Vitamin C Molecule

Are you hiding behind layers of foundation and concealer in an effort to give the illusion that you have flawless skin? Are you wishing that your complexion was even, bright and clear? Well, just stop it with all that heavy makeup.  Break the cycle!  Kiss those dark spots, uneven pigmentation and dull, lackluster skin goodbye with a regular dose of Vitamin C.

No, don’t go and overdose on Vitamin C supplements — what your skin is craving is healthy dose of topical Vitamin C.  A natural antioxidant that comes in various forms (stable and unstable) that each possess distinct individual properties, Vitamin C has been shown to reduce melanin formation and brighten skin when applied topically.

Look for Vitamin C in the form of  l-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate,sodium ascorbyl phosphate or Vitamin C ester, known as ascorbyl palmitate.

So kick all that makeup to the curb and get your skin glowing with a mega-dose of C.  And don’t forget to use a sunscreen daily!

Your best choices to C spot run

(more…)

When you hear the word hybrid, what comes to mind? An energy efficient car? A cross-bred plant? Or maybe some freakish animal?  Well, I’m not referring to any of those (as much as I still want a Prius despite the whole Toyota scandal).  Dr. Murad, the man whose products and educational programs built my skin care business years ago, has introduced Hybrids™.  And he claims that “Hybrids™ Just Got A Whole Lot Sexier.”  Hmmm, is Dr. Murad bring sexy back?

Murad Hybrids™

(more…)

My daughters are on spring break, and so are most other college kids right now.  Many of them in a sun-kissed location doing things their parents are trying not to think about.  But the whole point there is not about the rites of spring break, but how important sunscreen is.  Most of the sun damage we acquire is by age 18.  So the diligent use of sunscreen can prevent  wrinkles and skin cancer. I’ve been spreading the stuff on my kids since they were babies.  Sunscreen is right up there with hygeine — brush your teeth, wash your face, apply sunscreen.  Spring break is no time to throw good sensibilities out the window.  Maybe sunscreen isn’t up there on the top of a parent’s list of sensible behaviors, but it certainly can’t hurt.

And don’t think that just because you have a touch of melanin in your skin that you can avoid wearing an SPF.  No, everyone, including us brown girls need a healthy dose of sunscreen on a daily basis.

The American Academy of Dermatology reports:

Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. All are labeled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn caused mostly by UVB rays, but this does not increase the length of time for sun exposure. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They do a better job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun including photo damage, photodermatitis, and rashes from the sun.

(more…)

At any rate, a reader asked me what to do for puffiness — well that’s one of my main issues. More than likely due to my red wine habit and not enough sleep.  But there are a few other factors that play into as well.  If you do use eye cream at night, be sure not to apply too close to your lash line.  The product does migrate and will block your tear ducts, resulting in morning puffiness.   If you suffer from allergies, try taking an antihistamine before bed, this may help with your puffiness.

Now for my top 5 problems and eye treatments:

Caudalie Vinexpert Anti-Aging Serum

1. Excess Baggage
Send your bags packing with a serum packed full of antioxidants
Try: Caudalie Vinexpert Anti-Aging Serum Eyes and Lips

Resveratrol: An anti-agin ingredient that aids in the production of collagen
Tetrapeptides: Prevents wrinkles
Fern: Lifts Skin
Witch Hazel: Eliminates puffiness

(more…)

Is your face a grease slick? By mid-morning do you feel like you have just sprayed a can of PAM on your face?  Fear not!  5 simple steps based on your skin care can keep oil in control.  Ladies if you are reading these tips, they are perfect for the guy in your life as well.

Ole Henricksen Aloe Vera Cleanser

1.  Cleanse

Oft times oily skins over-compensate in the cleansing category by stripping their skin.  In search of that “squeaky-clean” feel, the skin is left with no natural moisture on the surface, causing the sebaceous glands (oil producers) to step into overtime.  Avoid that catch 22 by using a cleanser that cleans without stripping.  I love Ole Henricksen Aloe Vera Deep Cleanser. $30 for 12 long-lasting ounces.

This powerful cleanser goes to work on excessively oily skin with breakout problems.  Fabulously invigorating with  foaming action and loaded with aloe vera, chamomile and vitamins.  Aloe Vera Deep Cleanser proves that you can have ultra-clean skin without stripping and dehydrating. Oily skin will become addicted to this cleanser.

