Best Skin Care Treatment: Sleep.

• In your 20s, lack of rest is not so noticeable
• As we age, lack of sleep becomes more apparent – the fine lines, the puffy eyes, the dark circles, etc.
• You need 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted hours of sleep for our body to repair itself

Benefits

• Products / Treatments will work more effectively on your skin
• You will have more energy

If you have trouble sleeping, look for a spa that offer naprooms.  The spa industry is definitely tapping into this service and it’s bound to become more readily available around the world. 

Tips to Help You Appear Well-Rested (for those nights you just can’t sleep!)

• Avoid eating heavy or salty meals that are hard to digest before bedtime
• Drink plenty of water
• Moisturize
• Take supplements (Omega-3s [fish oil] helps retain hydration)
• Take your makeup off at night
• No matter how tired you are, maintain a good night-time skin care routine – night creams and serums help rejuvenate your skin while you sleep

Source: www.latimes.com

So a few years ago, I used to smoke cigarettes regularly, say 3-5 a day and if I went out on the scene – I’d have a countless number there along with watermelon shooters and Bud Lights galore.  That was before my esthetics days - and that lasted about a year…But just recently, nearly a month now,  in light of the recession and other stressful matters at hand, I’ve found myself lighting up again!  It’s really quite frustrating – especially since I’m an esthetician and I preach beauty from the inside out – the two just don’t go hand in hand. 

After telling myself and my fiance that I’m going to quit time and again - I’m really telling myself again (and all of you) finally that I’m Going to Quit.  Now when I set my heart and mind to something, I do it.  I acheive it.  It’s mine.  Smoking is so unbecoming to me and the physical ramifications are just *so* not worth it.  I’m writing this, of course, after I just had a cigarette – my last one, in fact – but believe me when I write that as of this moment, I am not going to be a slave to those cancer sticks anymore.  I just have to say No.

Everyone knows smoking is bad for you.  We all know that, right?  Well, here’s more reason to confirm that universal truth.  It’s one of the many ways to accelerate aging, that’s for sure.  Not only can smoking cause cancer, it’s also linked to premature aging and – you guessed it – wrinkles.  What nicotine does upon entering your system is weaken your blood vessels, causing decreased circulation by compromising blood supply to your tissues.

Furthermore, should you make the poor choice of continuing to smoke day after day, year after year, eventually, your tissues will have been deprived of essential oxygen to the point of no return, turning your skin yellowish or gray in color, and leaving you with a dull complexion.  I’d post a pic, but it’s a truly terrifying inconvenient truth - google it. 

And did you know that smokers need more Vitamin C than non-smokers?  Among many other important functions, Vitamin C is required for collagen formation, not only in the skin, but also in cartilage and the discs in the spine.  It’s easily depleted in smokers, which is why smokers need more of it since they will have more free radicals forming in their bodies due to their lifestyle choice.  (Free radicals lead to premature aging and increases skin sensitivity, irritation, age spots, and dryness – you don’t want them, that’s why you love products that contain antioxidants which combat them).  

It’s very difficult for your skin to adjust and repair itself when there’s so much incoming damage.  This damage, once done, is pretty much done – it’s much too expensive and had to reverse or diminish the harsh effects of smoking.  So I challenge you to quit if you are a smoker and desire beautiful skin.  If you need some support, check in with me as I armor up and defy the smokes.

I love this look from The Notorious Bettie Page.  If you love red lips and 50’s-inspired makeup, here’s how to get this fabulous look.  This is a beauty breakdown borrowed from makeup411.com – where you will find many more looks to bring to life.  I substituted some products for what I believe are better options, but use this as a guide and not necessarily so much as a rule.  Be creative!

Skin Prep:
Use M.A.C. Lightful Active Softening Lotion to hydrate your skin and even-out your tone.  Then moisturize with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer for a non-greasy, super-hydrating, quick-drying finish, all the while mimicing your skin’s natural oils.

Foundation:
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation.  Of course, select the color closest to your skin tone, but keep in mind that these shades are either too pink, too orange, too rose or too peach:  #135, #145, #150, #160, #170, & #165.  And carefully consider #125 & #130. 

Concealer:
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage.   This is a 2-shade system that completely camouflages dark circles, minor imperfections, and discolorations – great for custom coloring too.

Powder:
M.A.C. Blot Powder in Medium Dark.  Great with shine control and absorbance of excess oils.  Unnoticeable color, but achieves fabulous results.

Blush:
Mix MAC’s Pinch’a'cheek with Armani’s Sheer Blush #2.  Results:  soft, light, and radiant.

Eyeshadow:
Stila Eyeshadow Pan in Shell all over lid and Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Taupe in crease to lift lid.  Stila’s eyeshadow has shine, but also has a gorgeous texture that’s wonderful for blending.  Bobbi Brown’s eyeshadow is great for blending and is beautifully matte.

Eye Liner:
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner  in Black.  Apply this with a brush.  Once applied, it’s long-wearing and smudge-proof.

Brows:
Rimmel’s Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel.  This pencil provides a long-lasting finish and a soft and even application for perfect brows.

