The Week Before Christmas in the Beauty Salon

The Week Before Christmas in the Beauty Salon

Ciao bella,

Hope all my Glamazons are taking time to smell the roses during this hectic Holidaze Season!

Please enjoy my yearly Christmas parody to a “A Night Before Christmas” that happens to take place in a beauty salon! I take pride to say I wrote this several years ago.

Wishing all my Post Gazette readers and staff a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy

‘Twas The Week Before Christmas when all through the salon The scissors were clicking; the mad rush was on. The hairdressers were busy primping the coifs; Perm odor, tinting, hair spray—what cough? The nail-techs stayed sitting; painting their art, And the patrons were in and out like a dart. The receptionist was praying for the end of the day, While just out the window she noticed a sleigh. And in walked a lady all covered in flour; She said she’d been baking for hours and hours. “I’ve seen to the children, but what of myself? “My husband’s been busy and couldn’t spare an elf. “My nails are all broken; my hair feels like glue; “I hope there is someone who can make me feel new.” With that gleam in her eye it was hard to say “no”— Mary volunteered for the job—ho, ho, ho! Shampoo, shampoo, how do you do? Rollers and gel—need the dryer too. With a trick of her brush she was coiffed in a flash; Manicured, painted, and dried in a dash. Her nails were all shiny—painted “jungle-red.” The smile on her face left nothing unsaid. As she waved us good-bye, Merry Christmas to all, Everyone stopped to see the great haul. While out the window we all began to peer At a giant sleigh and eight strong reindeer! Our lady hopped right in and with a nod to go Off went her chariot above all the snow. Jingle, jingle, jingle you can hear the bells ring. It was a sight to behold there were songs to sing.

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America! And God Bless our new President Donald J. Trump.

Have you missed any of Mary's columns in the Post-Gazette? Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns on her website www.mary4nails.com. She is a third-generation cosmetologist and owner of Mary for Nails, etc. natural nailcare salon in Andover, and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183. She also sees select clients by appointment in Boston at (617) 742-6881.

All I Want For Christmas is ... LUSH!

All I Want For Christmas is ... LUSH!

Ciao bella,

It’s that time of year again when shopping lists are long. Make it a one-stop place to buy for whoever is “naughty or nice!” — your favorite LUSH store. Or let your fingers to do the walking and order it all online at www.lushusa.com.

LUSH keeps an extensive array of the most wonderful fun inventory for Christmas and throughout the year. Here are a just a few of my faves:

New Lip Scrubs are SANTA BABY-scented in cola-flavored and also SUGAR PLUM FAIRY — a tasty Blackcurrant. Makes lips kissable for those moments under the mistletoe!

CHRISTINGLE-body conditioner scented with peppermint and menthol with crystals to energize skin. Like an extra cuppa jo!

Bath Bombs-New NORTHERN LIGHTS — an Aurora bath-ealis experience and LUXURY LUSH PUD-a soothing lavender. Sink into the rainbow.

FAIRY DUST — a sparkling powder with a sweet scent to light up your life! I’ll be sprinkling everyone’s hands with this after their manicure!

ROSE JAM SHOWER GEL — by repeated demand is back! Lovers of Rose rejoice.

GOTH FAIRY SHIMMER BAR — apply over your skin to cast a spell on whoever gazes your way! Hydrating illipe and cupuacu butters soften skin. Leaves a touch of glittery shine and a scent of fruity bergamot and grapefruit perfume. Dreamy!

FIRESIDE SOAP — like a bonfire that has the warming scents of spicy clove bud oil with vanilla. A cozy feel!

MR SANDMAN DUSTING POWDER — will bring you a dream with LUSH’s popular Twilight Perfume. A send off with powdered lavender and chamomile.

SPARKLING RED SLIPPERS BUBBLE BAR — just click your heels three times to be transported to a sparkling wonderland of spicy carnation and sensual rose!

REINDEER ROCK Soap — a sparkling bar with scents of Scandinavian lingonberry fruit berries, leaving you refreshed, comforted, and soothed, ready for the Christmas rush!

ELF — build your own Christmas Buddy with this pliable fruity cocktail-scented bar! Great lather!

Keep Glamping it up with LUSH, stay soft, smooth, and smelling great during the Holidaze!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Coconut Oil is Still The Rage!

Coconut Oil is Still The Rage!

Ciao bella,

You can cook with it and use it cosmetically. Coconut Oil used to be discouraged in cooking due to its high percentage of saturated fats. Now there is a better understanding of the roll fats play in a balanced diet. So using it for cooking, including buttering your toast with it, is being encouraged.

Through my experiences in purchasing Coconut Oil, I suggest an edible brand to use in cooking and cosmetically. Edible oils are government regulated. I would stick with a Fair Trade Organic Coconut Oil for both uses.

Coconut Oil is actually one of nature’s miracles! Its multiple uses in cooking, cosmetic, and immune support are just a few of its marvelous benefits. I’m here to encourage the use of Coconut Oil cosmetically. Now that Old Man Winter is coming, here are a few tips to stay moisturized.