Bliss Steep Clean Mattifying Toner Pads

2.  Treatment

Bliss is well known for their smart products that treat skin problems with efficacious  ingredients.  Blissworld Steep Clean Mattifying Toner Pads are the perfect  mattifying, moisturizing toner pads for oily and combination skin.  Besides the “feel good” factor, these pads decongest pores and reduce inflammation, gently exfoliate to prevent breakouts, hydrate the skin to restore moisture balance and control oil where needed without drying.  With salicylic acid, smartsponge technology (self activating oil-control spheres), and dead cell digesting enzymes. Steep Clean Mattifying Toner Pads are the ideal touch-up post work out, so throw a jar in your gym bag.  Give your guy a jar to keep in his desk drawer for mid-day touch-ups as well.  $38 for 50 pads.

Clinique Pore Minimizer

3.  Control

Keep oil at bay all day with a spot treatment for your oily areas. Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control is the answer.   This multi-tasking oil-free gel controls oil and shine all day. Mattes the T-zone area, minimizes the look of pores. Leaves a velvety-soft natural finish, under or over makeup. For maximum oil-controlling benefits, apply before makeup.  Apply throughout the day over makeup to help prevent oil breakthrough.  Priced at only $14.50 you can afford to keep one in your purse, one in your desk and give one to a friend!

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Mositurizer SPF 15

4.  Hydrate

A common misconception is that oily skin does not need moisture because it’s oily.  Not true.  It doesn’t need added oil, but moisture is a necessity.  In fact, well-nourished skin needs a  proper balance of water and oil.  I am such a fan of products that have multi-benefits, and Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15 is a lightweight, oil-free, hydrator that diffuses excess oil while delivering potent, broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection. Contains Murad’s powerful Energizing Pomegranate Complex with artemia to stimulate healthy cell function and pomegranate antioxidants to guard against environmental damage so skin stays healthy.

Prescriptives Virtual Matte SPF 15 Oil Free Foundation

5.  Makeup

Choose either a light-weight oil-free liquid or a powder that has oil control properties.  Prescriptives has both options in a wide range of colors.  Virtual Matte Oil-Control Makeup SPF 15 offers medium to full coverage.  Oil-control complex with bontanical extracts absorbs surface shine and when used daily, actually helps reduce oil production over time.  Natural exfoliants smooth skin while anti-oxidants and SPF 15 protect from enviromental damage.  1 oz $32.50.  If you need to powder over your foundation, try Prescriptives Virtual Matte Oil-Conotrol Pressed Powder. $28  Only apply sparingly in the T-Zone or oily areas of your face.  Do not make the mistake of adding more powder as the day goes on. That  one mistake that makes your skin look like you just stepped out of the Sahara.  Instead for touch-up, try oil blotting sheets or a super sheer oil absorbing translucent powder like Laura Geller Matte Maker.  Matte Maker looks scary becuse it’s pure white, but it goes on translucent and sheer.  Apply as often as needed throughout the day for break-out oil control.  Best application is with a fan brush.

Hope these tips help you cut the fat oil!

Blinging Beauty Blogger!

I commonly get mistaken for being at least a decade younger than I am.  I’m 52, but don’t look it.  I’m sure that I need to thank my parents for the DNA, because they both look(ed) younger than their years.   Those that know I am in the beauty business ask what I use, advice, tips and I’m more than willing to spill the beans.  I can’t shut-up about cosmetics and beauty stuff.  With regard to my skin care routine, it’s pretty simple.  I do the basics — cleanse, moisturize, use SPF,  diligently use eye cream and I diligently EXFOLIATE.  I’m an exfoliating junkie.  A day without scrubbing is like a day without sunshine for me.

So what is exfoliation?  It is the chemical or mechanical removal of dead or non-functioning skin cells. This process also aids in improving circulation through stimulating blood flow. Chemical exfoliants include Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s) and Retinol.  Mechanical exfoliants are ones that have crushed or powdered nuts or seeds, jojoba seeds, or polyethelene (man-made) beads, to name a few.

As we age, our natural desquamation (skin shedding) cycle slows down.  When skin cells shed, it signals lower cell to start making new ones.  That’s why it is so important to exfoliate as we age.  Have you ever seen someone with dry, flaky skin?  Well, all the mosturizer in the world won’t help until they get rid of that dry stuff.  So exfoliation is key.

