Self Tanning Do's and Don'ts

From our guest blogger, Emma from Escentual.com:)

Self Tannning dos and don’ts

Even though it is summer by name, the changeable weather means it's not always summer by nature. This doesn’t mean that you have to forgo your customary summer glow, however – cheat your way to bronzed skin with our guide to fake tanning...

Do...

Shed the old

Before you even think of tanning, you need to prep the skin properly at least a day before. This means getting rid of all the dead skin cells and rough patches of skin on the body, and ensuring a really even surface before adding your colour. Not only will your skin feel really smooth and supple, but your tan will look more natural and will apply with greater ease.

Choose a formulation that will gently buff the body rather than intensively scrub it, unless it is winter or you suffer from excessively dry skin. Products with natural scrubbing agents such as jojoba beads or sugar are ideal, and are also kinder to the environment than those with plastic microbeads.

Restore the balance

Buffing your skin in this way will take away some of its natural oils, so it is important to restore the balance. Envelop your body in the moisture of a body lotion, cream, milk or butter: the choice is yours depending upon the condition of your skin. A body lotion or milk is ideal as they have a finer texture and sink into skin without a trace, although elbows and knees will probably need the more intensive hydration and protection of a cream or butter. Like your exfoliating routine, you need to do this at least a day before so that you don’t inhibit and dilute the development of your tan when it is applied.

Don’t...

Cut corners when applying

The biggest problems with self tanning are the various streaks and patches of dark colour that occur with rushed application. Reserve a good chunk of time for getting your false tan routine right; that added effort results in a longer-lasting, more natural looking colour.

Avoid streaks by applying your tan in methodical, wide, sweeping motions that overlap each other. This will cover a large area while working to buff any lines in. When you’re done, buff any residual lines with a dry tanning mitt (an old sock works just as well!). Another worry when applying false tan is patchiness. Dehydrated skin absorbs fake tan more readily than skin that is properly moisturised, so if you have scaly patches of rough and dry skin these can appear darker than the rest of your body. Avoid this by properly exfoliating and moisturising the body as outlined above.

Fail to prepare your environment

Stains inevitably occur when tanning, especially on the hands. Avoid this by wearing gloves or a tanning mitt, and then washing hands immediately after application. If you have left it too long and your hands are truly stained with product, use a hand scrub to tone down the colour.

Staining clothes and furniture is another worry, and this can happen both during and after the tanning process as your colour is drying. Avoid this by properly covering all surfaces before you start tanning, and by using dark towels. Ensure skin is properly dry before putting your clothes back on or climbing into bed.

Emma loves the sun, but living in Britain means taking a practical approach to tanning. She writes for Escentual.com, a skincare retailer stocking all the best brands from Givenchy to Guerlain.

Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

One of my all time favorite drugstore products is Aveeno's Skin Brightening Daily Scrub.  I use this nearly everyday about once a day.  And I have been using it for years.  This product will keep dry scaly skin at bay without harsh abrasives or drying out your skin.  I have oily skin and it keeps my skin so soft and glowing.  It's my secret weapon to beautiful skin and I recommend this product to all my clients for their best skin ever.

Where to buy...

http://www.target.com/ $6.99

Check out my PRO Makeup Artist website here!

Your Questions Answered! How to Get Rid of Baggy Eyes

As of late, I have been getting tons of great questions from my readers.  So I decided to address them publicly so that everyone can benefit from the answer.  I can also give a more detailed and thoughtful answer this way. 

"Hi Michelle< I was wondering if you know any techniques or cosmetics for the bags under the eyes? I now have an extra bag under each eye. and I know getting older doesn't help but I would like to minimize them.."

First, let's understand the difference between Puffy eyes and Baggy eyes. 

Puffy eyes are mostly a build up of fluids caused by allergic reactions, lack of sleep, stress, too much sodium intake, build up of toxins, crying, body fluid fluctuations, too much alcohol intake, hereditary disposition, contact lens irritation, and irritations to eye creams or lotions.  Puffy eyes are relatively easy to treat.  Basically try to avoid any of the above.  But if you still end up getting puffy eyes then a cold compress for about 10-15 minutes can do the trick. 

Baggy eyes are the loss of elasticity in the skin around the eyes caused by aging, too much pulling on the skin over the years, hereditary disposition, toxicity, pillows of fat that have bellowed out due to the ligaments getting weaker, swelling and deflating during sinus infections, and lifestyle.  This is usually a permanent issue but can be minimized by skin treatments and surgery.

Both types are similar and can be treated a lot the same to minimize the appearance.  You can tighten the skin temporarily with a cold compress to bring down the swelling or with topical treatments such as Obaji's Elastiderm.  There's also a trick used by makeup artists by putting Preparation H on the puffy areas.  But use caution to not get this product in the eyes!  Make sure to use the cream form and not the gel form.  Lifestyle changes can go a long way too.