Make your own Facial Cleanser: massage a teaspoon of Coconut Oil into your skin, then rinse with warm water. Prevents dryness.

Body Moisturizer: Coconut Oil makes a rich moisturizer with its high fat content. Apply on hands, feet, dry spots, and cuticles.

Lip Scrub: mix together 1/2 teaspoon each of honey, brown sugar, and Coconut Oil. Apply on lips in a circular motion for kissable and soft lips. Great exfoliant.

Eye Makeup Remover: great for waterproof Mascara. Use Coconut Oil on a cotton ball and gently wipe away. Never rub or stretch near eyes or skin.

Use Coconut Oil as a Shaving Cream:

A couple of spoonfuls in your bath water with a few drops of your fav perfume makes for a mini spa experience.

Hair Mask: great for super curly dry hair. Once a week for 15 minutes will add shine and moisture. A small amount on finished dry hair keeps the Frizzes away.

Time to get slick with Coconut Oil today!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Beauty is Friendship, Friendship Beauty ... even on Facebook!

Beauty is Friendship, Friendship Beauty ... even on Facebook!

Ciao bella,

Steering away from cosmetics this time around as I sometimes do, let’s think about Friendships. After all, to have a Friend is a truly beautiful experience. The camaraderie, the opinions that we all have a right to express, common interests in sports, movies, recipes, and books. All these aspects have made Facebook fun, a place to go/a place to escape!

As I write today, we still haven’t chosen a President. When we do fi nd out, not even he or she can give us Friends. They will certainly have their hands full with all the usual promises. This election has become brutal and quite ugly. Especially on Facebook! I was so happy to be on this Social Media train. I found wonderful Friends from high school, I found my childhood Friends (“The Barbie Doll” gang!!), and also found new ones. I almost had to, with all the defriending, ignoring of posts that I always saw “likes” galore and now just a few, along with the “unfollows.” All due to this election, since I am a Deplorable with many liberal friends. At this point, I don’t even care who wins. I have also noticed Facebook Friends who were always on are not even there or are just pretending not to be there. They are most likely tired of seeing their candidate ripped to shreds! Peeps, keep it together! We will all wake up tomorrow thinking what was I thinking? I am not an innocent here as well. But hey, you started it ...there we go ...

I grew up in a Democratic home. My Mom was the Treasurer for many years for the Women Democrats of the Merrimack Valley, “Minga Valley,” in Methuen. Dahlia Balls, trips to Washington, DC! It was a glorious time for her meeting all the Kennedys. My beloved JFK especially. And now I live next door to where he used to live on Bowdoin on Beacon Hill.

When I first met my David, Mom said, “What a great guy! I hope it’s not too good to be true for you.” (How Italian is that?) I replied by saying, “Yes, there is one thing. He’s a Republican!” My Mom blew it off by saying “Never let Politics interfere with Friendships or a love interest; what is inside a person is his kindness, integrity, and intentions, these are what’s important.” My Mom was a very wise person. There was little she warned me about that hasn’t come true!

So my Friends, please remember my Mom’s wisdom and wise words.

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Mascara 2016

Mascara 2016

Ciao bella,

Just a little Mascara, brow gel, and some lipstick and we’re ready to go! A sanitized version of what we really paint on! I call it “the quick Cinderella!”

So since I’ve grown out my long and lovely, natural lashes, I’ve learned quite a few more tips on Mascara. Here I am to share the do’s and don’t of applying this wonderful cosmetic. First of all, there are so many different kinds and brands. Promising the thickest, longest and fullest lashes ever! I do believe in paying a bit more for a Mascara formula that has conditioning agents to keep lashes as healthy as possible.

The best formulations are ones containing a conditioning formula for lash growth and for lash follicle. I use a lash serum everyday to keep my lashes long and flexible.

A moisturizer in the Mascara is a plus. You want to keep lashes soft and pliable. If lashes get too stiff with inferior ingredients, you could end up with broken and thinned out lashes. Check the labels for ingredients

Only use waterproof Mascara on occasion when you feel that water/tears may make the product run. Waterproof Mascara is extremely difficult to remove, even with the best Mascara remover. I do not care for oily removers that leave a residue on skin and eyes. Eyes are sensitive, so be aware of what goes near them. When you do remove Mascara, be sure to soak a cotton pad with remover. Apply cotton pad for 30-60 seconds and then gently wipe away. For a list of my fav Mascaras that I adore, please email or call me.

Of course, remove your Mascara fi rst every time you apply your cleansing routine and it’s off to bed. Sleeping with Mascara still on puts unnecessary pressure on lashes. Breakage of lashes and eye infections are always a problem. Nasty eye infections/contamination can be avoided by ALWAYS using a different cotton pad for each eye during removal.

Lately I’ve heard of a Mascara that, with continued use, will darken your lashes.

There are a variety of colors from blue, violet to green. I love my black which makes eyes pop! Also, if you apply a soft black pencil between lashes, your Mascara will be working overtime! Really fabulous trick to get “eye popping” results. Experiment and try for yourself.

I believe in changing brands. It’s interesting to see the different and unique looks you can get with each Mascara. After all, they are advertised to create different looks.

