Far Out Lashes!

Think 60's, blue shadow, mega lashes. Twiggy inspired lashes is on this summer's must have list! To get the look you will need a pencil, false lashes, surgical adhesive, & a lengthening mascara.

1. First you will need to remove the lashes from the packaging. You must do this carefully not to ruin the shape of the lashes. Place your thumb on the lashes gently rolling the lashes down and off.

2. Once the lashes are off, roll the rim of the lashes around a pencil reshaping the lashes to contour your lash line.

3. Next apply a small amount of glue to the band of the false lashes. Wait about 10 seconds to let the glue get tacky. Holding the tip of the lashes angle the rim of the lashes to meet your lash line. With the back of an angled brush gently press the false lashes into your lash line. Let dry for about a 3 minutes. Gently tug to make sure lashes are secure. Add more glue if needed. Then do the other eye.

4. Now proceed to do your eye make-up.

5. Lastly apply 2 coats of lengthening mascara to both top and bottom lashes. False lashes can be tricky, be patient. Practice makes perfect.

Luscious lashes are hot! Give your eyes a far out make-over and you'll be groovn' in style.

Smokey or Non?

I'm head over heels for the smokey look. I love the fact that you can create a smokey eye essentially with any color of eyeshadow. Today, I sported a bright green smokey eye. It's really easy to do and only takes like 5 minutes to have an amazing set of peeps.

To get the look you will need: any color of eyeshadow, a fluff brush, a crease brush, angled eyeliner brush, black or grey eyeliner, & black mascara.

With the fluff brush apply the eyeshadow of choice on the lid of your eye. Then with the crease brush apply the same eyeshadow in the crease. Layer the crease color to make it appear richer. Next, line your eyes with the black or grey liner; line the top, bottom, and water line (Lining the water line is optional. However, it will create an even more dramatic look). Now smudge the liner with the angled eyeliner brush. Then add a layer of shadow (the same color that you used on your lid) over the bottom lash line. Create a thin line where your lower lash line begins and gradually increase it's fullness toward the outer lower lash line. Lastly, apply an even coat of mascara to the top and bottom lashes.

You can sport a smokey eye anywhere! You don't have to save it for evening. You can create many different looks depending on the eyeshadow color you choose. Follow the steps above and you'll have those to die for smokey eyes!

Eyebrows

What's up with eyebrows anyway? Why is it so important that you wear the right shape? Eyebrows create expression, so whatever brow shape your wearing creates an expression or mood of your face. Start looking at other people's brows & you will see what I'm talking about.

Essentially, the way you shape of your brows will create an artificial emotion, as well as enhances (or down play) your features. The most common brow mistake is that they arch too soon. This make the person look confused. Try going to a job interview with a brow like that!

The right brow can make you appear confident, approachable, friendly, put-together, younger, or even sexy. The wrong brow can make you look the contrary; mean, older, un-groomed, shy and so on. The following is a guide to great brows.

Rule #1

Don't got it alone. Find a brow stylist. This is a beauty professional experienced in brows. Ask around and get a referral from your friends. (Make sure you actually like your friends brows!)

Rule #2

Bring a picture with you. Pictures are worth a thousand words! Enough said.

Rule #3

Keep them maintained. Don't attempt to pluck! You can and probably will ruin your beautiful new shape. Reschedule your appointment and get them done professionally every two weeks.

Balance is the key & shape is essential. The inner corner of your brow should be in line with your nostril, the peak of the arch should line up with the outer iris, and the tail of the brow should tapper. If your eyes are close together or far apart this rules slightly changes. For close set eyes start the brow a little farther then the nostril. If they are close together start the brow closer to the bridge of your nose.

To create a confident look you want an angled brow. However, if you want a to appear more friendly go with a rounded brow. A higher arch is more sexy and a lower arch is more natural (the full natural brow is all the rage right now).

Flip through a mag and study the mood of each models face, note the brow shape they are wearing. Find a picture that best matches the look you want to create. Then head to a brow stylist near you. Brows truly are simple even though it may sound complicated. Balance is key & shape is essential.

Sci-Fi & MAC Collide!

MAC is a cosmic inspiration. Bold is statement and MAC's Neo Sci-Fi collection has the stuff to spruce up your summer cosmetic wardrobe!

