MicrodermMD by Trophy Skin

When I discuss exfoliation with my clients in terms of it being a must & incorporating it into their regimens, most of them think of old school apricot scrubs. There are many types of exfoliation: chemical, enzymatic & manual- like a scrub. Microdermabrasion is a popular professional, yet pricey treatment that polishes the skin like glass while stimulating circulation for an added glow.

The MicrodermMD personal microdermabrasion unit brings that professional treatment into the convenience of your home.  As an esthetician, I know that exfoliation is an essential key to optimal skin health. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens out skin tone & allows the other products you apply to work more effectively.

This machine is perfect as we head into summer, as I always advise my clients to taper off from aggressive chemical exfoliants if they know they're going to be outside a lot. The unit comes with filters & a cleansing brush. I also love that there's mirror located in the unit so you're not limited to just using it in front of the vanity. Just cleanse your face thoroughly & you're ready to go.

If the entire concept intimidates you, the computer screen built into the unit even steps you where to place the exfoliating wand during treatment. I like to support my skin with my other hand, while performing the treatment. If you have a teen in your life who isn't consistent with their skincare regimen & their skin looks clogged- this would be a great parent-teen ritual on Sunday nights to help get their skin clearer. Pregnant & nursing mothers can rejoice- as you can use this! Expecting mothers are advised against using Vitamin A, salicylic acid & other high percentage acids- yet struggle with hormonal breakouts. The only people who might not be an ideal candidate for MicrodermMD would be those with open breakouts or on people with severe rosacea. As for me I love sitting on my couch, watching my Bravo shows & getting my glow on!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Gifted for Review

Files From the Brow Whisperer

The way I earned my nickname was from all of the people who came to me after a not so happy previous brow experience at another establishment. I jokingly referred to the condition many of my first clients suffered from as Post Traumatic Brow Experience. I mean it is our face that we're talking about. This client, along with her mother, had been going to someone for years & their brows were getting skinnier & skinnier & further apart.

I explained to this client, as I do with all first time clients- that I need to have something to work with, so put your tweezers down! I know it's hard, but how can I change the shape of your brows when I have no hair to work with? This client said that being that she was Greek, it wouldn't be a problem! Look at that striking brow- I kept the tail full & strong to be conservative on our first visit. She loves her new shape & I was thrilled with the results, too!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Style File Find: BlingDots

Working with plastic surgeons & dermatologists over the years, I have seen my fair share of torn earlobes. Many have been stretched over the years by heavy earrings, one patient even suffered a tear from her granddaughter yanking on her earring. I've seen some extreme cases where the ear has been sutured & then repierced weeks later.  I've also seen patients have filler injected into the ear to help minimize the tear. Frightened yet? I know I've been traumatized!

That's why I'm very mindful of not wearing heavy earrings. That being said, sometimes I'm a slave to fashion! I found these stunning earrings while I was at market in NYC & had to make them mine. While not out of control heavy- they are heavy for me.

So I use these nifty little helpers- BlingDots by BlingGuard. They are disposable sticky disks that you apply behind your ear to help stabilize your heavy earrings. Costume jewelry lovers rejoice! Latex free & hypoallergenic- they help position your baubles, as well. Those with stretched lobes can actually use these to lift & center their earrings, too- who knew?

Here I am happily & comfortably sporting my new jewels- without any pulling on my earlobe. They're an inexpensive solution at $14.99 for 45 pairs to always have on hand (or rather on ear!)

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

*BlingDots gifted for review

The Lipgloss Diaries: Don't Be Tardy Edition

I'm not going to lie, the Bravo channel is on probably 75% of the time the tv is on at my house. I can't help it- I'm addicted to all things Real Housewives. I've watched all of the spinoffs, with Don't Be Tardy being a current favorite. Being a professional make-up artist & esthetician, I'm often focusing as much on the face as the storyline!

The Kim we first met many seasons ago has definitely softened up her look.

 

 I think she's had some well placed fillers, Botox, possible Rhinoplasty(nose job) & toned down her make-up - well toned down for her!  Even she has admitted her wigs are better, too!

(Top image from http://christenexpecting.blogspot.com, but possibly a Getty Image)

When she was on What What Happens Live with my beloved Andy Cohen recently (practically a news source for me) a viewer asked about her gloss.  Her gloss is pretty fabulous, so I jotted down what she said it was & got it. She uses MAC Cream Cup Lipstick (top) & Sephora's #14 Lipgloss (bottom.)

It pulls a little lighter on her overall, but it's still a super soft & pretty look.  I love the texture of the Sephora gloss, as well. I'll be picking up additional colors, for sure.

Here's a close-up. I think Kim's been looking so good lately, because she's never been so happy. Happiness is a look that looks good on everyone!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Files From the Brow Whisperer

Somewhere underneath all that hair is a gorgeous eye just waiting to be seen!