So, Glamazons, these are my Mascara tips for 2016! Lash out today!

Wishing my readers and coworkers at the Post-Gazette a “Spooky Halloween.”

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Scrub It Away!

Scrub It Away!

Ciao bella,

I have always been a true believer of “Skin Scrubs.” Especially in my industry, it helps to slough and soften skin, eliminating dead skin cells. Used mostly in pedicures, I always include a sugar scrub with all of my manicures. There are so many different scents to choose from: chocolate, mango, ginger tea, grapefruit, etc. while stimulating the senses!

I recently used a personalized New product from Voesh: pedi in a box! The four steps (or a deluxe six-step process) are all included; the soak, the scrub, the masque and the massage lotion. It’s an environmentally safe product; 100 percent fresh for each client, free of parabens and other harmful chemicals, and no cross contamination since each “box” carries enough product for each step. Their mani in a box, a three-step waterless mani, is heavenly! You can use some of the scrub on your lips to exfoliate! Want New hands? Try their Collagen gloves. Voesh is the newest spa rage in the industry! Check out info@Voesh.com for the latest technology in spa care.

Back to just Scrubs! The salt and sugar blended Scrubs can be applied in a gentle, circular motion leaving the skin with a supple feel. Dead Sea Salts and Epsom salts are also used for their high mineral content because of their anti-fungal properties, etc. I prefer using a fine Sugar Scrub during manicures since the sugar is less abrasive. The Salt Scrubs are great for pedicures.

The oil in a Scrub acts as a moisturizer promoting heathy skin. The oils used are usually Essential Oils with soothing aromas. I have always used aromatherapy in my shop. The different scents are mood enhancing, promoting calmness, memories from childhood, and just an over-all euphoria. Carrier oils used in most Scrubs are almond, grapeseed, fl ax seed, coconut, and jojoba.

Make your own Lip Scrub by adding several drops of Olive Oil to a few teaspoons of sugar until it’s a paste. Gently apply to your lips in a circular motion and rinse. Then you’ll have kissable lips!

So go out today and get Scrubbed!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Celebrate the Pumpkin

Celebrate the Pumpkin

Ciao bella,

One of the only saving graces to the end of summer and the start of autumn are the magnificent colors of the season. The grand pumpkin! Bright eye candy! It’s an uplifting sight to see them lined up at farm stands and piled up in front of the grocers. Such a sturdy fruit, so yummy and then again another of Mother Nature's beauty treatments and medicinal cures!

This orange squash is native to North America. Approximately 90 percent of pumpkins from United States are grown in Illinois. Pumpkin color can vary but most popular are orange and yellow.

Inside the core which contain the seeds is high in nutrients with the seeds having a high Zinc content, known to be terrific for the skin. The Zinc helps to heal acne blemishes and sooth irritated skin. The alpha-hydroxy acids help to exfoliate and revitalize. The pulp is also used to reduce the appearance of scarring. The bright colored fruit are chalk full of multivitamins which nourish the skin.

The vitamin C maintains skin health by preventing the collagen from breaking down. Vitamin A softens and cleanses and softens the skin.

In days gone by it was staple food of the Native Americans. They used it to make medicine and wove dried strips of it into mats. Was also used as a cure for freckles and as a remedy for snake bites! You can find the benefits of pumpkin in your beauty aisle. There are peels and facial masks and anti-aging creams along with lotions, shampoos and body washes.

Here is a do-it-yourself facial with this extraordinary fruit! Mix 2 teaspoons pureed pumpkin, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon heavy cream. Smooth on face leaving on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water for glowing, smoother skin!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Your Cosmetic Bag

Your Cosmetic Bag

Ciao bella,

It’s that time of year to clean out the old and make room for the new! As a professional, I know that sanitization has a huge effect on our health and well-being. I understand many of us Glamazons can get attached to some fave make-up or cream; however, our old and used stuff goes beyond the expiration date. Hanging on to such items can cause unnecessary drama. All cosmetics, once we open and use them, start to harbor bacteria.

Bacteria can cause unpleasant breakouts, eye infections, and even rashes!

So here is a professional list I go by on how long we should keep our cosmetics and when we should toss them.

Mascara and eyeliner are huge on collecting bacteria. So 3 months should be the limit on keeping and using them.

Lipstick should be tossed between 1 and 2 years. In fact, with some lipsticks, they will have a rancid type odor. Toss immediately!

Face cream should also be used up in 3 months.

Foundation will last for 1 year. When applying, try not to touch tip of bottle/applicator so as not to promote bacteria and cause contamination. It will alsocarry a rancid smell when it’s gone bad. Toss yesterday! Face oil will also be good for 1 year. After that long, take a sniff and you’ll know if it’s useable.

Sunscreen usually has an expiration date and I would go by that. I say 1 year for it. Loose powder is supposed to be tossed after a year as well.

As for your makeup brushes, please clean regularly with a brush cleaner or Woolite.

I hope these tips will keep you beautiful and healthy. It’s a new season and time for a new palette!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Eyelashes in Retro! A Look Back!

Eyelashes in Retro! A Look Back!