In my experience as a make-up artist many woman wish they could wear bright colors but are intimidated by them. I encourage you to just go for it! If you want to add a pop of color without going over the top, use a angled eyeliner brush and just add a splash color over your eyeliner, or down play your eyes and go for a bright lip like MAC's Electro lipstick.

The MAC Counter offers FREE make-over's. The Artist are there to help you so just ask! It so much fun to shop with a MAC artist. They are knowledgeable, creative and great with make-up.

MAC is out of this world!

Easy Recipes for Facial Masks

I thought this was perfect timing for Memorial Day weekend, since you may have a little extra time. I'm totally into homeopathic, home remedies, naturopathy, organic, green, you get the idea. Yoga chick without the yoga (lately anyway). So I thought I'd share some facial mask recipes! I hope you enjoy.

Detoxifying & Remineralizing Mask

4 tbsp kelp powder
1/2 c aloe vera gel
3 tbsp distilled water

Combine ingredients in a bowl. Apply generously. Relax for 10. Rinse with tepid water.

Exfoliating Pineapple & Olive Oil Mask

4 large fresh pineapple chunks
3 tbsp olive oil

Blend ingredients in a blender until mostly smooth. Apply to face, neck, and back of hands. Relax for 15. Rinse with warm water.

Rose Oil & Homey Mask for Dry Skin

2 tbsp honey
2 tsp almond oil
5 drops rose essential oil

Blend ingredients. Apply to face, neck, and decollete'. Let it set for 15. Rinse with warm water.

Pore Refining Mask

1 egg

Remove yolk and the whip egg white. Apply. Let sit for 20. Rinse with warm water.

Skin Vitamins

There are two types of skin vitamins I'm going to write about today, topical & internal. A topical vitamin supplements the skin from the outside in to: nourish, protect, and repair. Internal vitamins work from the inside out, giving your skin the proper support to: nourish, regenerate, and protect. Both applications are important for good skin health.

Topical vitamins are extremely fragile. They have to be manufactured correctly, including the packaging. For example Vitamin C is venerable to light and air. If it is exposed to either the product loses it's potency. You should always choose a brand that packages their topical vitamins in a frosted or amber glass, and in a container you don't have to actually open. That's why I personally love Bioelements Vitamineral Power Pen! (My fav brand. Can't you tell?). It contains powerful anti-oxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage, synthesises collagen, strengthens elastin, reverses signs of aging, repairs sun damage, unclogs pores, & prevents blackheads! Yes all that in a little pen. Second runner up is Dermalogica's topical vitamin capsules. This products helps reverse the signs of aging and repairs sun damage.

So what are free radicals? Well, I'm not going to give you the dictionary definition, but free radicals basically are scavengers that accelerate the aging process. Free radicals are created by pollution, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. They are all around us even though we can't see them. That is why it is imperative to cleanse your skin morning & night, and to use a topical vitamin. Anti-oxidants neutralize free radicals preventing premature aging. Like rust aging is oxidation. Anti-oxidants slow oxidation, thus slows aging.

Our skin functions in two ways. It's absorbs nutirents during the day and excrets toxins at night. So we cleanse at night to remove free radicals off the skin which helps protect against free radical damage. We cleanse in the morning to remove the toxins the skin excretes at night. Similary, when you use an topical anti-oxidant in the morning it helps your skin win the war on free radicals. When you use it at night, it repairs any damage that skin may have received. So with any skin care regimen the plan is to defend during the day and repair at night.

Internal vitamins helps protect against free radical damage internally. They also can help with a variety of skin disorders. Vitamins good for the skin include; your regular multivitamin, fish oil, primrose oil (especially if you have severe acne), garlic oil, flax oil, borage oil & grape seed extract. Internal anti-oxidants keep your body functioning normally and slow the aging process. It's especially important in our polluted world. One of my grandmothers is a health nut. She has taken anti-oxidant for as long as I can remember. She has aged so gracefully. I truly believe it is do to her taking really good care of her skin, staying out of the sun, and taking her anti-oxidants.

External and internal vitamins work synergistically to maintain skin health and to slow aging.