I use both manual and chemical exfoliants.  Here are my favorites.  My top 5 exfoliators:

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

1.  Exfoliating Cleanser   Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 6.75 oz $35

Exfoliates dull, dry, uneven texture.  Leaves skin smooth and hydrated.  Smoothes texture while cleansing impurities with a trio of gentle exfoliating acids. Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic Acids provide clarity, brightness and improve cell-turnover by dissolving dead skin cell buildup. Jojoba beads further polish and smooth skin

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Pads

2. Chemical Exfoliant   Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads   60 Pads $45
What it is:
A daily hydroxy acid and peptide facial peel. 

Convenient and easy to use, these peel pads are formulated with alpha, beta, and gamma hydroxy acids (which act as exfoliators) and amino acids (the building blocks of peptides). The result: tighter pores, clear skin and disappearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Leaves skin soft, smooth, firm and revitalized.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid

3.  Budget Exfoliant St. Ives Apricot Scrub for Oily or Acne Prone Skin 6 oz $3.99

Blemish and Blackhead Control

Oily/Acne Prone

Oil Free

2% Salicylic Acid

Gently exfoliates to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores.

Brown Sugar Fig Salt Scrub

4.  Body Exfoliant  Jones and Rose Brown Sugar Fig Salt Scrub $28

Skin nourishing olive, soy, and almonds oils combine to deliver silky, smooth moisture to soften and nourish rough spots. moisturizes while mineral rich sea salts gently smooths and softens rough spots. No need to use lotion afterwards.

Laura Geller Lip Strip

5.  Lip Exfoliant  Laura Geller Lip Strip Cooling Sugar Scrub 1 oz $16

 Lip Strip gently buffs dry lips to renewed smoothness. Historically, sugar is one of the safest natural exfoliants and humectants, and because the skin of the lips is so delicate, pure organic sugar from Brazil was chosen to use as the base of this scrub. In addition, peppermint and spearmint oils were added for a beautiful, refreshing sensation.

 Try these exfoliators and you too can be a smooth operator!

I’ve had to change my spend happy ways. It’s not necessarily THE economy, it’s MY economy.  I have admitted my beauty obsessions and the ridiculous amount of products I use.  I know I need a 12 step program.  Ummm, I actully like the sound of that.  Sounds like my beauty routine.  I have to face the harsh reality that I cannot write it all off under “research and development”, IRS is gonna bust down my door.

I started my own business and I need to be slightly more responsible when it comes to spending and splurging saving.  What I’m finding is that I am just as happy shopping at Walgreens and Wal Mart as I am at Sephora and Saks.  Almost. There is some stuff you just can’t get at the neighborhood drugstore.   I What I do love is that I can go nuts and have a ton of budget bling for my buck.

Case study 1.
I went to Walgreens the other day and shopped the Last Chance red tags. And look at all the great stuff I got:

Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser for $2.19
Before — Murad AHA/BHA cleanser $35

Maybelline Lipstick #250 (a perfect nude) for $2.19 
Before – NARS Lipstick (also a perfect nude) $24

Olay Eye Makeup Remover WITH PEPTIDES YAY! For $2.79
Before – Sephora Eye Makeup Remover Pads $8 and no peptides

Black Radiance Stick Eyeshadow in a very hot purple $1.19 I should have wiped them out on those…
Before – Laura Mercier Eye Basics $24

A grand sub-total of $13.74 before the state got their nearly 10%.   And the good news, I use all the stuff that I bought. I have spent more on one lipstick. Good grief.  My before total $145 — I can get a pair of Jimmy Choo’s at the Saks outlet for that price!  This reminds me of the “this or that” with food choice when dining out.  Do you want the gazillion calorie burger with cheese and bacon and mayo and 2 patties with fries and a shake, or should you choose the grilled chicken wrap and Diet Coke? 

I think I have seen the light. 
 
Stay tuned for case study #2, my Wal Mart beauty binge!

What’s the one thing you wouldn’t be caught without this summer? I asked several friends that question via email, facebook and twitter and the number one summer accessory hands down was SUNSCREEN! YAY! As an esthetician and makeup artist and a general skin care fanatic, sunscreen was my number one pick as well. We all need to practice SAFE SUN!

