Perfect Skin, Easily Achieved

Do you want perfect skin like this?  Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize morning & night. Exfoliate 2-3 times per week (alternating between granular & AHA exfoliators) and get a professional facial every 30-90 days, depending on the severity of follicle congestion. Hair follicles MUST be perpetually cleansed to avoid debris and bacteria from setting-up camp. The "T" in tone keeps your skin's pH in check (should be a 5.5 on the acid scale.....1 being most acidic, 9 being alkaline). You do NOT need fancy gimmicks or a magic wand....all you need to know, as a foundation for healthy, beautiful skin, is CTM. Tip: don't spend your money on fancy cleansers. As a rule of thumb, whatever gets washed down the drain, should be what you spend the LEAST amount of money on (I swear by Cetaphil, found in your local market). Invest your money in quality serums, eye creams and facial creams. Whatever STAYS on your face (particularly the products closest to your skin) should be the highest quality products. For example, purchase a high quality Retinol serum, but don't be as picky about your contour powder....the serum sits directly on the skin, the powder sits on top of the serum, face cream and foundation. Oh, and DON'T forget the sunscreen folks. I recommend a 30 broad spectrum for DAILY use (yes even in winter). 

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#CleanseToneMoisturize #CTM #FlawlessSkin #PerfectSkin #SkinCare #HowToCareForYourSkin #Sunscreen #Facials #KeepSkinClean #Cetaphil #FaceCreams #FacialSerums #CareForTheSkinYouveGot

Chin Acne & Facial Hair = Hormonal Imbalance

Clients often come to me to address the acne on their CHIN. Hormonal disorders, in women, often manifest themselves in the form of acne, as well as facial-hair growth (usually on the chin as well). Elevated levels of testosterone (yes the MALE hormone) may be to blame. In many cases, adult women usually visit their Dermatologists for treatment. It sounds logical right? If you have a skin condition, visit the skin doctor.  Well, if you have a hormonal imbalance, treating the underlying hormonal condition rather than the acne bacteria, will usually treat the acne. In other words, treat the ROOT of the problem first. In most cases, treating hormonal acne with "acne medication" is typically in-affective.  Therefore, if you suspect a hormonal imbalance based on what your CHIN is telling you, then visit an Endocrinologist (or at least have your doctor check your blood for elevated levels of androgen hormones). If your acne is concentrated on your chin and lower facial region, that tells me it may be hormonal. If you add chin-hair growth to that, then the probability that it's hormone related, is even higher. Conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders, will cause hormonal changes resulting in breakouts and facial hair-growth (usually within the lower facial and even the CHEST region....yes, chest). In many cases, doctors usually prescribe birth control pills (to regulate the androgen hormones) or Spironolactone. Understanding the signs that your body is communicating to you (via your FACE & CHIN) and dressing the UNDERLYING issue, will usually clear up the problem without an "acne" protocol treatment. 

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#ChinAcne #HairGrowthOnTheChin #Hormones #HowHormonesAffectSkin #HormoneRelatedAcne #Acne #TreatingAcne #AdultAcne #PolycysticOvarianSyndrome #PCOS #Endocrinologist #FacialHairGrowthOnWomen #ChestHairOnWomen

DIY Body Scrubs

I often talk about the importance of EXFOLIATION. Granular scrubs should be a staple in every shower and tub! Whether using salt or sugar, make sure the granules aren't too abrasive (I prefer the "superfine" varieties) and AVOID using body scrubs on the face. Facial skin is unique & requires less aggressive exfoliation. Body scrubs are easy and fun to make. With some simple store bought ingredients and a decorative plastic container, you can make your own (do I hear last minute gift idea?!!). Here are a few to get you started:

Olive, Coconut, Almond or Jojoba Oils can be used interchangeably in any of these scrubs...

1. "Citrus Lime Scrub"

1 cup coconut oil, 

2 cups superfine "caster" sugar or fine sea salt. If you can't find the superfine variety, simply pulse some granulated sugar in a food processor. Add the zest of one lime (or lemon) and 1 tsp of grapefruit or orange essential oil. Mix all together & store in a 12 oz container.  (for legs, heels, décolleté & arms).

2. "Lemon Sugar Scrub"

2 cups of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of whole oats (ground in a food processor), 1/2 cup of almond oil, the zest of one lemon & 2 TBSP of lemon juice. (for legs, heels, décolleté & arms) 

3. "Peppermint LIP Scrub"

2 TBSP jojoba oil, 4-4 TBSP superfine sugar & a few drops of peppermint extract. Massage into lips for 15 seconds & rinse off.