There are many resources available on vitamins & herbs if you are curious and want more information. Another great resource is your local mom an pop health food store (they seem so much more knowledgeable then the chain stores). As for topibal vitamins check out your local day spa & speak with their lead Aesthetician.

So, off the subject. I'm curious to know what products, make-up, or skin care topics, would you my readers like know more about? Send me on assignment. :) Thanks guys!

To purchase a topical vitamin you can either visit your local day spa, or visit the Ibrow Studio Store online to purchase a Vitamineral Power Pen. When your purchase online with the Ibrow Studio not only do you support my blog, you also save 25%! ( The Ibrow Studio offers The Beauty Review Junkie discounts on all their products. Use code spring08.)

Block Sun, Block Aging

I absolutely love the new Coppertone Commercial! Have you seen it? It shows a girl go into a Derma Photo Booth to get her picture taken. This is no ordinary photo. It took a picture of all her sun damage! I love it because as an Aesthetician I daily help woman reverse the signs of sun damage and help diminish premature aging that has occured because of it. Sadly, I also get see the emotional damage it causes. I do my part to inform people in my corner of the world about the effects of the sun. Perhaps only making a small insignificant impact. Now, with this new commercial I think it will effectively get the message across. If beauty is skin deep I hate to see Beach Barbie's derma photo. Yikes!


Sun damage is real. You don't see it right away even though it's there. It typically doesn't show up for 10 years after the damage occurs. I think that is why it's so difficult to convince people to stop tanning and get a spray on tan. An SPF 30 is best. Wear it year round. UVA (the aging rays) penetrates the clouds zapping the youth right out of you (even if your just a teen). Do you know what a tan really is? It is an immune response. Your body goes into protect mode. Cells called malanocytes splatter up pigment, trying to defend your internal organs against the sun. So a healthy tan, is really not so healthy.

One of my favorite sun blocks Bioelements Year Round Protector SPF 30. It's a face block, it doesn't stink like most sun blocks, it's not sticky. and it contains age fighting bontanicals to further protect the skin. Apply sunblock liberally, the more the better. Don't forget the back of your hands and your ears. Wear your sunblock 365 days a year. Yes even if you don't spend time out doors. When you walk to and from your car you get sun, and when you drive you sun through your wndows. Even a computer screen releases ultraviolet rays!

The sun causes; fine lines, wrinkles, skin cancers, dry skin, & painful sunburns. People are hospitalized every summer with sun poisoning. So, protect your beautiful skin and keep it healthy and youthful with a daily dose of SPF 30!

Kudos Coppertone!

Secret #5
Lip Stuff

Where do I start? Lipstick & lip gloss choices are so numerous: sheer, matte, shimmer, satin, lacquer, gloss, plumping, vitamin-e, SPF, stain, and so on, not to mention the ocean of color choices. I think the best way to sort through these choices is to understand what texture, mood and look each brings. So, I'm going to help you understand just that!

One thing I would like to encourage you today is to try a different shade then your comfortable in. So many times we get stuck in a rut and for some reason convince ourselves that we don't look good in any other color. The problem with this is that your current shade is probably not doing you justice, (is that the same shade since high school?).

Cosmetic looks like fashion and hairstyles keep changing. If you stick with the same-o-same-o, you begin to date your look. Don't get me wrong there are some classics, however with any "new" fashion taken from inspiration of old, there is a new spin on it. To look fab today, slip on a shade that's you "today".

The trick to picking out a new daring lipstick is to simply try it on, take five, and go walk around the mall. Look in every mirror along the way. Get used to seeing yourself in your new shade. By the time you make it back to the make-up counter you will have fallen in love with your new shade, and will end up purchasing the matching lip liner and gloss!



FORMULA

Sheer
Texture- wash of color.
Mood- natural
Look- for a subtle look.