Ciao bella,

The hype today on Brows and Lashes is incredible! However, centuries ago women and men prided themselves with the same hype, only differently. Let’s go back and see!

In Egypt 3500 B.C., Eyelids and Lashes were taken very seriously. Women and men used black and green toned ointments to enhance their eyes. Not only for style, but as a sunscreen and disinfectant. It was also believed to be an aphrodisiac, invoking the image of sun god Ra.

From 753 B.C.to 625 B.C., the women of Ancient Rome used kohl, saffron and burnt cork to make their lashes lustrous and thick. It was a sign of chastity.

From 1533 to 1603, Queen Elizabeth’s gold/red hair was highly regarded. Ladies used dangerous liquids to achieve the color for their eyebrows and lashes!

In 1840, Eugene Rimmel put out one of the first nontoxic mascaras. The word “rimmel” means mascara in more than 5 languages. It’s not my favorite brand of cosmetics!

In 1916, false eyelashes of human hair were woven though gauze. According to a Hollywood legend, the director wanted his star to have lashes that “brushed her cheeks to make her eyes shine larger than life” for a film. Love that!

In 1920, Maybelline mascara was trademarked by Tom Lyle Williams. Named after his sister Maybel, who used petroleum jelly, ash and coal dust to darken her singed lashes after a stove fire!

In 1923, a U.S. Patent for “Artificial Eyelashes” by Germanborn hair stylist Charles Nessler was issued.

In 1923, the first eyelash curler, the Kurlash, was invented. Even though it was difficult to use and costly, it was very popular as it achieved the desired effect.

In 1938, waterproof mascara was patented by Viennese actress Helene Vierthaler. The hot stage lights would make mascara run, so that was a divine call!

In 1958, Revlon invented the roll-on mascara in shades of green, violet and blue. The blue was a favorite of mine!

In 1967, “Twiggy Lashes” by Yardley were the rage, selling more than 20 million pairs in U.S. annually.

In 1971, the famous pink tube was launched by Maybelline for Great Lash Mascara.

In 1988, Max Factor introduced No Color Mascara, making eyelashes look shiny, thick and more natural. Great for girls attending strict Catholic schools, at least in my day!

In 2001, Jennifer Lopez sported red fox fur lashes to the Academy Awards, sparking the brand’s Tokyo Lash Bar at Shu Uemura.

In 2004, Eyelash extensions came swinging into U.S., offering product and training in Lashing soon to follow. Between 2006 and 2008, a host of manufacturers introduced Cosmetic Eyelash Conditioners for diminished lashes due to illness, genes, cancer treatments, poorly trained professionals using inferior product for eyelash extensions, etc.

I grew my lashes back beautifully with Grande Lash in a gold tube.

So here you have Eyelashes and Brows through the Ages. Grow a pair and feel the Beauty!

After a divine summer, here’s wishing my readers, colleagues and friends a Happy and Safe Labor Day weekend!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Summer, 2016!

Summer, 2016!

Ciao bella,

Ahhhh ... Summer ... beautiful Summer! Don’t forget these magnifi cent days. We really have been blessed with a dreamy season. Our Summer in Boston has been the best-spent Summer ever. New and talented friends have rocked my world.

Here is the Beauty of Summer;

The feel of the warm air as you exit your air conditioned abode
envelopes your whole being.
The sun gently touches your face making you squint.
Your lounge chair calling for a nap.
The smells of the air in Summer are endless.
The freshly mowed grass with fragrant leaves
capture memories of days gone by.
I like the aroma of our salt water pool.
The grills in Cabanaland filling the Summer air with
culinary delights ready to satisfy the cook and its companions.
Summer’s garden flowers surround us
with their beauty and intoxicating scent.
The Farmer’s Market fruit and vegetable fare
is fresh and bright, a feast for all the senses.
Warm ocean breezes, beach pizza, and seafood permeate the shore.
The chirping of the crickets
on a warm Summer night, playing their tunes.
Hair up-do’s and bright Summer jewelry.
Simple clothing, sandals, open-toed shoes,
bare feet, and pedicures to show them off.
Cool, light, thin dresses. Bathing suits.
Summer rain drops and getting caught in them!
Savor these luscious Summer days and nights ...
feel, see, and hear the Beauty!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Highlight it with Glossier!

Highlight it with Glossier!

Ciao bella,

I’ve known for years how important Highlighter is to frame your face. In fact, there are many different kinds to choose from when it comes to your preference. There are matte, luminescent, glittery, frosted, and sheer Highlighters to purchase. All depends on your mood, what time of day, and season! The light-reflecting shimmer makes your face radiant-looking while sculpting features. A new nick name for Highlighting is called “strobing”! The look you are going for in this cosmetic world is filled with variety.

Well, let me make this easy for you! Recently I discovered the universe’s fi rst dew-infused Highlighting stick — HALOSCOPE by Glossier. It comes in two enhancing shades. I was skeptical at fi rst, however, one swipe and I was hooked! My first experience was with “Quartz” — crafted with actual rose quartz to give a fl attering, pearlescent Highlight.

After I used the Quartz shade (pre-tan) on my temples, lower cheekbone, and Cupid’s bow, I could see a lovely Highlight that was not fake-looking, however, dewy!

