Treating Stubborn Acne

It's Monday and today from Daily Glow (dot) com we have Dr. Jessica Wu giving us insight on how to treat stubborn acne. Also, if you're a newbie here you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed to get updates on posts =).

While I often recommend acne washes, lotions, and gels to my patients who are having breakouts, these at-home treatments are sometimes not enough to control the problem. For stubborn or severe acne, I perform these procedures in my office:

Extractions (also called acne surgery) help remove pockets of oil and dead skin. I use a few different sterile instruments to safely drain whiteheads, blackheads, and small cysts. Extractions must be done carefully by someone with experience or they can turn a small pimple into a festering boil, which can become infected and take weeks to heal. This is the reason doctors usually recommend that pimples not be squeezed; without the right instruments and technique, you can scar your skin.

Large cysts (such as those that result from hormonal breakouts) can be treated with dilute cortisone injections, which shrink the inflammation under the skin, often within a day or two. The amount of cortisone is very small, but the injection must be done by a skilled doctor — if not, it can cause your skin to become pitted.

Acne peels with alpha and beta hydroxy acids can help unclog pores and reduce blackheads, especially if there are many little bumps and pimples. My favorite solutions are salicylic, lactic, and lipo-hydroxy acids, which target the oil glands to loosen dead skin and oil. Peels generally cause pinkness and flaking for a few days. For an at-home treatment, try Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System, which contains lactic acid, or Ren Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask, which contains four fruit acids.

Laser and photofacial treatments can help kill acne-causing bacteria and shrink pores, although the effect is temporary. For best results, these treatments are done once every three to four weeks, so they can become costly. However, little to no recovery time is needed. I often recommend lasers to reduce red scars after a breakout is under control.

Just in time!!

Ladies, here is Codi, a fellow makeup artist and dear friend to teach us more about our eyes and the skin surrounding. I love her and I know you do too. So here she is, take it away Code...

When it comes to the eye area, it surprises me that such a small area of the face can hold so many problems for so many women. Whether it's fine lines, deep wrinkles, crow's feet, dark circles, or puffiness.... it seems like the eye area is a small, yet major, pain in the 'keester' for many women.

That is why I am so overjoyed with the latest product from Lancome, and I know you will be too!!

Introducing......

Lancome Renergie Eye Multiple Action Ultimate Eye Care Duo

It is an eye cream and veil in one convenient gorgeous package!! *There's even a mirror in the flip top of the veil.* It's an eye care duo that combines 2 treatments for 6 visible anti-aging actions!

Skin truth
Youthful-looking eyes are the key to a youthful-looking face. The eye area is the most delicate part of the face, so it is the first area to show the signs of aging.

Lancome innovation
Eye care at its peak. Lancome introduces its ultimate eye care system, Renergie Eye Multiple Action, a unique combination of two treatments for six visible anti-aging actions.

• eyelids are visibly lifted
• the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is virtually erased
• the eye contour looks firmer
• under-eye bags are visibly deflated
• dark circles appear faded
• the eye contour looks illuminated

The eye area is visibly revitalized. In just 4 weeks, the whole face looks up to 5 years younger.

Each client that I have shown this new product to has been blown away by the results she has seen with just one application and has snatched this product up without hesitation. I, myself, could hardly believe the difference that it immediately made with some of my clients. Not only does it look amazing but the feel of both products is so light, and so soft. Now to be clear... the veil is not a concealer. It contains Sea Pine Bark Extract, a wonderful antioxidant, to help with puffiness and light-reflecting pigments to help illuminate and brighten the eye.

You apply the cream:

1. Under the eye

2. To the upper eyelid

3. Above the eyebrow

4. And along the crow's feet and temple

All these areas, both day and night.

You lightly apply the veil with your ring finger:

1. To the inner corner of the eye

2. On dark circles

3. And under the outer arch of the eyebrow

All these areas, only in the day after the cream. Then follow with foundation (and concealer if you wish).

The veil comes in Light, Medium, and Dark and the price is $75.00. I know, I know, some of you are thinking this is a little pricey... but I guarantee you it's worth every penny, and a little goes a long way! Also, to make it even better.....

THIS SUNDAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF FREE GIFT TIME!!!!

With any purchase of $32.50 or more you get the free gift! You get to choose which color of bag you would like (blue, green, or pink) and then you get to choose 6 out of 12 free items. There are skin care products (the genefique is an amazing serum), makeup, a bronzer, and the amazing Bifacil eye makeup remover.

This really is an amazing chance to try a remarkable product that will eliminate many eye woes, and get some other fabulous free stuff at the same time!

