the beauty blog :: andre chreky :: the salon spa

Surf’s Up!

Ready for the beach? I am! Bumble and bumble has anticipated our sea sighs with two terrific new products, each designed to replicate the laidback, languid, sexy glamour that comes from a day at the shore. These newbies are the perfect complement to the cult favorite, Surf Spray, a staple of beach beauties and fashion stylists since its 2001 launch.

The first new product is Surf Foam Wash Shampoo, a clean-rinsing formula that manages to wash out impurities while maintaining that buoyant body and sea-breezy attitude that murmurs “islands.” Find it at the salon for $25.

The companion product is Surf Crème Rinse Conditioner. It’s lightweight, lending added softness and texture to styles that are free-spirited AND frizz-free. It’s available for $26.

Do you have a beach vacation planned this summer? Where’s your favorite “fun-in-the-sun” getaway?

Foal Play

I know it may be hard to believe, but I’m celebrating my 30^th high school reunion this year. WOW!!! Tempering the “sticker shock” of that milestone has been the joy of reconnecting with long lost classmates on Facebook. I was particularly excited to learn that one of my fabulous and favorite high school friends, Kathryn O’Sullivan, has just finished her first novel, Foal Play. Here’s the publisher’s description:

Colleen McCabe is enjoying an uneventful summer in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, supervising her firefighters, making rounds with her Border collie, and keeping an eye on the wild horses escaped from a local sanctuary. But when a body washes up on shore, Colleen knows trouble has arrived in Corolla. Colleen is ready to launch an investigation, but Sherriff Bill Dorman makes it clear he doesn’t want her butting in. With a gutsy heroine, a loveable dog sidekick, quirky characters, and a charming locale, Kathryn O’Sullivan’s Foal Play is a zany, fun-filled ride sure to please mystery readers.

Kathryn will be having a book talk and signing for Foal Play on Saturday, May 18 from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Bethesda, MD Barnes & Noble.  If you're in the area, be sure to stop in to pick up your autographed copy!!!  If you can't make it on Saturday, buy your copy through Amazon--http://www.amazon.com/Foal-Play-Mystery-Kathryn-OSullivan/dp/1250026598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368714944&sr=8-1&keywords=kathryn+o%27sullivan.

Pretzel Logic

If someone had told me back in February that I would spend the months of March and April bending my body into 26 different contortions, I would have declared them downright TWISTED. But, I am here to tell you that is exactly what I did.

Beginning March 11, I embarked on the demanding Bikram Yoga 60-Day Challenge. I made it all the way through the program…lived to tell about it…and surprisingly, wound up loving the experience!

Bikram Yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury, who takes the fundamentals of Hatha Yoga to the next contorted level. As a student, you learn 26 different postures that systematically work every part of your body. The goal is to give all of your internal organs, veins, ligaments, and muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function. Each component of Bikram Yoga tends to a different body need, yet each works synergistically, contributing to the success of every other posture, and extending its benefits.

I am not a sedentary person, but I have never in my life exercised for 60 consecutive days. Nor did I believe my body could stretch, bend, and respond to such challenging physical demands. Looking back, I am stunned by my stick-to-itness and thrilled by how much more limber I’ve become. I’m proud by what I achieved…and glad that it’s behind me. Will I stick with Bikram? Definitely! Maybe I'll even accomplish the 90-Day Challenge!!!

To find a certified Bikram Yoga studio near you visit Bikramyoga.com. Enjoy!

Honored “Cherry” Guest Cheers Chreky

Washington’s Annual Cherry Blossom celebration never fails to move me with its beauty, pageantry and tradition. Imagine how excited we were to welcome the Former First Lady of Hawaii, Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, to the salon during this year’s festival! Mrs. Ariyoshi was in town to promote cultural awareness and participate in a special April 9 Japanese Tea Ceremony conducted on Capitol Hill for members of Congress.

I really admire Mrs. Ariyoshi; she’s a remarkable woman. I was pleased to learn that she was recently awarded the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays from the Government of Japan. Established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, the award honors notable achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, and in developing social welfare. Mrs. Ariyoshi was awarded this Medal of Honor for her work in the advancement of positive relations between Japan and the US, Japan and Hawaii, and the advancement of Chado (Way of Tea).

It is unprecedented that the Japanese Government has honored two members of the same family with such prestigious awards. Twenty-eight years ago, Governor George Ariyoshi received the Grand Cordon of the Sacred Treasure (Order of the Sacred Treasure, 1st class), Japan’s highest award. Mrs. Ariyoshi, along with Governor Ariyoshi, has contributed greatly to the Northeast Asia Economic Forum, especially its Young Leaders Program.

The Chado Urasenke Tankokai Hawaii Association and Dr. Genshitsu Sen, a fifteenth generation Tea Master from Japan, hosted a commemoration ceremony for Mrs. Ariyoshi on February 17, 2013, celebrating her life of distinguished leadership and service. In a commendation from Governor Neil Abercrombie, Mrs. Ariyoshi was praised for her “enthusiasm, vitality and passion for life”, which “serves as an inspiration to all who have had the pleasure to meet her.” She certainly inspired our staff with her beauty, grace, and warmth!