Matte
Texture- opaque
Mood- bold
Look- confident

Shimmer
Texture- glittery (fine or chunky)
Mood- fun
Look- outgoing

Satin
Texture- smooth
Mood- sophisticated
Look- classic

Lacquer
Texture- Thick & ultra shiny, hence "lacquer".
Mood- flirty
Look- sexy

Gloss
Texture- wet
Mood- vibrant
Look- fresh

Plumping
Texture- comes is matte and gloss
Mood- upgrade
Look- fuller lips

Vitamin E
Texture- moisturizing
Mood- health conscious
Look- smoother lips (great under lipstick and glosses)

SPF
Texture- protecting
Mood- health conscious
Look- colorless

Stain
Texture- stained
Mood- low maintenance
Look- soft

COLOR
Reds
can be cool or warm depending whether it's base is blue or orange.
Mood- flashy
Look- classic


Pinks
Since pink is a tint of red it also can be cool or warm.
Mood- fun/flirty
Look- feminine

Oranges
brings warmth to a look.
Mood- happy
Look- friendly

Peaches
Mood- youthful
Look- soft

Browns
are neutral and many woman mistake this color family as "natural". However, only a shade that matches the pigment of your lips is natural.
Mood- yoga
Look- earthy

Purples
Mood- royal
Look- dignified

Today lipstick confusion ends and the next time you pick up a tube of lip stuff you'll have a whole new perspective. Ok, so what are you waiting for? Go get that new lipstick!

Secret #5

BLUSH

I absolutely love blush! First of all I love that I can place it in different areas on my cheeks to give me a completely different look. I love that I can use different shades depending on what cosmetic mood I'm in.

Placement of blush can depend on your face shape, age, or look you want to create. Color choice can depend on your attitude or look you want to achieve. I personally let my mood choose the color and placement of my blush.

In the following paragraphs you will learn blush tips that will make you fall in love with rouge all over again!

Face Shape & Blush Placement:

Square- Apply blush on the apples of your cheeks to your temples. This will softens the angles of your face

Oval- To create a soft natural glow, apply blush on the apples of your cheeks.

Round- If your face is round start at the height of your cheek bone moving toward your nose, not taking color past the center of your eye. This technique is slimming to the face.

Diamond: Show off those gorgeous cheek bones (which all diamonds face shapes have) and start at the apples of your cheeks & sweep up to the height of your cheek bone.

Heart: To add balance and symmetry begin at the apples of your cheeks toward your ear lobes.

Long: To open up your face and show off your features, start at the apples of your cheeks toward the ears.

Attitude of Placement

Fun/flirty/youthful- Apples of the Cheeks:

Sophisticated- Height Cheek bones:

Beachy- Apply a warm shade to your forehead, nose, cheeks, & chin for a sun kissed look.

Snow bunny- Apply a red to your cheeks and nose for a weekend in Aspen look, burr.

Moods of Color Pink- Is like a pinch on the cheeks. It is a very natural look. Think of your four year old nieces pretty pink cheeks.

Orange/Peach- Brings warmth to your look. A soft peach is excellent for making one's appearance more youthful!

Red- Gives the skin more of a flushed look. This look can be very sensual.

Browns/Neutrals- Gives the skin a sun kissed appearance.

Isn't blush fun?! I bet you didn't know the 101 ways to use one simple cosmetic, (or maybe you did). I think If I was stranded on an island this is the one cosmetic I would want stranded with me.

Secrets to Flawless Make-up Application

Secret #4
Accent your look with contour & highlighting.

Contouring and highlighting accentuates your features, down plays your flaws, and spices up your look. I especially make sure to use this technique for special occasions, pictures, or if I just feel, ugh, and need a pick me up.

From my experience teaching make-up lessons, this is where it gets confusing for most people. Don't worry. I'm going to share with you a few simple artistry techniques that will show you how to glamify your make-up. Tools you will need are; contour blush brush, sponges (for blending), small and medium fluff brushes.

Let's start with two art basics. Light brings out (highlighting) and dark recedes (contouring). Now apply that to make-up. It's that simple!

Highlight:
Forehead, brow bone, corner of your eyes, bridge of nose, cheeks, chin, the center of your lips, and collar bone.
Colors to use: Matte or Sheer Shimmery whites, creams, bone, basically any color one to two shades lighter than your skin color.

Contour:
Hollow of your cheeks (under cheek bone), hair line, jawline, sides of the nose, under chin, neck and in the hollows your collar bone creates.
Color to use: A foundation or pressed powder one to two shades darker then your skin color or a bronzer. Make sure to blend! You don't want to appear like you have streaks of dirt on your face like the picture above.