4. "Lavender Sea Salt Scrub" (for legs, heels, décolleté & arms)

1/2 cup fine Sea Salt, 1/3 cup of almond oil, 1 TBSP dried lavender, 1 tsp lavender essential oil. 

5. "Honey-Lime Sea Salt Scrub"

1/2 cup of coconut oil, 

1/2 cup of organic honey, 

2 cups of fine sea salt, 

the zest of one lime, 1 tsp of rosemary (finely pulsed in a food processor, 1 tsp citrus essential oil. Happy Exfoliating!

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#BodyScrubs #DIYBodyScrubs #exfoliate #Exfoliation #LipScrub #SkinCare #TakeCareOfYourSkin #SloughAwayDeadSkin #KeratosisPolaris

Keep Follicles Clean by EXFOLIATING!

Think of your skin as a SCREEN or a sieve. If the tiny holes are blocked, nothing can pass through, right? The same theory applies to skin. Your pores are the gateway for hair, sebum, sweat & oxygen. If these hair follicles are clogged, it's a recipe for epidermal disaster. In addition, serums & creams will have zero affect if your pores are not maintained, because they will NOT be able to penetrate into the skin! Think about it...if the screen is crusty & clogged, nothing can pass through. What can you do to prevent this from happening? EXFOLIATE 2-3 times per week. Whether you use a granular scrub or an AHA or BHA acid wash, exfoliation is the key to healthy vibrant skin. Treatments like 

micro-dermabrasion and professional peels are fantastic (for most --not all--skin types), however, you MUST maintain an at-home regimen and not depend on your quarterly treatments. Exfoliation sloughs the dead skin cells away, it incorporates oxygen into the hair follicles and, most importantly, it will allow your skin to drink-up those fancy serums of yours. For more on the proper way to exfoliate skin, visit my blog post "Exfoliate".

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#Exfoliate #SloughAwayDeadSkin #Scrubs #GranularScrubs #GlycolicAcidWash #SalicylicAcidWash #AHA's #BHA's #KeepSkinAcidicAndOxygenated 

Treat Acne & Rosacea GENTLY

LISTEN UP! If you have a chronic inflammatory skin condition such as type 3-4 acne, or Rosacea, you need to kindly follow these instructions:  Reserve the granular scrub for your FEET, cancel that Micro-Derm and Chemical Peel session with your Esthetician and make an appointment with your Dermatologist STAT! The last thing you want to do is aggravate the situation with abrasives or acids. Acne occurs when bacteria invades the hair follicle and causes an infection.  It is NOT caused directly from oil. A prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide cream, or an oral anti-biotic may me needed. You never want to attempt to treat conditions like this yourself, unless you've consulted with a doctor. Not following-up with a recommended doctor may lead to scarring and you do NOT want that. As an Esthetician myself, I am emphatic about the need for a deep-cleansing facial, at least every 2-3 months, for optimum skin maintenance. However, do NOT expect the Esthetician to provide you with a treatment protocol for your type 2-3 acne or Rosacea, unless SPECIFICALLY ordered by a Dermatologist. If she does? I recommend finding another Facialist for the sake of your skin's health. For more on how to care for actinic skin (including type 1-2 acne), visit my beauty blog post "Acne: Be Proactive"

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#Acne #TreatingAcne #NeverUseGranularScrubsOnAcne #Dermatologist #BenzoylPeroxide #keepskinbacteriafree #KeepSkinAcidic #KeepSkinOxygenated #Rosacea

Chic Side Braid

What makes this loose side-braid look so chic? The key is the THICKNESS.  Unless you have über-thick hair , you'll need to add some clip-in extensions to avoid channeling Pippy Longstocking. Clip-ins are super easy to use and can be purchased at any beauty supply. I recommend the human-hair versions....yes, more expensive, but they'll blend in seamlessly and look natural. Clip-in extensions are what Martha would call a "good thing" 😉 

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#ClipInExtensions #HairExtensions #TemporaryHairExtensions #Braid #SideBraid #ChicHairStyle #MarthaStewart

Contouring Facial Angles

Beauty Tip: For defined facial angles, you must CONTOUR. Wherever you place a shadow, you must place a highlight next to it. So if you're defining your cheekbones, make sure that you place a highlight just below, in the hollow of your cheeks. Contour is easily achieved, does not take much time & will make all the difference. 