Serena Comes Clean

One of the nicer perks of my job is getting to test-drive the plethora of products that come into the salon. When it comes to the decision of whether we’ll stock or not stock a treatment, the beauty buck stops with me. With so many wonderful products at my disposal, you might think I’m fickle when it comes to my skin care. Not so. I am a diehard BioElements devotee and my favorite of their products (by far) is their Flash Foam Cleanser. I cannot rave enough about it–since I first tried it, I’ve been a twice-a-day addict. And my skin has never looked better! Flash Foam Cleanser gives a thorough, deep-down cleansing without stripping my skin. My face feels so soft, supple, and clear when I’m finished “foaming up,” I almost hate to continue with the rest of my beauty routine. This month, I’m sharing my obsession with you at an incredible 60% savings. BioElement’s Flash Foam Cleanser normally sells for $35. Through May 31, you can pick up a full-sized bottle for just $14.

This Month, Face Facts

Face it: when your skin glows, the rest of the world looks rosier. Every Thursday throughout the month, we’ll be tempting you with our favorite facials and skin treatments, at 50% discounts that will lift your spirits as well as your features. Make a date to firm-your-derm this month at Andre Chreky!

Thursday, May 2—All Things Pure Facial, $50 (regularly $100)

Thursday, May 9—Calmitude Sensitive Skin Facial, $60 (regularly $120)

Thursday, May 16—Oxygenation Facial, $60 (regularly $120)

Thursday, May 23—Stress Solution Facial, $60 (regularly $120)

Thursday, May 30—Vitamineral Power Facial, $60 (regularly $120)

Retail Roundup

Ok, it’s not a Thursday. But Wednesday, May 1, is the ideal time to stock up on the lotions and potions you need to jump start your fresh-faced month. Cleansers, serums, moisturizers and more (in fact ALL retail goodies) are 20% off at the salon today. Need advice? Our staff will be happy to point you towards the treatments that are just right for you.

Gift Cards “To Go!”

Someone in your life is envious of your gorgeous, glowing skin. Tame that green-eyed monster with an Andre Chreky Gift Card. Your frenemies can use the card to book a facial (or any other salon or spa service) that will put them in the pink right along with you! Save 10% on your gift in-salon gift card purchases, Wednesday, May 29.

Play Your Part

If you’re like most people, your hair decides on which side it wants to be parted, and you play along without too much fuss. Most heads of hair have minds of their own when it comes to left, right, or center parts. But some theorists avow that how you part your hair is indicative of your personality, sending a distinct message to your admiring public. I’m skeptical. But in today’s highly-charged partisan world, perhaps it’s worth considering…

If you part you hair on your left, you are a “thinker” and a “doer,” acting rationally and decisively. The left part projects intelligence, problem-solving capacity, and a skill at consensus building.

If you part your hair on your right, you are sensitive, emotional, intimate, and passionate in your convictions. You are easily swayed by the “heat of the moment,” but are a stalwart and loyal friend.

If you part your fair down the center, you are balanced, easy-going, fair, and charming. You are socially affable, but can dither when it comes to decision-making. Don’t do that!

If you have no part at all, you are a maverick, creative, free-thinking and a tad rebellious.

Do you change your part on a regular basis? And if so, do you notice a difference in the way you act…or the way others act towards you?

My Name is Walter

Our friend Walter is famous! Walter can often be found on K Street, very near the salon, and over the years our team members have formed a close bond with him. Although Walter is unfailing optimistic, it’s hard not to be concerned for his welfare and we’re always grateful for his helping hand when the opportunity arises. So it is extremely touching to learn that the acclaimed author/poet/novelist, Issoufou Ouattara has dedicated his latest collection of poetry, My Name is Walter, to our friend.

Outtara explains, “I want to be a voice for homeless people. This book is inspired from truth. Its emotions and words are those of people I meet, on the streets of Washington, DC, in the USA, and around the world.” An advocate for a better world, Ouattara actively promotes human rights and peace.

Walter is selling My Name is Walter for $10; ask at the front desk for details. Ouattara’s other works can be found on Amazon.com.

Take it to the Matte

I’ve taken quite a shine to a new product recently: BioElements’ Oil Control Mattifier. If you’ve been disappointed by the chalky after-effects of blotting papers and powders, I think you’ll be impressed as well. This featherweight crème stops oil breakthrough in its tracks and keeps surface shine at bay for hours on end. I find my makeup stays put, my pores virtually disappear, and my face has an immaculate – but natural – finish. In true BioElement’s tradition, the ingredients are natural and healthy: Chinese peony, saw palmetto, sesame extract, and pore-pleasing thyme. With warm weather approaching, Oil Control Mattifier is one product you won’t want to be without.

April Brush-Off

Taegu Hair Brushes All sizes, just $10

So many of our customers ask us, “What’s the secret to a great at-home blowout?” Andre believes it’s dependent on the quality of the tools you use. “Invest in a professional grade dryer and a top-quality round brush,” he advises. This month, we’ll help you get started by deeply discounting one of our favorite styling aides: the blue-barreled Spornette brush by Taegu, for just $10. This lightweight brush features tug-free nylon bristles and an aerated barrel to facilitate all levels of heat. Choose small, medium, large, or extra-large depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Taegu brushes are your first step toward sleek, salon-smooth styling!