This technique is one of the reasons models and movie star look so perfect! Now that you know the secrets of contour and highlight grab your tools & make-up, head to your vanity & try it out. If you don't get it the first time, try again, practice makes perfect!

Secrets to Flawless Make-up Application

Secret #3

Mirror mirror on the wall who has the fairest eyes of all?....

The magic of eye make-up is in the tools and in the pigment of the cosmetic. Yes, that is why when you try and try to apply your eye make-up it always turns out like that. Throw away those cheap brushes you got from your grandparents last Christmas that came in a JcPenny make-up kit and hit the MAC counter, Japonesque online, or the Ibrow store online, for quality brushes.

A quality brush is made with virgin fibers and is hand made. (A virgin fiber is the first clippings of an animal's hair. No, animals are NOT harmed in the process. Their hair is continually clipped and sold to cosmetic companies that want to make cheap brushes to sell to the masses. P.S. That's why those brushes feel prickly). Quality brushes will last you a life time. They need some basic care. If your not using your brushes professionally, you should shampoo your brushes with a conditioning shampoo once a month, reshape your brushes, and lay them to dry. (Keep them away from dogs and cats! They smell the animal fur, and mistake make-up brushes for toys. I either have to keep my door shut or keep my brushes in a drawer or my cat will steal them. True story.)

Now that you have quality tools. It's time to invest in high pigment eye make-up. Some of my favorite brands are, MAC, Sorme', Bioelements, and Jane Iredale to name a few. High pigment eye cosmetics have exactly that more pigment in them. Higher concentrates of pigment make application easier and more flawless. You don't have to keep layering to make the color of the shadow show up. With high pigment products one sweep is all you need. Granted you can change the intensity depending how little or how much you put on.

To mimic looks you see in magazines or to create your own unique style, combine good tools and high pigment make-up together and walla, you are on your way to glam eye's. Try it and see how simple (& prettier) it is to accentuate your eyes!

Secrets to Flawless Makeup Application

Secret #2

Now that we have a healthy canvas, we're off to find the perfect foundation. The foundation of our dreams, matches our skin color, is the right formula for our skin type, and makes our skin look flawless (and how about ten years younger?). The wrong foundation can make you look made up, accentuate fine lines, clog your pores, dry out your skin, or make you oily.

• If you have a dry skin the best foundation formula is a liquid or cream, and if you can't live with out powder, loose powder is best.
  

• If your skin is combination you will want to use an oil free liquid or a powder foundation. Use a translucent pressed powder to touch up.
  

• If your skin is oily choose a powder foundation and use a translucent blotting powder for touch ups. Blotting powder is oil absorbing and cuts shine without layering color.
  

So, how do you choose the right color? First get a piece of white printing paper, hold it under your wrist along your forearm. Standing in natural light, look at the back of your forearm in contrast with the paper. What undertones in your skin do you see? Does the hue of your forearm appear yellow, green, pink, or blue? The tone of your foundation should favor the dominate color you see.

Now that you have found your tone, it's time to choose a color! Pick out three foundations in your tone range that appear to match your skin color. Place a stripe of each color on your jawbone. Grab a hand held mirror and hit some natural light and go compare the colors. Which one blends best with your skin? Which color matches your neck? (You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a mask). Which foundation appears the most natural? The one that possesses all three qualities is the best foundation color for you.


Try before you buy. Most make up counters give out samples or assist you in finding the right color and formula. If no samples are available ask to try it on, wear it around to make sure it looks right in all lighting, Make sure it does not change color as you wear it. Liquid and cream foundations can oxidize after they are applied, making the foundation color darker. Once you are satisfied with how a foundation looks, wears, and feels, you can confidently make a purchase you will be happy with. Some cosmetic companies have a no return policy on open cosmetics for health safety reasons. So if at all possible try before you buy.


Yes it took some effort to find the right base. But hey, we got to play at all the makeup counters, got a few free make-overs along the way, and found the perfect foundation! (Until next season).

Secrets to Flawless Makeup Application

Celebrities and models always appear flawless. In the next few posts I'm going to share secrets of applying your makeup like an expert!