The second shade, “Topaz,” crafted with golden topaz extracts, shows off a healthy sun-kissed glow! Now I use both shades together. Topaz on high cheekbone area and Quartz on lower cheekbone! Certainly enhances my safe tan! Experiment with your temples, inner corners of your eyes, Cupid’s bow, under eyebrow bone, and down center of nose! I truly adore these two shades to Highlight!

Glossier has reinvented the beauty experience since its launch in October 2014. They make easy-to-use beauty essentials that has garnered them the Women’s Wear Daily Beauty Inc.’s prestigious Digital Innovator of The Year Award in December!

Please get enlightened at Glossier.com!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Have a LUSH-ious Summer 2016

Have a LUSH-ious Summer 2016

Ciao bella,

Once again, Lush has put out some fun, skin happy products to make you feel great inside and out! Aromatherapy is just such a huge part of my life and routine. If I forget to spritz my perfume, it’s like forgetting to put my skirt on over my slip (which I’ve managed to do!). Try some Lush perfumes for an uplifting experience!

LUSH is all about scent, softness and silly! LUSH is also a “green” and serious company which uses many different countries to utilize a specific ingredient of those regions to enhance your Lush-ious experience. It’s all about Fair Trade. As for silly, their new Bath Bomb “Lava Lamp” looks like a ’60s Lava Lamp and smells divine with orbs of fl oating cocoa butter. A hypnotic spectacle of Sicilian mandarin, tangerine and orange fl ower. Groovy baby! By the way I use my Bath Bombs not only for the bath but to soak my feet in a hot basin after a long day. The LUSH-ious fragrance wafts through the air putting you in exotic lands. LUSH, take me away!!

Lately everyone has been sun-conscious, as it should be. LUSH has put out a new product called “Black Stockings.” Gives your bod a sun-kissed look. Great for legs! New “Outback Mate” will wash away the blues with it’s zingy blend of eucalyptus infusion with lemongrass and peppermint oils. A sure mood changer! One of my favorites is “Green,” a moldable cleanser that smells divine from lemon, lime and gardenia essential oils!

“Jersey Bounce” is a volumizing shampoo for swinging hair scented beautifully with lemon. Nourishing honey and protein-rich organic free range eggs soften and condition, leaving hair shiny and manageable.

“African Paradise” is a new luxurious body conditioner leaving skin soft with a fl oral scent. These amazing ingredients have been carefully handpicked from the various SLush Fund projects in Africa, including Ghana and Kenya.

“Lush has been fighting against animal testing for over 30 years. Freshness is a philosophy that we live and breathe. Everything we do has a handmade touch. Everything we make is always 100 percent vegetarian.”

Another huge fave of mine is “Turkish Delight.” A shower smoothie with a rich blend of Turkish rose absolute, extra moisturizing cocoa butter, and almond oil. All whipped into a delightful soap smoothie!

LUSH is available at many locations near you, and most conveniently online at www.lushusa.com. Sign up for their newsletter and be the fi rst to smell and feel your best!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Beauty is Marilyn Monroe!

Beauty is Marilyn Monroe!

Ciao bella,

Marilyn's Tomb

On June 1st this year was the iconic film star's 90th birthday! Her fans came out in droves. She lived to be only 36 years old. A self made women and well read in her short life was remarkable. Her death is still a mystery to some people. My opinion is that the demons in her mind took over and she didn't have the network of true friends and doctors to help lead the way. It goes for many.

The week of her birthday were all kinds of TV shows on her life. Documentaries and of course her famous movies that whisked her from her skirt blowing up to stardom.

At the peak of it all she knew how much the audience adored her. The camera also loved her! There will be no else like Marilyn again. She was a diamond herself.

My love for Marilyn all started with my "Nail Tech" career. My boss at the time asked me to show him my technique. I would spray scented water on the hands between steps during the manicure. He asked what is that? I said it's scented water. The boss let me know I that I should give that step a name. Ex. Jean Harlow water, Greta Garbo water? As you may figure it was finally called Marilyn Monroe Water! I found picture stickers of her to place on the spray bottle. ( I'm also a sticker queen) Whenever a sticker looked rough I'd change it. Now you must know I really didn't know much about this Marilyn Monroe until I incorporated her " water" into my service. My clients gave me everything Marilyn as gifts. I received her movies, calendars every year, posters, pictures, Channel perfume (was Marilyn's favorite), small statues etc. I became to know her as a talented actress with beauty beyond our dreams! She was said to have manufactured the " Marilyn " look by herself! Brilliant!

I've become a huge fan of this gal. I was lucky enough to win a lottery ticket and attend Christy's Auction House in New York City when all her belongings were auctioned off! I was inches away when thee dress that she wore to sing Happy Birthday to John F. Kennedy came out on display. Christy's dimmed it's lights and thee dress moved forward on a lighted mannequin! Quite spectacular! Memorable!

My husband David drove me to Brooklyn, N.Y. for an elaborate photo exhibition of her.

All the famous photographers who were lucky enough to have met her and capture her image were all notably credited. A stupendous trip!