Lashes:
Kevyn Aucoin’s Volumizing Mascara.  Doesn’t clump and holds your curl all day long.

Lips: 
Shiseido’s Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Dragon with matching lipliner RD 305 Siren.  Dramatic, sexy, and intense.

Permanent makeup aka cosmetic tattooing is a procedure used to apply natural pigment to your face by applying micro insertions into the dermal layer of the skin.  This technique can be and is used for a variety of permanent cosmetic facial enhancements such as eyebrows, eyeliner and lip liner/color.  It is applied artistically and is medically proven to be completely safe.  Done properly, it has the ability to enhance your face and save time from applying certain makeup in the morning.  If you’re on the fence about making the commitment and taking the leap, here are some pros and cons.

Pros
– Freedom and convenience from daily makeup applications
– A solution for allergies from traditional makeup
– If you suffer from tremors or have a hard time applying makeup, permanent makeup will leave lasting lines of perfection without any effort on your part
– Great for those with oily skin (and athletic types) who tend to shed makeup easily 
– For middle-aged women, it will improve the appearance of lips and brows
– For older ladies, it helps restore youthful color that’s faded with age

Cons
– Less flexibility in trying new looks
– Permanent makeup can migrate, cause allergies, and end up looking ridiculous
– It will fade over time, requiring touchups in the range of one to seven years, fading faster in sunlight
– As your body ages, your skin changes, and so may your skin tone, so your once-appealing permanent makeup may not look so hot ten years down the road.

Considering permanent makeup?  Do Your Homework.

Improve your chances of success by checking out a makeup technician and the permanent makeup business.
– Check out the facility and see whether it appears to be sanitary.  Are there separate areas from hair styling, manicure, pedicure, esthetic produres?
– Don’t be afraid to request to see their business health permit.  Inspections by county health officials are usually required in most cities.
– Inqure about the technician’s training, and find out how many hours of training he/she’s undergone.  Ask to see their official certificate.
– Review the technician’s portfolio of before-and-after photos
– Find out whether the technician belongs to any professional associations such as the American Academy of Micropigmentation or the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.  Each group sets ethical standards and provides educational opportunities for its members.
– All permanent cosmetic technicians are required to register with the health department – ask to see their registration. 
– Consider price last.  A cheap price may end up looking cheap and costing you more in the future.
– Get a referral from your dermatologist or a friend who’s gotten a great job done.

Moving forward?  Here’s what to expect.

– Topical anesthetics are used to minimize discomfort; however, it will still be painful. 
– You will still be fully aware during the procedure and will be able to decide the placement of the pigment to acheive the look you’re after.
– The initial color will be darker that the intended final color.
– There may be slight swelling or redness in the skin, but not usually.  You may resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
– Complete healing takes 14-20 days while the pigmentation matures and reaches it’s final color.

My opinion? Is a resounding Yes!  Even if you are religious about your skin care regimen, getting a facial will still do wonders for you.  There are things an esthetician can do professionally for your face and skin that requires more than just dabbing on a lil’ bit o’ this an’ a lil’ bit o’ that every day and night.  You will reveal an unmatched glowing kind of beauty (especially after exfoliation!).

Benefits of a Facial:

- Deep cleansing.  Your esthetician will be using a professional spa product line that will contain important ingredients that cannot be found in your neighborhood Target.  These ingredients will do the things that you just cannot do on your own.  Every client of mine always walks out with a new skin revealed.

- Exfoliation.  Now this is my favorite step of a facial because this is where the exciting changes really begin.  There’s nothing more gorgeous than a fresh face with no pollutants.

-  Increases circulation and detoxifies.  With every facial is a face, neck, and shoulder massage (except for flash mini facials for those on the go).  The massage portion of a facial gets your blood flowing, stimulating your face and skin, bringing to your face and skin invigoration and releasing from it – toxins and waste.

-  Stimulates the skin functions and metabolism.  This will keep your skin resilient and in tune with you.  That means you’ll have better overall skin protection.

-  Slows down premature aging.  How? You might ask.  Well, #1.  All the reasons listed above and below.  #2.  Sunscreen is always used at the end of a treatment (along with several anti-aging products).  3.  Estheticians are skin care specialists – they will have the current industry know-how on the steps necessary for anti-aging.

-  Alleviates conditions such as dryness, oiliness, or redness.  These skin conditions happen for a variety of reasons, and estheticians have seen them all.  Although there isn’t a solution or immediate release for all conditions, there are ways to help alleviate persistent skin hang-ups – and any good professional product line will be able to cater to most of them.

-  Softens wrinkles and aging lines.  This is a result of stimulating your face with anti-aging solutions and massage.  Although there is no natural way of reversing wrinkles and fine lines, it’s never too late to start combatting them – and what better place to start than in a facial room?

-  Helps clear up blemishes and minor acne.  Extractions.  Most estheticians I know really like this part of the facial.  My reason is because unclogging those pores and extracting all of that oil out will only further the end-result beauty process.  Some blemish-prone skin will need to maintain a series of facials before results will show, but there’s no doubt about it – you will leave your favorite day spa with a fresh face.