Secret #1

Great makeup starts with great skin! So your skin is not so good. That’s ok. With some good habits and the right products you can have beautiful skin in no time. Start with the basics; cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Follow this routine morning and night; If you have acne stop picking on your skin it will only spread acne, change your pillow case out daily (until your acne is cleared up), take supplements like fish oil, odorless garlic, a good multivitamin, and of course drink lots of water (add a slice of lemon to promote detoxification). For those of you who've traded acne for wrinkles, drink your water, supplement with flax and fish oils, stop over exfoliating ( once or twice a week is recommended), & wear sun block year round.

The tricky part is to find the right skin care products that work for your skin type and condition. A licensed Aesthetician can help you find the right products for you. An Aesthetician is a skin care expert. Many spas offer free skin care consultations to help you find the exact products your skin needs. You can also log onto http://www.348brow.net/SkinAssesmentForm.html and receive your skin type, condition, and a list of recommended products in your email, free!. Use discount code spring08 for a 25% discount when you order your recommended skin care.

It's important to remember to use products from the same line. Products systems are created to work together to give you maximum results. If you mix skin care lines you could cause a chemical reaction that either cause the products not to work as effectively, or worse cause a skin irritation.

So grab a glass of crisp lemon water, head over to our friends at the Ibrow Studio to find out your skin type, get on a good skin care system, and remember to take your vitamins.

Eye's Need a Pick Me Up?

Whether you have dark circles, tired eyes, or want younger looking peeps. Bioelements Tinted Undereye & Lid Smoother is for you! What I absolutely love about this product is that it has a thin application & mega coverage. Have you ever used a concealer that was just too thick, accentuated every fine line and aged you like ten years? Me too! The Bioelements tinted treatment will make you look like you've had your coffee and drank it too.

Tinted Undereye and Lid Smoother contains light reflectors that bounce light and blurr imperfections, a.k.a. fine lines & dark circles. It also contains Bioelements' exclusive MariBright Complex, a blend of Marigold, Golden Seal and Eyebright botanical extracts to heal, calm and soothe the eye area.

Just Sweep a little of this magic in a tube on with a concealer brush and your good to go!

The Quest for Thicker Fuller Hair; KMS Review

KMS Add Volume System


I have baby fine hair, so when I was asked to try KMS Add Volume line I was a bit of a skeptic. I've tried what is seems like every product on the market that promises thicker fuller hair. What the heck, new products are fun! So, I took home the shampoo, conditioner, blow dry lotion, & the root boost. I was going to have volumous hair yet!

The next morning I lined up all the products on my blue tile counter, took the shampoo and conditioner with me and headed to the shower. I opened the green capped bottle, lifted the bottle to my nose and reluctantly took a quick sniff. Oooh...Not bad. This time I inhaled the intoxicating fragrance of eucalyptus and cinnamon. I curiously sudsed up. I felt like I was in an herbal essence commercial. After my invigorating shampoo, I rinsed and grabbed for the conditioner. Excited to try what was in the contents of the bottle I poured the light green gel into my palm, ran the conditioner through the ends of my hair, sat for three, then rinsed. My hair was feeling clean and silky.

Lured by the other products I’ve yet to try, I hopped out of the shower into a dry warm towel. Standing at my counter I picked up a capsule looking bottle labeled Blow Dry Lotion. This was the product that was supposed to give me luscious volume of my dreams. Hopeful, I poured a large amount into my palm then slathered the jelly liquid through my hair. The more the better right?. Then, I picked up the root boost and boosted my roots.

Now to put these styling products to the test. I reached for my ionic blow dryer. I turned it on high and started to dry my hair like my stylist taught me. As my hair begin to dry out I couldn’t believe it. My hair started to feel thicker! Excitedly I finished styling my hair.

For those of you who have fine hair, know that styling your hair is only half the battle. Keeping it that way is the other half. Fine hair has a tough time holding up against the elements. Super charged for my day and my new found volume, I went about my daily tasks and hoped my hair would too. I went to return an outfit, ran to the post office, went to lunch with a friend, picked up kids, dropped off kids, straightened up the house, and cooked dinner. By the end of my busy day, my hair actually held its shape. My hair still felt thicker and looked fuller! A bit tousled yes, but definitely fuller.