Happy eye area to all!!!
Codi

Review On the ProX Brush

Let me be clear....I LOVE THIS BRUSH!!!!!!! Got it? Okay great, I'm glad! The first time I used this brush I couldn't stop touching my face. It was the most amazing feeling ever!!! Now this post is a little two in one deal. Because I am going to send out major love about this brush I also have to issue a warning. Even though we need to exfoliate and deep clean our skin every now and then it is damaging to do it too often. Also, pLeAsE be careful what you are scrubbing your face with (see info below). I have used this brush for a month now. For the first week once a day then only once a week for the rest of the time. I also started this month using my Glimpse gel cleanser WITHOUT scrubbing beads and I STILL felt smoother than SMOOTH!!!!! With that  said, let me introduce you to my friend Kim. I have known Kim for YEARS!!! We grew up together, went to school together and upon coming to Utah have had SUCH fun girl's nights out spent reminiscing and eating yummy food. In her own words, here's what she's been doing professionally =):

-I got my Associates in Science from UVSC

-Went to Dallas Roberts and did 1200 hours education and hands on training.
-Did extended education on Laser treatments through a laser facility and got certified in that. I hope to work in the medical side of Aesthetics in the future. 

-I am now a licensed Master Aesthetician. 

Now here is what Kim wants us to know about exfoliation:

 Don't get confused by this info...exfoliating is a good thing BUT just not overdone.

Anything that lives has to die and if we don't do anything about it, then it will just sit there making the skin look dull and lifeless. Not to mention acne sufferers, dead skin cells can clog pores and that could worsen acne! Exfoliating the skin by using "mechanical exfoliation" in excess can cause more harm than good. Studies show that scrubbing often, can irritate the skin causing inflammation. Inflammation can cause premature aging on the young skin, and accelerate the aging process even further for the mature skin. Now a days this would be something to avoid. Many of the exfoliating properties used in "scrubs" are harsh ingredients like crushed walnut shells, powdered sea shells, ground up plastic. In a research done by the American Association of Dermatology, when they examined a face that had been exfoliated three consecutive days. Microscopic view proved that the surface of the skin was scratched, irritated and inflamed.

Industry Tip: dry skin tends to flake and have a layer of embedded dead skin cells on the surface, "scrubbing" for this type of skin should be done once or twice weekly. Combination to Oily skin types should "scrub" only once weekly. Sensitive skin types should avoid all types of "mechanical exfoliation"

March Favorites

Here are the March favs!!! I am looking forward to going out and buying some loot here pretty soon to bring you more options and MORE savings. By the way, do YOU have a request? Send it to my email and I'll getter done! =)

 Becky is up first with her March favs!

First up is the limited edition Urban Decay 15 year Anniversary 24/7 liner set. Out the door, it's crazy expensive at $92 but you're only spending just over $6 per full-sized liner which is a crazy good value. I'm a huge fan of Urban Decay's liners and all of them are super pigmented and smooth. I love that there is a big variety in colors as well, I'm able to wear something different every day. They also work well as a base! Also included with the set is their Sharpener which is worlds better than your standard cheap sharpener (who knew!). My only complaint is that the packing plastic that it's wrapped in has a strong smell to it and you have to let it air out for a week and store the pencils elsewhere. Also, Perversion (which is THE blackest black liner I have ever seen) clouds up my contacts when worn on the waterline.  

Next up is Benefit's Boi-ing concealer. I'm always trying to hide my under eye circles and liked Erase Paste because it brightens but sometimes it would start look look cakey on me after a few hours. After hearing how much Jen loved it in a post I decided to try out Boi-ing and this is MUCH better for me! You need next to zero product and I just pat it on and it covers up my circles and the redness around my nose just beautifully. 

(image from bellamakeup.blogspot.com)

I am in love with Tarte's new Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Wear Powder Blush in Glisten.  I bought it in a set off of QVC (my first purchase from there- it was at a lower price of $52 for eight items if you include the bag!).  It's a great pinky-peach blush with some shimmer but it doesn't make my pores appear any larger as other shimmers usually do.  This Blush lasts 8 or so hours on me which is much longer than normal blush.  When I usually do a quick touch up in the late afternoon (thank you oily t-zone) I'm always pleasantly surprised that I don't need to apply more blush  .  Love it!!  (p.s. the brush with the set is ah-may-zing!)

Also, I've been using the Olay Pro-X... I'm a fan!
Next comes Sariah with her favs:

 I have an eye cream that I love that I bought from Sephora. It's called REN. I am a "weeper" so my eyes are constantly getting a dose of salt water tears which is incredibly drying. This helps out with that SO much!
I have also been using a face wash by Clean & Clear that I love. It helps out with blemishes and breakouts like it's nobodies business! (Psst, this is Jen, I wanted to post this so I'll have to ask her the name of it later!)