I've also been to her grave at Pierce Brothers in Los Angeles and spent quite a few hours there. A cement bench dedicated to Marilyn is where one can sit and dream!

My house is peppered with Marilyn! From a Barbie like telephone that when it rings she starts singing "I want to be loved by you" while her white skirt blows up over a NYC street grate! I'm not kidding. I even replaced the " fan" recently. Oh and let's not forget our Marilyn bathroom! Pictures on the walls and lip soaps for days!

This Birthday month deserves a kind thought for Marilyn! So do it and watch one of her movies! We can still dream!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

What's in Your Cosmetics?

What's in Your Cosmetics?

Ciao bella,

It just makes sense that natural is the way to go. Cosmetics contain so many artificial, toxic and allergic ingredients. We should be more careful what we use on our skin as well as what we ingest in our bodies.

Check your labels!

Watch out for those parabens. They preserve cosmetics and are widely used in almost everything. This chemical preservative can't be safely used in any skincare products that contain collagen, elastic, placenta, hydrolyzed animal protein or keratin.

Nitric acid is an inorganic acid used as an oxidizer and stabilizer in cosmetics. It is a corrosive liquid that can irritate skin.

Mineral oil is a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It can increase the response of the skin to ultraviolet rays and can cause sunburn without any allergic effect being involved.

Even petroleum jelly, also a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons, pollutes our water and destroys marine life. Avoiding them is essential for the health of humans, animals, fish, water, land and air.

Hydrocarbon is a synthetic chemical compound containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms. This large group includes paraffins, olefins, acetylenes, and alicyclic, and of course, petroleum. They are potentially allergenic and phototoxic as described above.

Sodium laurel sulfate is a popular ingredient used as a detergent, emulsifier, and surfactant in over a thousand cosmetic products including shampoos, toothpastes, lotions and creams. It may be labeled "natural" but it's not. And it is produced synthetically and is hardly ever made from coconut oil (even when the label says it is).

In a world with so many artificially produced ingredients it would be difficult to completely abandon all our fav products. But what we can all do is educate ourselves and eliminate or cut back our everyday bad products and replace them with natural and 100 percent ECCO certified organic ones. Do your research and know what's on the label.

Start by trying KOSMEA, an all-natural skincare line.

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America.

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Attention: Eyebrows

Attention: Eyebrows

Ciao bella,

Your Eyebrows frame your face. They instantly bring forward a dramatic prelude to the rest of your look.

Today, more Eyebrow is stylish and becoming. There was a time in the Madonna craze when she looked like she didn’t pluck or wax a hair. So I decided to grow mine out. It was certainly a look. However, I love the arch of the Brow and the clean circumference you can create with shaping by tweezing or, better yet, waxing. NADS is the best way to achieve that clean look. It is a sugar-based Brow wand depilatory with no sticky, gooey mess! Any residue washes off with water.

A quick makeup rule is: to look decent, all you need are well shaped Brows and lipstick! For professional advice, I would make an appointment with a Brow specialist. They will be able to show you how to create a Brow for you. Home care is essential.

Remember when I grew out my Madonna Brows? Well, where are all those hairs now? Another trick of Mother Nature tapping on our door to let us know who is boss! Defi nitely, it’s her. So, to outmaneuver all her tricks we must combat and overcome to be the best we can be! There is so much professional help out there, take advantage of it.

After cleaning up and shaping my Brows, I use Wunderbrow to fill in and shape. Comes with a brush to perfect shape. Stays on until you wash it off. No smudging or dripping. This is a liquid-type liner that you may choose in your color. I learned way back NOT to use a pencil. It drags out delicate Brow hairs that stay gone forever. So no pencil to shape Brows.

Recently I noticed a FB acquaintance who never really had Eyebrows. Lately I noticed the last dozen or so pictures of her with these dark painted Eyebrows that looked hideous! Is this a college “dare” or what? This prompted me to write this column!

Take care of your Eyebrows! There are also serums you can apply everyday to regain hair growth. Take it from me that they work following the manufacturer’s directions.

So my Glamazons, hope you are inspired to give the proper attention to your Brows!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Growing Out My Own Eyelashes

Growing Out My Own Eyelashes

Ciao bella,

I certainly enjoyed almost a full year of gorgeous Eyelash Extensions! I loved my appointments at a very fashionable Newbury St. Salon. I will miss that and the instant empowerment of Beautiful Eyelashes. Waking every day looking and feeling grand!

However there comes a day when you just miss your own lashes. It was certainly going to be a challenge at this time to grow them out. I decided to remove the individual fakes at a time when own lashes were in a "shedding" phase of barely noticeable to the naked eye! Oh the horror! After all I always had pretty long and lovely ones of my own. Just not as full and dark as when the individual extensions were applied. So my journey begins!

I knew there were Lash Serums on the market since I used to apply it on my flutters years ago. And I know it worked. However I needed the best of the best so I could grow these " babies" back.