So does KMS Add Volume live up to it’s claim? I have to admit it does. My favorite thing about it is that it gave my hair thicker texture and over all volume with out feeling weighed down or sticky. It's fantastic!

Discount Beauty Products for Beauty Review Junkie Readers!

The Ibrow Studio Salon & Spa store is offering the Beauty Review Junkie readers 25% off all beauty products. You must use the discount code and enter the store using this link. http://stores.348brow.net/StoreFront.bok

Discount Code: Spring08

Professional Skin Care vs. Brand Name Over-the-Counter

I seen an episode a few years ago on 20/20 or inside edition, one or the other, doing a story on facials and skin care products. Investigating if they really work or just a gimmick. They interviewed a Dermatologist who had the audacity to tell the public that the skin doesn't absorb, hence that skin care products and facials really don't work. I was irate lol. My husband had to calm me down. We'll, when you know a thing or two about the skin you know that the skin has a respiratory system and inhales oxygen and exhales toxins, as well as absorb nutrients and excretes waste. If our skin could not absorb then how do hormone and nicotine patches work? I rest my case. I guess this Dermatologist didn't want to share his patients with Aestheticians. (Dermatologist specialize in disease and disorder of the skin. Aestheticians specialize in preventative skin care. I guess in a sense we keep you from having to go to the doctor.)

With the right products that are pH balanced, nutrient rich, free of fillers and artificial ingredients, and that contain skin compatible oils, we all can have amazing skin. Many of us have really good skin care habits, but use the wrong products. And we just don't know any better.

Let me give you a quick lesson on Over-the-counter products or OTC products for short. These are products you can purchase at a pharmacy, grocery store, or mall. OTC products are sold by sales associates not licensed professionals. The extent of their licensing is a demonstration license, which says that they have the states permission to apply products on a customer. It's twenty bucks and you don't even have to take a test. Yikes, do the make up counter girls know about safety and sanitation to keep you from everyone elses germs?

OTC products contain fillers, artificial colors and fragrances,minimal active ingredient, and not synergistically blended. They are selling you advertising, sex appeal and pretty packaging. Many if not all OTC products contain mineral oil. Mineral oil is NOT skin compatible. The molecules are to big and will not penetrate the skin. This ingredient stays in the pores, causing black heads, breakout, premature aging, and/or dull skin. Mineral oil is a bi product of the petroleum industry. It is occlusive and doesn't allow the skin to function normally, restricting it's respiratory system and its ability to absorb. Did you know if you cover your entire body with body paint you could die from asphyxiation? It's true. An actress, I want to say in the 40's or 50's, was painted gold for a scene in a movie, and she suffocated to death. Major skin care companies use mineral oil because its a cheap lubricant, not because its good for the skin. Putting nut oils, avocado oil, grape seed, jojoba oils or an other natural oils that the skin recognizes, would cost too much and raise the price of manufacturing. Let face it skin care is big business. No pun intended. Sadly, now that the general public has become more aware of this ingredient, the sneaky skin care companies have change this word in hopes that you will not recognise it. This new word is petrolatum.

Professional products on the other hand do contain skin compatible oils, they are nutrient rich, contain higher levels of active ingredients, and are packaged correctly. Professional Products are represented by Aestheticians, and many of them were even created by Aestheticans. That's why you can't find professional products just anywhere. (My last post explains what an Aesthetician is.) This means that the product she endorses is a product she chooses to represent because of what is will do for your skin. An Aestheticans reputation is on the line. Her goal is to make you a life long client not sell you something and never see you again. She will give you her honest recommendation on skin care products that are right for you. She knows products inside and out and has the knowledge to prescribe a regimen that will benefit you and produce results.

Most professional products contain less no fillers and artificial ingredients. They also contain higher concentrates of active ingredients. A professional product is geared to be result oriented not just a pretty package. If you compare Oil of Olay moisturizer to any BioElements moisturizer you will see a significant difference. The ingredients that are good for your skin are listed first on the label of the professional product and last on the OTC product. You can do that with any major OTC brand. Yes, even Estee Lauder and Clinique that we have used so faithfully, compared to a professional product would prove to be inadequate. Did you know that a product can contain one drop of vitamin c and claim to be a vitamin c cream? So, here we are believing we are using the exquisite jar of nutrient rich anti-oxidant, yet it's packaged incorrectly (v-c is venerable to light and air) and hardly contains the "active" ingredient in the first place. We're just putting on very expensive lard. No wonder our skin looks dull.