A more aggressive and longer lasting way to treat puffy or baggy eyes is to use a filler such as Juviderm.  This typically lasts up to 18 months and requires no surgery.  It is injected just below the puffy eye to balance out the look and to remove indentations.  Botox is often used in conjunction to smooth out the lines.  The overall look is a younger looking eye.  The cost for Juviderm is about $500 for a vial and the amount depends on how much you need.  Some people can go to 2-3 vials pretty easily.  Botox is about $10 a unit and again the amount depends on your needs.  Most people can look at at least 30 units or more.  This type of treatment requires artistic talent and should only be done by a qualified and trained doctor.

For a more permanent look, lasting around 20 years is an eye lift (Blepharoplasty).  This does require surgery and downtime.  This involves inserting a tiny electric probe into the "puff" and melting the fat.  This is the only thing needed for younger people, but some older folks may also need the skin to be tucked.  This surgery can be expensive at around $6000 but, again the overall look is a younger looking eye without the hassle of going in every 18 months to be poked.  Please please, please make certain that your doctor is a qualified surgeon and is a board certified plastic surgeon.

Ok, so if surgery and being filled and poked is not an option for you.  You can create an illusion of tightened eyes with makeup.  The secret weapon is concealer.  That's right.  Concealer.  Using a creamy concealer about 1-2 shades lighter then your natural color.  Pat in the corner of your eye working to the outer corner.  Use a fluffy brush to buff it out in a downward "v".  Meaning sitting on the top of your cheek bone.  The lighter color will reflect light therefore creating an illusion of smoother eyes.  Make sure to start with a small amount.  If you need more apply a tiny bit more.  But don't over do it.  You don't want it to be obvious.  Set your concealer with dust of translucent powder.  A little bit of illuminator such as MAC's Strobe Cream or Mary Kay's Liquid Illuminator on the top of the cheek bones, down the bridge of the nose and in the center of the forehead will create a youthful appearance.

Makeup and lifestyle is certainly the safest and easiest way to minimize the appearance of puffy and baggy eyes.  But it isn't a permanent fix or a perfect solution.  The choice is yours and it should be weighed out carefully.  Make sure you are fully informed on all of your options by doing your research and having a consultation with a board certified surgeon or medical doctor. 

Stretch Mark Prevention in Pregnancy - My Personal Guide

Even though the skin is very elastic, rapid weight gain and excessive stretching like in pregnancy (or puberty) can cause the skin to tear and scar.  Stretch marks can even appear with weight loss.  Especially if it was a large amount.  As unsightly and devastating these can be to a woman some would say it's the battle wounds of pregnancy and they would wear their scars proudly.  But if you could prevent it - wouldn't you?  No one chooses to have stretch marks.  It's just a harsh reality of life.  According to WebMD 90% of woman get stretch marks and genetics play a huge part.  "Basically, if your mother had them, you're probably going to have them," says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Group and author of The Skin Type Solution.  Well, I may disagree with that quote.  And that is what this post is about.  I am genetically disposed to getting stretch marks.  My mother and my sisters all got them.  I had two children, close in age.  I gained 28lbs with my first and I was 42lbs overweight with my second.  And I got not one stretch mark.  How did I do that?  Well I am going to tell you exactly what I did with both pregnancies.  Now I am not claiming that you will not get stretch marks.  What I am trying to say is that I am a testimonial of genetically disposed woman that didn't get stretch marks.  It didn't come easy.  I had a routine that I religiously stuck too and never strayed.  At times I felt sticky and smelled of minerals.  But the payoff was worth it all.  There are ways to minimize the appearance of stretch marks but stretch marks are a permanent fixture once they appear.  I am hoping this may help out other woman with their quests to prevent stretch marks.  Before you do anything I am recommending you check with your doctor FIRST for absolute certainty what is appropriate for you.   Let's start out with the basics and common sense ones then we will go on to a month by month routine.  Click on the links for buying info.

1.Moisturize!  This starts from the inside out.  Yes, that means DRINK WATER.  And tons of it!  The recommended daily intake amount is 8-10 8oz glasses a day.  Drink 10-12 8oz glasses during pregnancy.
2.Lotions and oils are a great way to moisturize from the outside and penetrates into the skin.  I will explain more of this in the month by month part.
3.Vitamin E used topically (not internally) is know for general healing of the skin and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.  Use only the 100% natural form in 1000 iu capsules.  You can get this for really cheap at Puritan's Pride.  See below for routine.
4.Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin and minerals.  In particular zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and silica which can all be found in green leafy vegetables and fruits. 
5.I took the supplement Juice Plus in double doses.  I consulted with my doctor and she approved of this.  Mainly because nothing in Juice Plus is synthetic or added.  It is just flash frozen fruits and vegetables with the water and sugars removed.  I took the Orchard, Vineyard and Garden Blends.  This is especially important if you are having a hard time eating your healthy foods. 
6.Take a Pre Natal Vitamin.  GNC has an amazing one the includes 600mg of Calcium!
7.Exercise.  If your doctor gives you the a-OK.  Exercise circulates your blood and circulates in the affected tissues.  This is also good for your mind and focus.
8.Rest.  Your body needs rest to rejuvenate itself.
9.Chill out on the weight gain.  I'm not saying don't enjoy the pregnancy perks or don't gain any weight at all.  Just stay within your recommended range determined by your doctor.  Your body only needs 300 more calories per day for a healthy woman to support pregnancy.  Excess weight gain too fast will cause stretch marks.