First of all getting me through just the first day of looking at myself with part of me gone was traumatic! A friend of mine a while back was raving about her fab mascara! (Before extensions) So she gave me a tube and after applying it I found that little tubes seem to be wrapped around each individual lash, lengthening and thickening. Removal was a cinch with a warm cotton pad! No damage, no oil and no rubbing. After taking a selfie that first day I knew I had a long road ahead however my lashes looked pretty good. However it was back to using mascara everyday. Another plus of this journey was I could never use my various eyeliners with the Lash Extensions for fear of losing them. Now my blues, greens, purples etc. are back front and center to line my lids colorfully.

I inquired with another Eyelash obsessed friend who met a gal with super-duperlashes that were all her own! Her serum was the one I wanted. So after 4 weeks of applying serum once a day I can see new growth and thickness of my own Eye Lashes. I am very happy. And after 6-8 weeks, a few more months maybe I'll be even thrilled!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Beauty Oils Spring 2016

Beauty Oils Spring 2016

Ciao bella,

Beauty Oils! What are they exactly and what do they do? You can find them everywhere at you favorite cosmetic haunts! Here I'll explain the Beauty and Health benefits of Beauty Oils!

Rosehip Oil - with wrinkle fighting vitamin A, it nourishes skin from past damage and increases cell revitalization. Use a small amount morning and night for a smoother complexion. Rosehip Oil also contains vitamin C and E which are notable antioxidants for anti-aging. I have used and sold Rosehip Oil for almost 20 years with fantastic results! Read below to purchase.

Olive Oil -great for a dry, itchy scalp. Saturate your scalp, leave on 20 minutes and thoroughly shampoo followed with a conditioner. Also makes hair shiny and manageable.

Jojoba Oil -found in body soaps, shampoos and face creams. Extracted from a plant known as a wonderful skin softener. Keeps frizzy hair tamed with a few drops or a hair treatment.

Argan Oil -also known as "liquid gold" in Morocco for a host of Beauty rituals. I use a few drops in my hair just before styling. Notable for it's vitamin E which strengthens hair and nails with daily use. Yes Glamazons, its maintenance for us gals everyday! What price Beauty?

Almond Oil -has been easing the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema with its Omega-3 ingredients. Great on irritated skin for it's calming properties. Enriched body moisturizer is a must!

Coconut Oil -this has been the new trend as it is full of nourishing fatty acids. Great as a make up remover. Use on dry skin anywhere to relieve flakiness. Face, body, lips and cuticles at this time of year can use all the moisture they need.

Grapeseed Oil -full of anti-oxidants that restore collagen, softening lines and helping skin to stay firm. Contains anti-aging properties. Great on hands as a treatment with a warm cloth for 10 minutes.

These are just a few of the Beauty Oils out there that I believe to be most popular and beneficial. If you find these ingredients in any of your cosmetics check for their purity and Best Buy dates.

If you need more details on these oils, please email or call me.

So now go out and "get soft" !!!!

Buona Pasqua to all my Post Gazette Family and readers!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Hair Shine!

Hair Shine!

Ciao bella,

Sometimes the best solutions are right under our noses. Like in our pantry.

One thing I know we do to our locks is use lots of product. Whether it's to add a film to make hair shiny, styling gel or hair spray to keep it in place, they all build up and reek havoc on our strands! Hot rollers, blow dry, flat iron and curling iron also can do their share of damage and cause dryness. So we must fight back with some tender loving care.

First we must remove the product build-up without stripping hair of it's natural oils. This will allow these ingredients below to penetrate hair shaft for amazing results. Wash and condition hair as usual. Combine 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spritz damp hair and leave on for 5 minutes. Then rinse. Smell will dissipate once hair is dried.

Apple Cider Vinegar has anti-fungal properties and is great for dry scalp as well as sealing and smoothing hair cuticle resulting in a beautiful shine!

These next two Hair Mask concoctions work wonders!

Remember protein and moisture are key ingredients for stronger and shinier hair.

Mix together egg whites and coconut oil in a bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Apply to damp hair and leave on for 15 minutes. Shampoo and see the shine!

To thicken your hair use this Pumpkin Conditioning Treatment.

Pumpkin is full of potassium which encourages hair growth, also rich in vitamin A that's healthy for the scalp.

In a blender mix together 2 cups of pumpkin (cooked and mashed), 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon honey. Blend until mixture is smooth at room temp.

Apply to damp hair and cover with a plastic cap for 15 minutes. Wash out well, condition and style as always.

Hope these tips will improve your locks as they did mine. So do it and go out and razzle, dazzle them today!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Coffee for Beauty and Health

Coffee for Beauty and Health

Ciao bella,

Are you tired of hearing one minute "Don't eat this!" "Don't drink that!" ? One of them was Coffee as you may have heard. Turns out it's very good for you. Your morning wake up blend of Java can prevent certain types of cancer, prevent type 2 diabetes along with a slew of reasons to indulge. The benefits may make a tea drinker think again.

Coffee has now made it's way into beauty regimens! Here are some tips on the many benefits of Coffee. We pay for products to do what simple Coffee will conquer!

Spa enthusiasts recommend some cooled down Coffee grounds applied under your eyes to eliminate puffy eyes. Soak a cotton pad with Coffee grounds & relax for 20 minutes. Rinse off grounds with cold water.