Price is often a concern and causes people to hesitate purchasing professional products. However, professional products are concentrated which makes it last longer. A typical repurchase of OTC products is two to one over professional products. My cleanser by BioElement last me 6 months and so does my moisturizer. My toner last me about three months. Back in the day before I was an Aesthetician I used OTC products too. My skin was dull and I never received complements about it. I had to repurchase my products monthly. Once I learned what I'm sharing with you, my skin change! Ever since I've receive complements about my skin. People don't believe I'm 30. Sure professional products might cost a fraction more, but in the long run your skin looks better, is healthier, and you essential spend less since you don't have to replace them as often.

The secret to great skin is great products. The secret to a car running properly is good fuel. There are many great professional skin care lines available. One of my favorites is BioElements that I mentioned earlier. This was my product of choice when I was in the field. I've witnessed drastic results; from women just using the right cleanser, toner, moisturizer! Women who had suffered from a ruddy skin most their life, now have even completions. Individuals with acne that had tried everything, now have beautiful smooth healthy skin. And I've seen women go from sever premature wrinkling to younger looking skin, without surgery, harsh treatments or botox.

In my opinion the benefits of professional skin care out weighs those of brand name OTC products. As I teach my children to care for the largest organ of their body; the skin. I will teach them to bypass the propaganda of advertising, be smart about ingredients, and to purchase their skin care products from a licenced professional.

The Importance of Skin Analysis

A skin analysis is vital before purchasing skin care products. Why you may ask? First of all with the thousands of products on the market, various ingredients, and level of active ingredients that make a product more or less result oriented, you will want know your skin type & condition before investing money in a skin care line. In addition, the weight of a product is also a factor when choosing products for your skin type. A product that is to heavy for your skin not only could clog your pores but weigh your skin down and cause premature sagging! Exactly what we try to avoid.

So, what is a skin analysis anyway? Glad you asked. A skin analysis is when a professional skin care therapist also known as an Aesthetician consults with you, looks at your skin under what is called a mag lamp (or magnifying lamp), and asks you a series of questions about your skin and diet habits. Then the experienced licensed professional will determine your skin type, any skin conditions, and develop a skin care regimen that is perfect for you. I stress licensed professional since any random person can represent a skin care company and sell skin care products without any formal training. Non-licensed individuals are trained by a company that has hired them to SELL you products. An Aesthetician is formally trained and actually knows the anatomy, physiology, and histology of the skin. With her formal education she will recommend products that are best for you. In addition, she will recommended a skin care regimen that is either corrective, preventative, maintenance, or the combination. It will just depend on what is going on with your skin.

Believe it or not, skin analysis now can be found online! An online skin analysis is slightly different than one done in person. You get to skip the scary mag lamp that every one hates to be seen under. An online analysis will consist of you answering a series of questions about your skin, skin care habits, and diet. Then a regimen will be recommended based on your answers. If the Aesthetician has further questions about your skin she will contact you through email. Once your analysis is complete she will email you will receive your results and product recommendations. Now that's service!



There are a variety of websites that offer skin analysis. This service ranges from free to $100 depending on where you shop. The Ibrow Studio Salon and Spa offers a free in store and online skin analysis. To get your free skin analysis visit http://www.348brow.net/SkinAssesmentForm.html

A skin analysis will prevent you from making huge purchasing mistakes! With a skin analysis you will purchase products that are meant for your skin type, condition, and that will produce results. Wow, finally the end to the perpetually skin care product search! And no more disappointment! Like disappointment you've experienced with all the products that have joined the ranks under the dark damp sink! It is worth your time to check into a skin analysis and worth your money to invest in products that are right for you.



Don't be discouraged if you just purchased a whole new skin care line that has promised to make you would look 10 years younger before reading this blogticle. You can either take it back or give it to a friend or family member. Make a mad rush to get a skin analysis and invest in a professionally recommended skin care line. Shh...I won't tell any one. :)

Tomorrow I will discuss why choosing professional products over a brand name over the counter product is smarter and more cost effective.