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#Contour #Cheekbones #Highlight #HighlightTheCheekbones #DefineCheekbones #HillsAndValleysOfTheFace #ContourPowderToDefinesFacialAngles #ContouringDefinesTheFace

Matte Black NAILS

I love the versatility of basic BLACK. A shade that's more of en emotion than a color. It's never a trend, and always in style. The key to black nails? Keep 'em short, let the primary black be matte, and mix it up with highs & lows like matte with gloss. Add a whimsy of the unexpected like one metallic nail or even a pop of color...the look is fabulous! 

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#MatteBlackNails #BlackNailPolish #BlackManicure #BasicBlack #MatteAndGlossBlackNails #BlackOnBlackNails

SMOKEY Eye with a Golden Twist

I love this look posted by @macbrule. A smokey eye is ubiquitous, not to mention sexy and timeless; it is my absolute favorite look. But LOOK at the unexpected touch of gold on the lower lash line....genius! The touch of metallic kicks this lookup two notches!

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#SmokeyEye #GoldEyeShadow #MetallicEyeShadow #BeautifulEyes #MysteriousEyes #dramaticeyes #SmokeyEyeShadow #BlackEyeShadow #MACcosmetics

Care for Dry Cracked Nursing-NIPPLES

In honor of empowered, working moms, like Gisele, I'd like to address a problem that so many nursing women face: Dry, cracked nipples and areola skin. The skin in this area is thin and über-sensitive. The constant demands of nursing can cause irritation (among other things). However, being proactive and caring for this skin on a daily basis, will make mommy (and baby) happy! 

I swear by "Lansinoh", a topical lanolin ointment derived from sheep's wool. It's hypo-allergenic in nature, and  impedes the growth of bacteria. Simply apply it after each feeding, no need to wash it off. The tiny bumps on the areola, a result of pregnancy and nursing, are Montgomery Glands. Although these glands produce lubrication to protect the areola skin while nursing, I personally found that using Lansinoh, in conjunction, was my personal saving grace. 

Aside from nipple irritation, this ointment can also be used for chapped lips, diaper rash, minor cuts and abrasions and even minor dermatitis. Lansinoh is what I personally used whilst nursing and is the only lanolin cream approved by the La Leche League. Lanolin ointment provides a moist healing environment for cracked, dry, irritated nipples, and prevents moisture evaporation of internal tissue. As a skin-care expert, I recommend that pregnant women treat their nipple-skin everyday with this ointment, prior to giving birth. As with any other skin on the body, the areola skin needs to be cared for as well, why not? Although I've known about Lansinoh for years, have personally used it myself and is endorsed by the La Leche League, I recommend that you consult with your doctor to confirm that this is a safe topical for you and your baby. 

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#NippleIrritation #SoreNipples #CrackedNipples #CaringForDryCrackedNipples #NursingMothers #Lansinoh #LaLecheLeauge #GiseleBundchen

Keep Skin Acidic & OXYGENATED

If you want healthy skin that glows and that is acne-free, it MUST be acidic and oxygenated. Bacteria needs to be present for acne to grow. Acne CANNOT survive in oxygen or on acidic skin. Therefore, to keep skin acidic, as well as oxygenated, maintain a TWICE per day CTM (cleanse, tone, moisturize) ritual, and exfoliate twice per week (with a chemical or mechanical exfoliator). 

TIP: after cleansing skin, blot your skin dry with a TISSUE. Towels harbor bacteria, tissues do not. A simple ritual like using a tissue to dry your face, can significantly eliminate the bacteria-party on your skin.  For more on skin health and exfoliation, visit my blog posts:

"Skin-Care 101", "Keep Skin Acidic", "Use A Tissue To Dry Your Skin" & "Exfoliate!".

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#AcneFreeSkin #AcidicAndOxygenatedSkin"#HealthySkin #ClearSkin #PerfectSkin #SimpleSkinCareRoutine #BeautifulSkin

Keep Makeup Tools CLEAN

Latex-Free makeup sponges like these work amazingly well at applying foundation and concealer. HOWEVER, tools like these are magnets for dust, dirt, oil and BACTERIA. Therefore, to maintain optimum skin health, make sure you wash your sponges, as well as 

make-up brushes THOROUGHLY (at least once per week) with a mild cleanser (I like using baby shampoo). Run the brush or sponge under warm warm water and wash 2-3 times, until the water runs clear; wash brushes with the hair facing down to prevent water from getting trapped in the brush. Using a paper towel or a tissue, squeeze the brush or sponge dry, then tap to shake out any excess water. Arrange brush hair neatly, then lay your brushes and sponges flat to dry. If your skin is participatory oily, it may be a good idea to spritz 70% rubbing alcohol on these make-up tools once they're clean. I would do this every other time you wash, as the alcohol may be drying to natural-hair brushes. 