A Dose of Daily Glow

 Every Monday I feature tips from the dailyglow.com. Dr. Jessica Wu is an amazing dermatologist to the stars and has so many tricks up her sleeve they just HAD to be shared with the ladies at Classy. Today she tells us about a homemade cookie foot scrub =). She writes:

I admit I have a weakness for Girl Scout cookies, and I can’t resist buying a box (or several) when I walk past the cute little girls selling them outside my local supermarket. My favorites are Thin Mints, which I keep in the freezer. I know, they’re high in sugar — but I try to limit myself to one or two at a time, and not every day. Plus, I like supporting the scouts in my neighborhood.

While cookies are not part of my Feed Your Face diet, cookie scrubs are featured in Chapter 11, titled “Food on Your Face: Food-Based Ingredients and Easy Recipes for Make-at-Home Remedies.” Your feet have been trapped in shoes all winter, so why not make this foot scrub to help get them in shape for spring? (It smells just like Thin Mints!)

Peppermint Patty Foot Scrub
- 1 cup coarse sea salt
- 5 tablespoons olive or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, minced
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix thoroughly and massage into your soles, focusing on calluses and rough patches. For best results, first soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, or use the scrub after a bath or shower. Follow by applying a rich foot cream. Repeat every week to keep your feet soft and sexy.

Monday Glow Tips: A Healthy, Glowing Complexion

As you age, your skin becomes thinner and can begin to look tired. Environmental damage also can take the glow out of your complexion and leave you with dull skin. If you find yourself yearning for the dewiness of younger skin, there are ways to help restore the glow to your complexion.

Bad Habits Lead to Dull Skin
Your skin begins to age as early as your twenties. Skin starts to lose its elastic qualities and dead cells do not slough off as quickly, leaving you with dull, dry skin that has lost its glow. In addition to normal aging and your own genetics, factors that can cause your skin to appear dull include:

• Sun exposure. Over time, too much sun exposure can damage your skin, causing it to appear rough, leathery, and blotchy. Sun exposure is more likely to lead to dull skin if you have a fair complexion.
• Cigarette smoking. If you smoke cigarettes, the normal age-related changes in your skin happen even faster. People who smoke are more likely to develop a yellowish tint to their skin, and their skin often appears more leathery than that of nonsmokers.
• Low humidity. If you’re exposed to low humidity year-round because of overheating in winter and air-conditioning in summer, your skin can be left feeling dry and itchy.
• Stress. Being under stress can cause your skin to become drier and dull looking.
• Product overuse. Using skin care products that dry your skin, which may include soaps, antiperspirants, and fragrances, can leave your skin looking lifeless.

How to Banish Dull Skin
There are many ways you can help achieve the appearance of younger skin, but the best way to avoid dullness is to prevent it. Follow these steps to prevent a drab complexion or regain your glow:

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater every day, even if it’s not particularly sunny; another option is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF 15.
• Avoid sunbathing and using indoor tanning beds.
• Keep out of direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are the most intense — wear a stylish, wide-brimmed hat if you’re taking a walk during your lunch hour.
• If you smoke, stop; this can help improve your skin tone no matter how long you’ve been smoking.
• Use a humidifier in your home and drink water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated.
• Use mild facial cleansers instead of harsh soaps (or any soap you might use on the rest of your body) when you bathe.
• Switch from water-based makeup and powder formulas to creams, especially for foundation and blusher.
• Take lukewarm, rather than hot, baths and showers — and fewer of them — to avoid drying out your skin.

Techniques to Rejuvenate Your Complexion:

You can take more serious action to help restore the glow of younger skin by:

• Moisturizing. Use more targeted creams and moisturizers to give your skin back its younger look. Try over-the-counter products with alpha hydroxy acids or see a dermatologist for a prescription for Renova (or Retin-A if your skin is oily) to encourage cell turnover, brighten your complexion, and make it appear fresher.
• Talking to your doctor. Sometimes dry skin can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Treating a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease can sometimes help combat dull skin.
• Consulting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. If a change in skin care products isn’t making enough impact, consider a medical approach to regaining the look of younger skin. Treatments include:
  • Chemical peel to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, helping to restore the skin’s glow and a more youthful appearance
  • Dermabrasion, a procedure to remove layers of dead skin and stimulate the deeper layer of skin (dermis) to rejuvenate, which will diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles
  • Laser resurfacing, a more aggressive procedure that uniformly removes a certain thickness of skin and exposes newer, fresher looking skin

If you’re concerned about dull skin, consider all the options for helping restore your glow. Often, a few changes in your skin care routine can leave you with a fresher, younger-looking appearance.
All content from everydayhealth.com via the Glow

the Daily Glow Wisdom

Feed Your Face: How to Eat When You're Eating Out

Eating the right foods for your skin can be tough when you're dining out. Get tips on how to make healthy, skin-friendly choices at a restaurant.

