Since I’m still relatively new to LA, I decided that I wanted to try out a spa in an uber chic hotel so naturally, I opted for The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie.   As soon as I heard “The Beverly Hills Hotel” I was reminded of one of my favorite childhood movies, Troop Beverly Hills when Shelley Long’s character says “her recommendations for a campsite were totally unsuitable. There were no outlets. And there was dirt, and bugs, and…and it rains there. So anyway, we’ve found a place that’s much more us: the Beverly Hills Hotel.”  Well, just like the famous hotel, there were certainly no bugs at the Spa by La Prairie.

Not only was the hotel very impressive but they also had some really amazing Valentine’s Day specials with packages that included manicures, pedicures and caviar firming facials.  I decided to go with the long standing classic: an old-fashioned 60 minute Deep Tissue Massage.  Located in the legendary Pink Palace, The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie is the place to go for pampering treatments for men and women and impeccable service. The spa upholds a strong commitment to excellence from the moment you walk through the doors and the staff went above and beyond during my visit.  My muscles were already really sore from working out a bit too hard and the Deep Tissue Massage completely loosened me up and I instantly felt better.  I can’t think of a better plan for Valentine’s Day weekend (or any weekend really) in LA!

As you can imagine, packing was a complete joy (sarcasm is my second language)–and trying to decide which sweaters and pants to pack for my 10 day trip back East was so stressful that I actually broke out in hives at one point!  Mind you, I haven’t worn any of my winter clothes in nearly a year, and so naturally I decided that I need brand new winter clothes, even if I do now live in LA.  But I digress.

Let’s just say it was a loooong 10 day sta y (home, sweet home!).  What surprised me the most was how my skin reacted to the climate change.  Between the dry, cold air and the chlorine-infused shower water, my normally already-dry skin was almost Sahara-like.

LA…I didn’t even realize how much I love you.  Empire State: see you soon.  (In the summer, I hope!)

Here’s a list of my New York trip beauty staples:

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment: I always carry this stuff with me- it’s the only thing that prevents chapped noses and on this trip, I applied it on my lips, which have never been more dry.
• Jurlique Love Balm: This is my latest obsession.  It astounds me that one product can be so useful…on this trip, I used the Love Balm on my fingernails, which became super dry and actually really hurt as a result of me not wearing gloves while walking around Manhattan.  I should know better, I know.
• Mystic Tan: Seriously.  I think part of me wanted to show up to New York with the most glorious California tan imaginable but in all honesty, that could never happen.  I don’t tan.  I turn red.  And even if I could tan, I wouldn’t since I’d rather not get skin cancer.  As a result, I joined my cousin went to she went to Beach Bum Tan to distort her DNA a bit…I mocked all the Jersey Shore-looking ladies in the salon and then, for giggles, decided to just bite the bullet and re-live the days when I too, was also a Long Island resident.  They still had my name and college address in the computer.
• Jane Iredale Dot the i: It seems so silly but I’ve become completely dependent on these.  I stayed at a friend’s house for New Year’s Eve and when I realized that I forgot to bring some with me, I almost had a melt down.  HOW was I expected to remove the 20lbs. of eye makeup that I had on?!  My friend’s answer: Toilet paper.  They will never understand.
• Physicians Formula Organic Wear Eye Makeup Remover Pads: See above because, yes, I said toilet paper.  I don’t think I’ve ever wished for my product closet more in my entire life.  I completely took for granted how amazing (and natural!) this product is.  You don’t have to worry about putting any chemicals in your eyes and they’re BIG so you really only need to use one or two pads to get everything off.

I’ve also been repping an amazing product called the Wonderbar, and it’s playing a pivotal role in my skin’s freak perfection.  (“Sure, whatever, she has to push it,” you might be thinking.  So not the case.  Believe me, as a publicist, it’s kind of rare to actually adore–and use!–the products you’re handling.)  It looks like a bar of soap, but is actually a compressed skin treatment that you leave on for 5 minutes daily to undergo a “healing crisis” that draws out impurities, restores your skin’s pH, and–eventually–lets you enjoy the kind of glowy, I-don’t-need-to-wear-makeup thing I’ve got going on now.

It’s not cheap per se ($105 for the 80g bar) but it lasts 3-4 months and is a panacea for skin ailments: my rosacea has dramatically improved, my acne and hyperpigmentation are non-existent, and my skin is just glowing.  (My skin!  Glowing!)  Check out more here to read the rest of Wonderbar’s benefits, which, on top of rosacea, also include acne, eczema and ingrown hairs.  Wonder, indeed.

Anyway, while I stay inside my Hollywood apartment, I’ve been entertaining myself by blogging, watching terrible reality TV shows that I’ve never watched before (examples: Tough Love and Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew) and getting plenty of sleep.  I actually slept for 13 hours last night, which is something I haven’t done since my senior year of college when I only had classes after 1PM.

Why am I ok with this?  I’ve been really making an effort to let my body heal itself, which, in the past is something that I would’ve had a difficult time doing while running around Manhattan in the rain and going from event to event.  Not this time, ladies!  As I’m writing this post, I’m watching another guilty pleasure, Bones (how hot is David Boreanaz?) and enjoying the sweet aroma of the new Godiva Milk Chocolate Truffle Candle.  There is nothing more soothing than the aroma of chocolate in the air.  It’s zero calories, zero guilt and 100% decadence, just like Godiva’s actual chocolates.  I’m sipping some fresh California orange juice and actually getting really pumped up for another 10 hours of beauty sleep, which is especially relaxing since I’ve been using my new Beautyzzz natural silk pillowcase.  Bet you didn’t know that silk has the same pH level as your skin, right?

Unlike your cotton pillowcase, the amino acids in silk proteins resemble those found in human skin, creating a virtually perfect pH balance that doesn’t deplete hydrating moisture.  Beautyzzz is designed to work with your skin and hair to make your nighttime beauty routine more effective and it just feels amazing on your skin.  If you don’t believe me, check with my cat, Angel, who is constantly trying to push my head off the pillow so that she can enjoy the luxury of silk on her fur.  Angel is going to have to take a back seat on the Beautyzzz train this week, since I need all the beauty sleep and recuperation that I can get.

So, hot pink eyeshadow and cotton-candy colored locks probably won’t work for you, but why not channel Gaga’s insouciance next time you feel like sporting something that normally would give you pause?  (Think pastel nails, an asymmetrical bob, or look-at-me! lipstick.)  Just as we now wear white after Labor Day and pair red wine with fish, there’s no reason you can’t go simultaneously bold on the eyes and the lips…or wear dark nails to your office…or apply false eyelashes for a fluttery boost on the weekend.

It’s just beauty!  Have fun with it!