…so do you really need a facial?  It’s your decision.  There’s no science that says it’s absolutely the path to take, but I’ve helped too many women feel better about their face and skin to deny that facials are an absolute must.  If you don’t want to go but once a blue moon – hey – more power to ya – that’s better than nothin’.

Ever notice how certain colors evoke certain feelings?  Just look up at the blue skies – you’ll feel a sense of wonder, a calmness.  Green grass – energetic.  A red sunset – gorgeous, passionate.  We are drawn to the colors needed to create balance in our lives – the goal in all healing.  Colors attract – certain clothing and accessories, colors in our homes, and even the foods we eat.

Red – Here’s the attention-getter.   Red is dangerous.  Furious, even.  At the same time, it’s very sexy, passionate.  Want in?  Get this lipstick and wear it for a day – I guarantee you’ll feel that hot red heat!

Orange - Think excitement, think enthusiasm, think warmth.  Ooh, think energy.  Need a pick-me-up?  Pin one of these in your hair.

Yellow - Ever wonder why lawyers like to scribble on yellow legal pads?  The color yellow inspires intellect & creativity.  Try this gold eyeshadow under your librarian frames and get to work on that blog of yours!

Green - Associated with nature, tranquility, good luck, health, and jealousy.  Say what you gotta say with this eye-catching statement!

Blue - Blue is the color of truth, serenity and harmony – soothing to the mind.  It’s good for cooling, calming, reconstructing, and protecting.   It’s the color of electricity.  Let it beam from your fingertips!  TIP:  Make sure to push down each cuticle with your thumb before brushing on color—it makes the dark polish look much better than if it had a cuticle border. 

Purple – Go ahead – put your tiara on.  Purple is all about royalty, regality, and nobility.  No one can deny your princess roots with these sweet Trufles!

Age spots or brown spots are also known as hyperpigmentation.  And they get only get worse the older you get.  They most commonly occur as a result of sun damage.  If you are prone to skin pigmentation, whether with brown spots or light spots (hypopigmentation),
this article is for you.

• Redheads/Fair Skin:  They will show up as freckles, and they may look cute when you’re 7, but those cute lil’ spots are sun damage.  
• Medium Skin:  The spots will show up later in life as a result of cumulative damage and any sunburns you’ve had in the past.


Prevention

• Get that broad-spectrum sunscreen on – and I mean liberally - 3 or 4 times a day if you have to.  There’s really no point in being a good girl and investing in a great skin-care anti-aging regimen if you’re going to skip the sunscreen.  Click here on how to select one.
• Skin Lighteners that contain hydroquinone.  Paula Begoun recommends one from her skin care line Paula’s Choice Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel that has gotten some rave reviews.  Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin.  Melanin is the pigment in the skin that gives it the brown color.  It surfaces as a defense mechanism to protect your skin.  

Whether or not you can see any hyperpigmentation, if you are not protecting your face with suncreen or hats/sunglasses, you are tempting fate.  Not convinced yet?  Take a look at your gramma’s bum.

LOVE this mascara.  Love love love.  

It lengthens.

It builds volume.

It defines every single lash.

It thickens

It takes numerous coats and a ton of effort to show signs of clumping.

If I curl my lashes first, it holds the curl really well.

It costs next to nothing ($8.49 – cheap! compared to department stores!)

Although the brush initially seems too big or thick to work well with, you’ll find that it’s actually quite versatile (even on the lower lashes).

Want that dramatic effect?  Don’t wait another second.  Check it out for yourself!

Here’s a testimonial pic of moi! 
(and believe me, my lashes may as well be non-existent without mascara!) 

It’s 6:45.  You’re up by sheer will power…and obligation.  You look in the mirror and the face that looks back at you is … is it really you?!  Maybe you didn’t sleep a wink at all.  Maybe you had one too many Cosmos last night.  Whatever the case, a bad face day is looming and you’re just not feeling up to the tackle.

Facial karma may have brought you undereye circles or puffy eyes, a breakout, a strange overall sallowness, whatever – but there’s a more important matter at hand - damage control.

If you have time, put on those Sketchers and take a brisk walk around the neighborhood.  You’ll find the sunlight, chirping birds, and daily life invigorating.  Or take a nap – if you really need it, it can work wonders.  I actually zonked out in the middle of studying after dinner the other night.  I woke up maybe 20 minutes later, and felt so refreshed!  Sometimes, it’ll just take getting in the shower and blaring I Will Survive.  

If you’ve really got it bad, consider the cosmetic approach.  Do a quick exfoliation or apply a nourishing facial mask as you get ready for your day.  Dab on a little bit of concealer, do your usual makeup routine, and dust it off with some bronzer.  You’ll see how well you clean up.  Drink lots of water and you’ll be fine tomorrow. 

For third degree days, for unexcuseably bad face days, here’s what you do:

• Do your laundry
• Take a bubble bath
• Rent a movie
• Call in sick. 
• Wear all black and hole up in a local coffee shop (not Starbucks!)
• go the gym
• Avoid brightly lit areas 
• Work from home
• Hide everybody’s eyeglasses
• Make a lot of phone calls
• Start writing your novel (or blog!)
• Drink some herbal tea – ginger root or mint