By Dr. Jessica Wu

In recent weeks, I’ve talked about the importance of eating well to keep your skin looking young and fresh. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to spend all day in the kitchen. Sometimes it can be a real pleasure to share a restaurant meal with friends and family — you avoid the stress of shopping, preparing foods, and cleaning up. Whether you’re hitting the drive-through, picking something up on the way home, or splurging on a night out at a special restaurant, here’s how you can make healthier choices for smoother skin and a tighter body when you’re eating out:

*Watch your portions: Restaurant portions tend to be large, so you may be getting more salt (which worsens under-eye bags and bloating), sugar (which breaks down collagen), and dairy (which has been linked to acne) than you realize. Ask your server to put half your meal in a take-out container, or split an entree with a friend.

*Choose foods in their natural state: The more processed your meal, the more hidden sugar, salt, and dairy it contains — plus, the fewer nutrients it’s likely to have. Here’s the test: Could you hunt it? Could you gather it? (And no, popcorn shrimp and chicken fingers don’t count.)

*Beware of condiments: Dressings and sauces tend to be loaded with butter, cream, salt, and sugar. Many of them also contain ingredients, such as spices and vinegar, that can aggravate skin conditions like rosacea, so ask for dressings on the side and dip your food into them. You'll get the flavor without irritating your skin, and you'll save on calories.

Glimpse Skin Care Line

*CoRrEcTiOn*

There are actually four colors provided for the mineral foundation not only three...whoops =)!

There is a wellness company here in Utah by the name of Xango. They are very well known for their wellness drink but also have a lot more to offer. For instance they contacted me a little over a month ago to see if I would like to try their skin care line or as they call it "topical skin nutrition". I like that =). I was not paid for my review but was given the complete line to try. Just click that cute little play button to see what I thought =).

Blemishes Be Gone Revisited

This is an older post but SO important and I didn't want it to get lost in the archives of "blogdom". If you are feeling weighed down by blemishes...chin up, try these steps and you can not just have a passable fave but a FlAwLeSs canvas!!!
I also want you to ask yourself these questions:
- Am I washing my face day and night and exfoliating?
- Am I over or under moisturizing?
- Am I using the right skin care and makeup for my face type?
- Am I eating unhealthily? Drinking enough water?
- How much sleep a I getting and how much unnecessary stress am I inflicting on myself?
There are a thousand more questions we can ask ourselves but these are the basics for a happy face and a happy body. Try them and see what a difference it can make!
*CAUTION* Scary images below! If you have just eaten, I recommend you wait at least an hour!!!!! I had a bad reaction to something but wanted to show you how to cover up blemishes really well. We all need it now and then right? =)

My February Favorites

It's cool to be fashionably late right??? Well, good cuz here I am on the 5th of March telling you what I loved in February. I keep wanting to do a live video for these but this time around I never found myself to be wearing makeup...go figure. I didn't want you to completely lose faith in me so I have opted for the pen (keyboard) instead.

First and foremost I wanted to go back to last month's post where Brook talked about the EOS Lip balm. I am now in LOVE as well!!! I got mine in February and it hasn't left my side! I can't wait to try the lemon one! I did get an email from a follower saying that she has something even BeTtEr!!! Get this ladies, it's called Sex Wax...yup, you heard those words from cute little innocent me. I'm going to let Corey explain it to you since she is the guru on the stuff =):

 "Let me introduce you to Sex Wax chap-stick. You see, I'm a beach girl and I use to work at a surf shop. One day at work I forgot my chap-stick and so I bought one we sold there. Sex Wax is actually a brand of surfboard wax but they branched out and decided to make chap stick (with SPF might I add)! Upon first applying I was not impressed. It was hard and difficult to spread on my lips. It also seemed waxy (go figure!) Anyway, I kept using it (I'm too cheap not to), and within a week it was my new favorite. Once you use it a few times it softens up and you get use to the thicker, waxy texture. I know what you're thinking, why do I want to use something I have to "get use to." Let me explain why I love it. I LOVE it because it stays on your lips WAYYYY longer than any others I've tried, it conditions and leaves your lips feeling super smooth, and sun protection is a plus! Most times I have to reapply chap-stick every 10 min. This one stays on and give me a piece of mind I guess you can say."
What do you guys think??? Could be a "March Madness" Fav!!!
Corey also shares another of her favs with us:

"I use something called "Balms Away (second picture)." BIG FAVORITE! It's a Vaseline type substance that you rub on and then wipe off. It moisturizes, and while you're rubbing it in you see the makeup breaking up and smearing so  you look like a scary spooky monster. (insert Jen laughing at this point) =) It's good stuff I tell you! "

 Next product I have fallen for and have seen results with is the Olay Regenerist eye lifting serum. Annie, you asked me in a comment about under eye products and I am really impressed with this one. I have only tried three others since I am new to caring about skin care (GaSp!) but this is my favorite of the three. I use it twice a day and I have noticed a difference when I put my makeup on. It just looks so much smoother and more hydrated. It was $19.99 at my local drug store and was listed as one of the 9 best eye serums by totalbeauty.com. Here is what some of their readers said:

"I can't believe how much I like this serum! It's moisturizing, but non-greasy and it really firmed up the skin around my eyes. My fine lines are barely detectable. I also like its slight tint and shimmer -- most days I can skip concealer." Another reviewer says, "I'm a senior woman and at this stage of my life I am always interested in anti-aging products. I have been using this serum for a long time ... actually, since its conception. I know it has made the area around my eyes look a little younger; however, what I really like about this product is the refreshing feeling it gives my eyes every morning. I look forward to this step in my morning ritual because it is such a pleasant product to use. Thanks, Olay!" Another says, "I've tried many other products for my fifty-ish, drooping upper eyelids and nothing really had done much. But after about four weeks of using this product, people started telling me I looked younger, and there was a definite improvement in my lids." 


I was very flattered when I had a reader ask if she could interview me for a project she was working on. She then proceeded to ask me questions about the blog on of them being how much do I make from it. That one made me stop and think...was I supposed to be? Oh dear, am I missing out on something? I have companies now and then send me things for review but I have never been paid for it. I thought to myself, "Self, you could have more giveaways at your blog that you personally "back" if you had some revenue coming in. I signed up for a program with Sigma and now when you go through the Classy Blog by clicking my link I get a small commission...I am very proud of my $5 thank you. Having done that I am saving up for some ReAlLy cool giveaways but also, I have come to love Sigma brushes! Long story to get to the fav but ya know, just wanted to be integrous about what happens when you click on my button =).

These two have been my favs this month. The E40 (top) and E25 are SO well priced!!! These two at MAC would be $51.50 (not including tax) but at Sigma they are $18. This is also not including tax or shipping but HoLy CoW!!!!! Plus every time, and I DO mean every time you spend $30 you get sent a trial of the E25 for free. I think it's a good deal! I am using these brushes like a maniac!
So that's it for February Favs. What were yours this month?

Wisdom From The Glow.Com

Don't fret Ethel, help is on the way! She looks like an Ethel right? =)

I was introduce to the Daily Glow website about a week ago and I must say that I am in LOVE!!!!! I get an email from them about everyday and I can honestly say that not one topic hasn't had me HoOkEd. Dr. Jessica Wu (dermatologist to the stars) talks about how to wash your face (I'll be sharing soon), how to de-frizz your hair, how to get red carpet skin, how to "feed" your face, etc. It even has a quiz to see which beauty icon YOU are. I'm Sophia Loren, who are YOU???
(pssst take it here) 

It's just PACKED full of goodies. I think that I am going to share some pearls of wisdom for them once a week for your listening pleasure. I think that Mondays are PeRfEcT because we can start the week off with an awesome tip that will get us going and keep us confident! Are you excited??? I am!!!!!

January Favorites

 Thank you to so many of you that shared your favorites for the month!!! Here are a few of them:

Brook loves the EOS Lip balm:

 "I have horrible dry lips this winter so I started using eos it's amazing! Love it. Read all about it on my blog cuteasabutton222.blogspot.com."

Casey clues us in with a new skin care line:

I sell Beauticontrol and we have a new Skin Spa Facial line out and I am absolutely loving it!!!! We have these skin sensors that prescribe your own line that you need! Visit her website here.

Angie tells us how she struck GoLd with these goodies: 

 What I'm loving right now....and how I got to what I'm loving right now......a few years ago I started using Origins Checks & Balances face soap, LOVE it.  It's about $18 a bottle (more than drugstore brands), but seriously, the bottle can last almost 6 months.  As I've learned, all of their products take minimal amounts to be effective.  I then started using their Modern Friction.  It's sort of a microderm in a bottle type scrub, and is awesome.  Then tried some eye creams, GinZing is AMAZING, for AM use only, takes the puff right out of your eyes if you have any whatsoever.  I have horrible allergies, so it helps tremendously.  And the newest thing they have, which I am IN LOVE with now is called Starting Over, found it a/b 3 weeks ago.  I've been using the eye cream (I think there's a moisturizer as well), it's botox (sort of) in a bottle.  You can feel it working.  You can apply it AM & PM below and above the eye (like on the bone just above the lid).  I've noticed a big difference, how soft my skin is in the "crows feet" area and just my whole eye area in general.   I'm telling ya, it's wonderful stuff!  