Why sunscreen? Well, sunscreen is your first defense against aging. Sunscreen helps you maintain an even skin tone. Sunscreen also is the number one way to beat skin cancer. Often people mix the terms sunscreen and sunblock, when actually they are technically different. Says Audrey Kunin, dermatologist and founder of Dermadoctor, “A true sunscreen is a chemical agent that denatures the light, making the wavelengths incapable of causing damage. Sunblocks literally act as a physical wall to prevent sunlight from reaching the skin’s surface. “  So examples of sunblocks are zinc oxide, iron oxide and titanium oxide.   Chemical sunscreens sound like chemicals — Oxybenzone (absorbs both UVA & UVB) and Octinoxate are examples of chemical sunscreens.

 The following is a list of what your sunscreen or sunblock MUST do in order to provide you adequate coverage:

1. Contain a minimum SPF of 15 for routine exposure, with a higher SPF, (preferably around 30) for more intensive sun exposure, such as the beach or if you spend more than 1 hour outside or exposed to the sun per day (do not forget driving time).
2. Have broad spectrum protection, meaning BOTH UVA and UVB protecting ingredients are present. If your label doesn’t say they’re there, odds are they aren’t.
3. Be PABA free for those with sensitive skin, eczema or known PABA allergies.
4. Don’t be fooled by the product stating it’s waterproof. You MUST reapply after water exposure or every 2 hours while outdoors.

My top 5 Sunscreens–

DermaDoctor Sunscreen

1.  DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’  4 oz $30  Skin clarifying & mattifying sunscreen spf 30 PA+++ideal for anyone who is blemish prone, oily or has combination skin. Can be used for both face and “back-ne.”

2.  Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50   1.7 oz $14.60  Highest SPF available in a moisturizer designed specifically for the face! Non-comedogenic, non-greasy, fragrance-free. 

3.  Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion spf 60+  3 oz $11.16  Highest SPF available in a moisturizer designed specifically for the face! Non-comedogenic, non-greasy, fragrance-free.

4. Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 1.7 oz $30  Prevents signs of premature aging caused by environmental exposure by: Delivering high SPF protection and providing intense hydration with an oil-free matte finish.
ALLURE’S BEST of Beauty Award Winner - Best Facial Sunscreen

5.  Peter Thomas Rosh Un-Wrinkle Instant Mineral SPF 30  11 0z $35  Provides a convenient application for immediate any time sun protection. Leaves a residue-free, transparent, matte finish. Instant, chemical free UVA/UVB protection with powerful anti-aging benefits.

Here are the runner up choices for number one summer accessory. 

1.  Big Sunglasses.  A necessity to look chic, hide puffy eyes, dark circles and prevent crow’s feet.   AKA stunna shades.

Chanel Sunglasses

(more…)

My daughter is on spring break, and so are most other college kids right now.  Many of them in a sun-kissed location doing things their parents are trying not to think about.  But the whole point here is not about the rites of spring break, but how important sunscreen is.  Most of the sun damage we acquire is by age 18.  So the diligent use of sunscreen can prevent  wrinkles and skin cancer. I’ve been spreading the stuff on my kids since they were babies.  Sunscreen is right up there with hygeine — brush your teeth, wash your face, apply sunscreen.  Spring break is no time to throw good sensibilities out the window.  Maybe sunscreen isn’t up there on the top of a parent’s list of sensible behaviors, but it certainly can’t hurt.

Sunscreen tips:

• Use broad spectrum SPF, at least 15 for everyday, higher if you plan on soaking up sun.
• If  you are sensitive to chemicals, look for a zinc or titanium oxide sunscreen.
• Try waterproof if you plan on water activity.
• Apply a full 1 1/4 ounce, to your body a half hour prior to sun exposure.  Reapply often.
• For more information on what to look for in sunscreens and how to use them, click here.

I love Peter Thomas Roth sunscreens, they are innovative and they work.  For everyday face protection Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 is ideal.  It’s a  matte, talc-free mineral powder with brush included! It finishes makeup perfectly, so don’t worry about mussing your makeup.

For body, check out Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30.  Provides maximum full spectrum face and body protection for active lifestyles by resisting water for long lasting defense and shielding against premature fine lines and wrinkle formation.

Practicing safe sun, it’s a good thing.