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.