Here comes Ashley with great news!!! There is another primer we all get to try =)!!!

 As an emergency room RN in Las Vegas (the fifth busiest ER in
America), I need makeup which holds up for a 12+ hour shift. Aquatique
is an amazing eye makeup base. I get compliments on my eye makeup
(even at the end of my shift at times) from both co-workers and
patients. Plus, this base supposedly makes the eyeshadow waterproof
also, although I have never really tried that aspect out. (INSERT JENNI PUTTING THAT TO THE TEST BY STICKING MY HEAD IN A BOWL FULL OF WATER!!! LOL) I have
turned quite a few of my coworkers onto Aquatique!

Winter Skin Care Products by Tiffany

Winter is definitely a changing time for your skin. Having the heater on in your home dries your skin out and the weather outside isn't too "skin friendly" either. Tiffany D gives us some fabulous products to try that will help combat this season and keep us looking flawless and glowing! Commentary is by Tiffany and my comments will be in red =).

I am totally in love with Origins products as of late. This is their Starting Over Moisturizer. It's oil free which I love because it makes my skin feel comfortable, it's very very moisturizing but it doesn't give me that "extra layer" which I don't really like (who does right???). I use this at night after my normal skin care routine. It works well with my oily skin.

 

I have been using this in the mornings. It's Origins VitaZing with SPF-15 which is great for day to day. It says it's "an energizing moisturizer with mangosteen (fruit grown in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Rare in the US since the actual fruit can't be brought in but is thought to have many healing properties. It's also found in the Xango drinks). This is the most unique moisturizer that I have ever used. A lot of times I don't even have to use foundation. It's not technically a tinted product. When it comes out, it's white but has tan beads. I use it and then my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish just to ward off shine. It evens me out as I apply it and you can see your skin brighten up...it's InSaNe!!! It has a citrusy sweet smell. Every skin tone can use it. I love it!!!

When I do apply foundation I still stick with my Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Plus (a MUST!!! It is like silk on your skin. I'll be doing a review on that soon) or NARS Sheer Glow (both can be found at Sephora).

The eye cream that I like is the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Daily Anti-Fatigue Cream (mouthful much???). It's great because you don't need to spend a lot to get a great eye cream. I use it morning and night.

 (Sorry, couldn't resist putting our manly vamp up here using his EOS Lip Balm...Priceless!!!)
Also remember to take care of you lips, hands, your whole BoDy!!! It's really important. I use EOS Lip Balm and really bought it just because it looked so cute, but it's really great quality! I use it at night before bed and even under my lipstick and/or gloss. It's very non greasy so as not to interfere with your daily lip routine and it also stays on a long time too.

I love the Shea Cashmere Hand Cream from Bath & Body Works. I keep one in my purse and one by my bed. The more you use it the better your cuticles will look too =).

I also used to use many of the Bath & Body Works lotions and a lot of the Victoria Secret but I have all but ThRoWn them all away for the love of Renew Lotion!!! 

YES it's a Melaleuca product and I am SO sorry that you need to be a member to get the great prices but you can be a direct customer and buy whatever, whenever without needing to make an order every month. I highly look into it because you can also get the Nicole Miller (now Se Belle) bronzer!!!

Tiffany D can be found at her YouTube channel here. =)

Votre Vu Review and CONTEST!!!!!

Here is my review of the French skin care line Votre Vu. I went to a really classy party where this was introduced and was pleased that Marti asked me to review the line. She is an ambassador with Votre Vu and was eager for me to try it out and see the results I was wanting.  I personally wanted to help my poor face even out a bit more after having a reaction to something. My mother-in-law also tried the line for a week and will be giving us her review soon as she is out of town on an extended stay in Utah. I will be placing a link to Marti's website in the side bar so that you can call her and ask all of your questions =). 

ALSO this is opening for our CONTEST!!!!! All my ladies 45 years and over have the chance to win some fabulous prizes. We have been going over tips and tricks and I hope you have been testing them out! The contest starts NOW (Nov 7) and will end on November 30.  All you have to do for this contest is:

- Be a follower
- Leave a comment here telling me what has gotten better with age ; ).
- Tell your 45+ friends to enter too because I want at least 10 entries for this contest to work

- Email me a picture of yourself so we can make sure no teeny-boppers are walking away with your prize =D.

Have fun and good luck and everyone check out Marti's site to see what Votre Vu can do for YOU!!!!