Month to Month Routine:
Entire Pregnancy: Vaseline's Cocoa Butter Lotion, all over my body 2x daily.

Day 1 - 4 Months:  I used 2x a day Palmer's Stretch Mark Cream on my hips, butt, bust, thighs and tummy.

4 Months - 6 Months: Switch to 1000 iu 100% Natural Vitamin E capsules.  3 for the frontal areas and 3 for the hips and butt.  Use a safety pin to puncture a hole and squeeze the contents into the palm of your hand.  Warm up the product in your hands and apply.  Do this at night.  Use the Palmer's lotion during the day as needed.  Which means when you are feeling dry or itchy or use Almond Oil (see below).

6 Months - 8 Months: Use the Vitamin E routine Day and Night now.  Discontinue using Palmer's and switch to Pure Almond Oil.  Almonds are know for it's anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.  And it smells good!  I put this on all the time and all over my body.  Almond oil is great for your skin even if you are not pregnant.  You can purchase this at fine grocery stores in the baking section.

8 Months - End: Use the Vitamin E routine 3 x a day.  Continue using Almond oil as needed several times a day.

Tip: I used Belly Bands to help keep the product from getting on my clothes.  And it was helpful in supporting my belly. 

After pregnancy Tip:  This is a HUGE tip that saved my droopy skin after the birth of my babies.  Use Pure Grapeseed Oil all over you butt, hips, thighs, bust and belly.  Grapeseed oil is know for it's benefits of retracting the skin back.  I have absolutely NO crepeing of the skin and it is very smooth.  I give this as a gift to all my new Mom friends!  You can buy this at grocery stores everywhere including Winco.  Good Luck!

Minx Nails - The Newest Celebrity Obsession- and Now Mine Too!

I went to go visit my friend Kate, who just had a baby boy, and noticed this amazing nail polish on her toes.  They were cheetah print!  I wondered how did her manicurist do that?  Turns out it is Minx Nails.  What is Minx Nails, you may be asking?  Well here it is straight from the company itself:

 

About our sassy company
Where on earth would you find a completely new and unique product in nail fashion? In sunny California, of course, where the sun, sea and surf surrounds some of the most beautiful women in the world who need to look sensational whether they are waxing a surfboard, attending a movie premiere, or glamming out for Hef’s next bash at the manor.

While it is hard work gliding through each day and night (and after-hours) looking gorgeous with a touch of naughty, Minx is here to lead the way. The golden flash of fingernail as you beckon for the brunch waiter… the sparkling arc as you firmly grasp the last pair of Jimmy Choo’s on sale… the perky glint of silver wrapped around a fresh Pinkberry smoothie… once you’ve been Minxed, your life will never be the same.  

What's a Minx?
In our definition, a Minx is a sexy, confident, naughty but fun individual who lives every day like it is a big, ripe juicy apple ready to be bitten. We’ve channeled this cool factor into Minx, a new and glamorous way that lets women (and men!) extend fashion to their very fingertips.

What exactly is Minx?

Minx is a solid film with an adhesive back that is heat activated. The heat gives Minx the conformability to fit over the compound curves of nails and seals it onto the nail bed. Minx is brewed in North County, San Diego, California. The patent pending proprietary material Minx is made of can be easily removed with heat by either the manicurist or the client.

So I decided to give it a try.  After all it looked soooo fabulous!  On the Minx website http://www.minxnails.com/ you can get a list of salons in your area that do this.  I have to tell you, not many.  There were only 170 in the sunny state of California where the product was originated.  I was so excited to find one in Folsom at Maribou Salon and Spa. 

I met with Lori a nail specialist and certified Minx artist.  I choose the Day of the Dead Skulls since Halloween was only a week away.  She warned me that the Minx on my hands may only last about 4 days which was still much longer then nail polish.  With nail polish I start chipping the next day.  I also had her do my toes which she mentioned could last about 3 weeks.  The process was fairly quick - about a hour for my fingers and toes.  No polish or chemicals were used.  I LOVE the look of my new nails!!

Fast forward a week and my fingers are peeling a bit but with a little heat I can rub it back down to adhere to my nail.  My toes are doing wonderful.  Finally the day after Halloween I had enough of my hair getting caught between the Minx and my nail so I removed the Minx off of my fingers.  It was so easy!  Just like peeling a sticker off.  It's amazing they stayed on this long.  I decided to keep my toes since they were doing awesome.  I still have them on at the time I am writing this blog.  AMAZING!  And they look like the day I got them. 

My overall review is 4 out of 5 lip smacks!  I didn't do five because of the cost.  I paid $60 including tip.  And there was no pedicure or manicure involved.  Just application of the Minx Nails.  I was impressed with the designs and how long the product stayed on.  It is definitely a naughty little splurge that every fabulous girl should try!