Ahhh that's so much better.

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Tip Tuesday

One of my daily beauty essentials is an eye base primer from Trish McEvoy. This beloved product also drives me nuts due to the applicator. It can't reach the bottom quarter or top quarter of the contents- often wasting a lot of product.

People I'm sure reach for Q-Tips in this situation- which I experience additionally with a lot of my lip glosses, but then there are fuzz balls. Fuzz balls is your lipgloss are quite annoying. I use a metal make-up spatula to scoop every drop out. It's a professional tool, but you can find sculptor's spatulas at your local craft store.

They're narrow enough to fit in the openings of most beauty tubes. Which when you think of it, with a prestige product averaging over $20 a piece is a great tool to invest in at under $10. I always say it's expensive being a woman- what with all the upkeep, so I hope this little tip will save you a few dollars!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

It Cosmetics

Earlier in the month, QVC hosted a charity fundraising event for Cancer and Careers. All proceeds from the 2 hour show packed full of beauty treats went to this amazing organization that helps those struggling with cancer continue to work & live their lives to the fullest extent.

Always up for a new make-up product while giving back,  It Cosmetics Luxe Performance Eyeshadow Palette with 12 eyeshadows caught my 'eye' so I scooped it up. What drew me to the palette was the added bonus of the shadows being infused with their Age Reverse & Prevent Complex. The eyes are definitely a worry for me when it comes to aging- I would say they're my main concern besides hyperpigmentation.

What the complex offers is skincare benefits like hydrolyzed collagen along with vitamins A, C & E  melded together with the pigments. There are what I consider 3 cooler toned shadows beginning at the top, 5 warmer toned shadows following those & then 4 definer shadows. Even just brushed dry on my arm, these four definers at the bottom pack some punch! When wet or using a transforming liquid they become even more opaque & intense.

For a soft day look, I used Earth Angel on the inner lid, Romance on the outer lid, then went with Cashmere & Satin Sunshine on the brow bone.

I finished off the look by using Jet Black smudged along the lash line with a dollop of that Azure cobalt blue to brighten, as well. You can really be a mixologist with this compilation & it's a great value with the shadows coming in at right around $3/each!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Melanoma Monday

As an esthetician I deal with the devastating effects of sun damage with my clients on a daily basis.  I'm not even talking about it today from a vanity standpoint- which trust me Beauties once you hit your 30's you'll find out on your own. I'm talking about Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma & Squamous Cell Carcinoma that I've seen with clients as early as their 20's have to deal with. I don't think I'm the only one who's noticed that our environment & our weather is changing. That directly effects what our skin is subject to. Dr. Drew Shindell explains that  UV exposure increases by about 33% for every 20% ozone layer loss. The end result is a roughly 33% increase in the rate of skin cancer. That means that the statistic that more than one in five Americans will deal with it in their lifetime is rising. Luckily the majority of my female clients are really aware of the dangers that are out there & are consistent with their use of SPF, my male clients I struggle more with. 

Which twin do you think worshipped the sun?

 

I always say ran or shine - apply it face, neck/decollete & hands 365 days a year. May is Skin Care Awareness month & today is Melanoma Monday. In honor or bringing awareness to this issue, I've partnered with Neutrogena to give one lucky winner a set of 6 of their fabulous sunscreens valued at over $60. Instructions on how to enter are listed below. So forget the sunblocks of a decade ago, today's technology is lighter in texture (no breakouts with Neutrogena's Clear Face Liquid SPF 55- woo hoo!) & much easier to use. Always try to apply 20 minutes before you head out & reapply- most people never do, which is why the sprays like Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer are so convenient. Remember- healthy skin is beautiful skin!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

*To enter leave a comment, for additional entries follow me on twitter: @peacelovegloss , or like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PeaceLoveandLipgloss .  Then list the tally in the comments section. Please have an interacting Twitter handle & not one set up exclusively for giveaways. Giveaway is open to US residents 18 years of older. Contest will wrap 5/12/13 & winner will be listed on my Facebook page- you can then email me your mailing address. Giveaway is mailed from corporate so I have no control over shipping times. Now for even more legal stuff which also applies to the Beauty Blog Coalition Giveaway.

GENERAL
1. All entrants agree to provide the Promoter or the Promoter’s authorized agent with proof of identity, residency, age and/or proof of entry validity if selected as the Prize winner/s or if reasonably requested by the Promoter or the Promoter’s authorized agent. Proof of age, identification, residency and entry considered suitable for verification is at the sole discretion of the Promoter. In the event that the Prize winner cannot provide suitable proof, the Prize winner will forfeit the Prize in whole and no substitute will be offered.