Sweat Proof/ Water Proof

Don't Sweat It...please!!!

Let's be honest ladies, most of us don't want to leave home without the extra coverage, or safety, of a foundation. Something to even out your skin making it look effortlessly and beautifully smooth and silky. But in the beautiful yet rather warm summertime, because of the humidity and high temperatures, the foundation does not really last and it just feels heavy. I want to sweat just thinking about my skin gasping for air through a thick layer of makeup on my face when it's hot outside. I just received a text this morning from my friend Summer at Tres Chic Boutique wondering about waterproof/sweat proof makeup. She was going to be going to a youth camp out and wanted to be ready. Could I EVER relate. I had gone to a young women's camp as a counselor during that awful breakout just about a month ago. So fun but didn't want to go anywhere without makeup....which I hated because had I not had that reaction I would have gone the whole week makeup and carefree. Alas that wasn't on the menu so I had to switch up the routine a bit. Here are some of the things that I have learned through the years..I gotcha covered =) ( pun intended). Feel free to click on any of the links for suggestions on products described.

For Starters:

Wear a primer. Should I repeat? WEAR A PRIMER! Don't skip this cuz it makes a big difference!!! Choose a lightweight, oil-free formula and apply after your moisturizer and/or sunscreen and before the rest of your makeup. A pea-size amount should be enough (don't get crazy). This step is essential for your foundation and color to last all day.

Concealer:

Less is more when it comes to makeup in the summer but if you feel you need coverage, like I did and occasionally still do, be picky!!! Choose a sheer silicone-based formula for your concealer because it acts as a barrier from humidity. Avoid liquids as much as possible, choose a cream concealer and spot treat dark circles and blemishes using your ring finger to pat and blend the color onto skin. To avoid a shiny complexion make sure and look for oil-free products always, summer or not.

So Many Choices:

Makeup has come a looong way from one general formula for the entire face. Thanks to stains, tints, gels, balms, and creams designed for the lips, eyes, and cheeks you can achieve the look you want with the same color pay off and even better staying power. Not to mention a lovely sheen finish that will give your skin that coveted glow. These formulas work wonders in the summer and are great alternatives to powder because they won’t mix with sweat, smear, or run. Avoid kohl liners that will smear, powder blush that will fade, and chalky powders that will cake when you sweat. But if you tend to be oily and need the security of a powder, choose a talc-free

translucent formula and apply lightly with a large fluffy brush to the t-zone. The talc-free, color-free formula stops shine and sets makeup with out appearing dry or changing colors.

Water-proof=Melt-proof:

Don’t underestimate the power of water-proof mascara and eyeliner. It’s great for daily use when you need to go from work to dinner to a night out and there’s no exception when it comes to swimming, sweating, or working out. Choose a water-proof mascara with a creamy, smudge-resistant formula that won’t flake off or make lashes brittle. As for eyeliner go with a smooth, smudge-proof gel formula that glides on easily, sets quickly and lasts all day. These two products, which come in tons of different colors, are enough to play up the eyes so it can cut your makeup time in half by not having to do shadows.

Don’t leave home without it:

*Sunscreen. It’s so important to start the day off with sunscreen for several reasons. Sunscreen (choose a broad spectrum one that protects against both UVB and UVA rays) is the best way to prevent skin from aging, wrinkles and sunspots caused by UVA rays, how could we pass on that?? Along with ranging in SPF (15-70) there are formulas that include antioxidants that work double-time by protecting from free radicals and UV damage, while others come in a wipe form that make it quick and easy to freshen up as it protects. Luckily most are designed with different skin types in mind (from acne-prone, sensitive, to normal, and oily) so there’s no excuse, girls! In the past it was hard to reach for the sunscreen because of its tell-tale smell and the way it felt on the skin but now most formulas on the market are so lightweight and fresh smelling that you won’t even know it’s there.

*Oil-absorbing sheets. These thin little papers absorb surface oil without smudging makeup, rendering the mid-day compact touch up useless and avoiding all that product build-up, yuck.

*Tinted lip balm with SPF. Choose your favorite color in a wax formula to avoid it melting on your lips. I love the ones from MAC.

Here are some ideas for products:

FACE

Product: Era Face Spray on Foundation by Classified Cosmetics ($55)

• Water-resistant, sweat-proof, oil-free aerosol foundation
  
• Mists a wash of color onto the skin for a "airbrush" finish with no blending required
  
• Many surgeons recommend this product for people that might have newly healing skin, gives everyone the opportunity to remain covered up
  
• Can help freckles, moles,birthmarks,scars,tattoos,varicose veins,stretch marks, skin discoloration to remain under cover
  
• Comes in 10 shades for all skin types
  
• Included is cosmetic puff and headwrap
  
• Found in Fred Segal, Bendels, on Amazon, specialty stores & exclusive department stores

Product: Clinique Almost Makeup ($17.50)

• Waterproof, sweatproof, streak-proof - its not going anywhere
  
• Good for ANY activity including swimming
  
• Ultra-sheer
  
• Won't clog pores
  
• Comes in 4 shades
  
• SPF 15 as an added incentive!