If using a sponge, make sure that it can be washed. if using white latex wedges, you'll need to toss them after each use, as these tools are one-time-use. Remember, bacteria is acne's playground, so maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of your make-up tools translates into flawless, bacteria-free skin. 

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#MakeupSponges #MakeupBrushes #FlawlessFoundation #FoundationApplicators #KeepSkinBacteriaFree #LatexSpongesAreSingleUseOnly 

#MakeUpTools

#KeepMakeUpToolsClean

#UseBabyShampooToWashBrushes

Going to Bed with Makeup on Your Face WILL Accelerate your Aging

Did you know that going to bed with makeup and dirt on your face will accelerate the aging process TWO DAYS for every one day you don't wash? Studies have shown that 1/3 of women go to bed regularly without removing their makeup. What does this mean? It means that these 1/3 of you will add 10 years to your skin....TEN years of accelerated aging! Washing your face at night, before bed, is the SINGLE MOST important piece of beauty advise that I can ever give you. "CTM", I say it time and time again....Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize. A simple process that makes all the difference in the world. For more on skin-care basics, visit my blog post "Skin-Care 101".

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#WashYourFace #RemoveYourMakeup #CleanSkin #ClearSkin #KeepSkinYoung #HealthySkin #YoungerLookingSkin #CleanseToneMoisturize #CTM

Neck & Décolleté Skin Require Extra TLC

Beauty Tip: when applying FACE CREAM, don't just stop at the face! The neck and décolleté are an extension of the facial line, and require the same care and proactive-aging treatments (including SPF) as the face. In fact, the neck and décolleté show signs of aging FASTER than the face! Yes, there are products specifically formulated for the neck and chest, however, your facial serums and creams will suffice beautifully. When applying EYE CREAM, add an additional dab to the cleavage-skin in between your bosom. This skin is particularly vulnerable & requires extra TLC. If you are a C-Cup or larger, I recommend wearing a tank with a built-in shelf bra to sleep. Sleep-support is crucial to this delicate skin and something as seemingly insignificant as "sleeping w shelf support" will prolong the elasticity of your décolletage and cleavage skin. For more on décolletage maintenance, visit my blog post "Don't Neglect The Décolletage".

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 #NeckSkin #Décolleté #Décolletage #ChestSkin #FaceCream #FacialSerums #EyeCream #MoisturizeTheFace #DontNeglectTheDecollete   #SuppleNeckAndChestSkin #UseQualityCreamsAndSerumsHeadToToe

BLACK Eyeliner: the quintessential SULTRY look

Channel your inner Cleopatra  with the classic, über-sexy, quintessential dramatic look of BLACK eyeliner. The function of eyeliner is to create a thicker, darker lash line, which will --in turn-- open up the eyes and warm the face. Something so basic and singular as liner, creates a tremendous visual impact. If you're prone to liner-smudge due to watery eyes or allergies, try a waterproof version. I love "Nepoleon Perdis Neo Noir Liquid Liner" (found at Ulta), but "Cover Girl Lineexact Liquid Liner" works great too. I personally like to blend my pencil-liner with a brush, to soften the harshness of the line....this, however, cannot be achieved with a liquid line. Therefore, if you want a less obvious line, simply apply the liner to the upper lashes as thin or thick as you like. Always extend the line UP & OUT beyond the lash-line, 1-3mm, (as in a Cat Eye) to "lift" your eye. Allow the liquid line to dry, then lightly tap your eyeshadow brush into a black, charcoal, brown, sapphire or gray shadow, and blend it into the dry liquid line, this will soften it.  For the lower lashes, simply place a DOT of liner in between each lash, this will alleviate a harsh bottom line, which you do not want. The goal is to have drama on the upper lid, and subtle dimension on the bottom. After you have softened the upper line with shadow, take your liquid liner and run a thin line over the outer corners only. Once you apply a few coats of black mascara (a must), it will tie everything together and take your face from Bla....to va va VOOM! 

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#Eyeliner #BlackEyeliner #DramaticEyes #CatEyes #LiquidLiner #AvoidEyelinerSmudge #CleopatraEyes #QueenOfTheNile #KohlEyes #SexyEyes #NepoleonPerdis #CoverGirl