are a delight. The FOOD is divine, the decor red and black with an Asian twist. HAPPY HOUR is the right time to go. Drinks are great prices and most of the appetizers are only $4.00. This is what we enjoyed. Alongside a cold beer for him and champagne sipping for me. The ribs~ MANLY portions fit for a Hollywood royalty. Autographed pictures adorn the walls of this retro place. Gotta try it!

While we went in the late afternoon…and did not see a celebrity. They say that at night celeb’s stop by after a night on the town or to eat after a long day of shooting a movie.

You never know what celebrities you might bump into.

Life is a box of yummy chocolates~Taste it!

I am enjoying one bite at a time. Are you?

I am on the road again this time to beautiful California. I can’t wait to share with you my beauty rendezvous’s, eating around at the food trucks and more . Stay tuned…It is going to be delicious~