Product: Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Protective Under eye Concealer ($21)

• Blends in completely and is crease resistant
  
• Has soothing chamomile extract and honey to hydrate and condition your eye area which is a very delicate area especially in older skin
  
• Crease resistant. As we get older and eyes get heavier and more wrinkles appear, this product is great at adding a softer look to the fine lines that might start to see.

EYES

Product: L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara ($8)

• Thickens your eyelashes up to four times their normal size
  
• ONLY $8!

Product: Cynthia Rowley Natural Long Mascara water resistant ($16)

• Comes in a spectrum of brighter and not your typical colors like bright blue and burgundy.

Product: Clarins Fix Mascara ($16.50)

• For people that are so attached to their regular mascara that they don’t want to make the switch -this product waterproofs your mascara!
  
• Waterproof sealant for use over your favorite non water proof mascara
  
• It is a transparent microseal that is long-lasting and resistant to water, heat, and oily substances

EYEBROWS

Product: Clinique Brow Keeper ($14.50)

• Brow-grooming tool
  
• Water resistant, smudge resistant, and long-wearing
  
• Deposits a sheer, subtle layer of color that can be built on coats to make it darker or more intense looking
  
• The tapered brush on the other end of the pencil allows for easy definition, blending, and control

Eyeliner

Product: Christian Dior Aquadior Waterproof Eyeliner ($21)Product: MAC Fluidline ($15)

I really prefer the fluid line by MAC. It comes in so many different colors and won't smudge or run. It can be put on with a super tiny angled brush.

Eye shadow

Product: Trish McEvoy Waterstix ($20)

• Applying eye color in seconds
  
• Portable easy to use swivel stick designed for women on the go
  
• To apply just draw across eyelids and blend it in
  
• 6 colors

Product: Finish Line or Benefit Shelaq ($15)

• Water-proofing elixir that converts your non water proof eye color and makes it waterproof
  
• Pour one or two drops into bottle cap, dampen eye liner brush in liquid, then fill brush with color stroking along outer edge of pressed eye shadow

LIPS

Product: Max Factor Lipfinity ($12.75)

• 2 step process: "paint for lips" that last eight hours which goes on first. Then there is the "moisturizing top coat" that keeps lips feeling moist, smooth, and keeps lips looking shiny
  
• Has PermaTone, which is a semi-permanent color
  
• The paint is waterproof and to restore the glossy look you can apply the top coat through out the day
  
• 25 flattering shades

Product: Clarins "Sun-Kissed" Colour Gloss

• Long lasting and water resistant, very glossy
  
• A comfortable texture that will not run
  
• Perfect for the summer and being outdoors

BLUSH

Product: Nars Color Wash ($24)

• This will not come off without soap and water
  
• Makes it look like the color is really coming from within
  
• Gives you a very natural glow
  
• Since it is so sheer it is good for all skin tones
  
• Paint it on with the brush in the cap and blend it in with fingers and then wash your finger b.c it will dye!
  
• It will not come off of your face once it dries on your face

Product: Loreal Sheer Gel Blush

• Long wearing and water repellant
  
• Convenient, fits into pocket
  
• Casual and subtle look
  
• Available in 5 shades

Product: Stila Sport Color Push-Ups ($20)

• Activity proof
  
• Simple as a glide of a stick
  
• Gel based and oil free
  
• They are hydrating, they are great for dry or flaky skin
  
• 3 colors
  
• Portable and small

Product: Stila Color Courier ($20)

• Activity proof, water repellant, great for working out!
  
• Simple to use: Just pencil it on your face and blend it with fingers or sponge

MAKEUP REMOVERS

Product: Nivea visage eye make-up remover ($5.19)

• A greaseless formula
  
• Formulated for your eyes but can also work on lips and face
  
• Don't even have to rinse - wipes off with tissue
  
• Feels really clean after use

Product: Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover ($15)I am SUCH a fan of this makeup remover. It takes everything off so completely and it leaves a non-greasy fresh clean feel on your eyes. To make the product last longer I use Q-Tips as opposed to cotton balls or pads. To order from a GREAT girl click here. Lindsay and I have been friends forever and she goes WAY out of her way to make sure you get what you want. Tell her I sent you and she'll take even bEtTeR care of you!!!