Coffee used as an exfoliant. The grounds have a perfect consistency to rub your whole bod. Coffee beans contain caffeic acid which boosts collagen. Also good for cellulite.

To brighten your skin with a mask. Apply 2 tablespoons of organic plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon of ground Coffee to clean skin. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse for a glowing and radiant complexion. The caffeine helps stimulate circulation.

A great exfoliant for your scalp is necessary to eliminate dead skin cells. Use 1/3 of ground Coffee to wet scalp and massage in a circular motion for 60 seconds. Rinse and follow with your usual routine of shampoo and conditioner. The Coffee will give your hair a beautiful shine.

To increase circulation and reduce a puffy face, here is the trick! Freeze Coffee ice cubes in advance. To also brighten skin trace a cube around bone structure. Done every day will show results of reduced puffiness.

So my dear Glamazons I hope these Coffee tips will help make you more appealing and feeling glam! Go out and grab a cup or two of joe!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

LUSH it Up for Valentine's Day and Easter 2016!

LUSH it Up for Valentine's Day and Easter 2016!

Ciao bella,

I was so excited to see all the New Lush products for our upcoming holidays! Not only do they smell delish and are ready to smooth out winter's wrinkles but great eye candy! Cheering up anyone's day of the blues.

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are a treasure trove of "feeling the best you can be this winter season"! So let's see here just a few of the Lush-ious products they have for you!

Prince Charming Shower Cream- it's definitive scent is a rich blend of grapefruit, sandalwood and geranium oils. Fair Trade vanilla and fresh pomegranate juice leaves your skin soft and glowing. Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter is used for richness. Guaranteed to sweep you off your feet into the sunset!!

The Kiss Lip Scrub- sugar and sea salt polish your lips to keep them kissable.

The Kiss lip gloss- moisturizing and luxurious with protective butters including Fair Trade shea butter. Has a subtle pink glossy sheen and a natural skin plumper for irresistible lips!

Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair shower gel- for those gals that have to! Do it with beautifully floral lavender, Jasmine and rose petal-infusion and an empowering combo of fig juice and guava. Will become part of the Lush permanent collection.

Unicorn Horn bubble bar- shaped into a pastel Horn you can enjoy a magical bath of beautiful essential oils, rainbows and dreams. Pastel colors are soothing with a shimmer of enchanting pink waters, sparkling with silver swirls. A calming, mystical, uplifting fragrance of ylang ylang, neroli and lavender awaits you with mounds of mystical bubbles!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow soap-contains Sicilian mandarin and neroli oils with a dash of Turkish rose to pop you back up on your feet! Sweet!

NEW! Bouncy Bunny shower jelly- uplifting Brazilian oil brightens and tones your skin while seaweed extract works it's magic to soften.

NEW! Roses All The Way soap- shaped like a curvy Red Rose this will soften and sooth your skin with decadent rose oil and sweet rose syrup. A Rose garden at your fingertips.

This is just a few of the LUSH collection of goodies for all to indulge!

Happy Valentine's Day to all with love and kisses!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Charcoal-a Beauty Treatment!

Charcoal-a Beauty Treatment!

Ciao bella,

You won't find it near your grill in the backyard. It's not the latest discovery sinceCharcoal has been around for a very, very long time. You can find it at your fav Beauty Counter with quality products.

Activated Charcoal is being used to purify skin acting as a lifesaver for your complexion.

We use all kinds of makeup and never realize that just washing and rinsing it off isn't enough. Going out into the environment whether it's cold or hot reeks havoc on our skin.

We must take care of our precious mugs and purify.

Lush sells a Charcoal soap that I like. Great for cleansing the bode!

I highly recommend a Charcoal mask to deep clean and exfoliate.

Mostly Charcoal acts as an absorbing, drying agent that draws out impurities almost like a magnet. Working as a skin-care ingredient, it draws out dirt and oil that our skin can not do naturally or just by cleansing and rinsing.

Charcoal's properties are highly recommended for oily skin and acne prone skin. However when used on Normal to Dry skin acts as an exfoliant and deep pore cleanser.

I love a Charcoal mask myself having just Normal skin, I find it extremely soothing and a great exfoliant.

So go out and purify!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Ciao bella,

Resolutions!! What Resolutions?? Everyday should be a Resolution to do five if not more good things everyday, walk around with a smile because it doesn't cost a red cent!

Live a fulfilled life by appreciating all the things you have and not to dwell on the things you want. Cross off a "to do" on your Bucket List and do it memorably with style.

Thank God for the blessings you have. Choose friends wisely for envy is an evil clock.

Today is the the last day of the rest of your life. There are no second chances.

Treat life with grace and ignore the loud and boisterous. Live, love and laugh everyday is what I preach. My Dad used to say "The Best is Yet To Come". The best is also now and what we make of it. Don't look back on yesterday, today and tomorrow are fresh beginnings waiting to be relished. No what ifs or shouldy( I should be able to do this or that) thinking! Always do the best you can. And just knowing you did your best will bring sweet dreams and Beauty will shine through!

May all your wishes come true in 2016!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.