2. No responsibility will be taken by the Promoter for any changes in dates, times or cancellations or other arrangements that may prevent the Prize winner from winning the Prize.

3. The Promoter reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, at any time before the awarding of the Prizes to cancel or vary the Competition or to vary or cancel the award of the Prizes including, without limitation, circumstances where in the Promoter’s opinion (which it shall form in its absolute discretion): (a) a Prize winner does not satisfy the Competition entry requirements; or (b) the Promoter cannot conduct the Competition or award the Prize/s for any reason beyond its control.

4. In the event that the Promoter cancels or varies the Competition or varies or withdraws the Prizes it shall not:
(a) be liable to any person for any loss or damage (including loss or damage caused by any negligence) arising out of, or in connection with, such cancellation, variation or withdrawal; and (b) be required to conduct the Competition at any other time.

5. No responsibility will be accepted by the Promoter for late, lost or misdirected entries and all entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt of the entry into the Promoter’s database and NOT time of transmission by the entrant. The Promoter will accept no responsibility for any delays to entry caused by technical disruptions or malfunctions. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for outdated or incorrect contact details or contact details by which the entrant cannot be contacted during business hours on the relevant dates.

6. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any Prize that are damaged, delayed or lost in transit.

7. The Promoter reserves the right to cancel the award of prize/s to, and/or to disqualify any individual who, as determined in the sole discretion of the Promoter, has breached these terms and conditions or who has otherwise engaged in unlawful or improper conduct that is designed to jeopardize the fair conduct of the Competition.

8. Entrants are advised that their personal information may be disclosed to State and Territory lottery departments and their names as the winner may be published as required under the relevant lottery legislation.

9. A decision of the Promoter in relation to the conduct of the Competition is binding and conclusive and no correspondence will be entered into.

10. Entrants enter the Competition at their sole risk. With the exception of liability which cannot be excluded by law, the Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for personal injury suffered or sustained as a result of taking the Prize or entering the Competition.

11. All entries become the property of the Promoter and may be communicated to the public by the Promoter or used for promotional purposes, subject to the Promoter’s privacy policy. By entering the Competition, the Prize winner agrees to the use of their name, image, audio-visual recording and/or photograph/s, without compensation, and agrees that the Promoter will own copyright in any such images, audio-visual recordings and photograph/s.
 

Beauty Blog Coalition Spring Giveaway

The Beauty Blog Coalition is a group of Beauty Bloggers who work day & night to bring you the latest on all things beauty. This spring, because we adore our readers we have collaborated to put together a giveaway of $500! Who doesn't want some fresh make-up looks for Spring?!? Please follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter. The giveaway is even open to our international readers. Also here is a list of the member's participating in the current giveaway including yours truly- so be sure to check them out for some enjoyable reading. Good Luck Beauties!

 Blushing Basics PolishGalore Clumps of Mascara Justina's Gems Beyond Beauty Lounge Beauty 101 Cosmetics Aficionado Just For Trendy Girls Peek & Ponder Pretty In Pink Aquaheart's Obsessions InTruBeauty Beauty Info Zone Moxie Reviews Prime Beauty Midnight Manicures Geniabeme Blushing Noir Beauty by Miss L Peace Love Lipgloss TheFabZilla polarbelle My Highest Self MinaSlater.com - Fabulous Awesomeness george&bear Lipgloss Break Painted Ladies a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aqualillies for Tarte

The first time I saw Tarte's limited edition beauty collection created by the bathing beauties of the synchronized swimming group the Aqualillies- I do believe I might have drooled a bit. I mean the packaging alone is swoon worthy! What's perfect as we head into summer (insert sweating) is that these products are budgeproof- jump in the water & you'll be fine!

Amazonian Clay waterproof liners come with their own liner brush & are available in Splash (left) & Black (right.) They go on creamy & smooth- plus even after giving several facials with steam in my face, these liners stayed put. I always say give cream or cakes liners a try, you'll be surprised at how easy they are over pencils.

 Don't be afraid to live it up a little with the Splash option! As long as you're not wearing an entire teal ensemble, this vibrant color pops the whites of your eyes & makes you look instantly awake.

 Of course you can't go wrong with classic black either.

The Amazonian Clay Eye & Cheek compact in the collection is on my lust list- about the size of a CD, it offers a neutral palette with that pop of teal to spice things up a bit & the powders are all waterproof. I mean not all of us are actually swimming in fully applied make-up, but this palette will be perfect for my summer brides! There are super cute additional treats like a shower cap & beachbag as gifts with purchase on Tarte's website.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Liners gifted for review

Files From the Brow Whisperer

When the spring sunshine comes out in full force, we've all been in the car & seen some 'hairy' situations in the clear light of day. This week has been full of pleas for spring cleaning....

I'm here to help. Hello eye lift- we've missed you!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.