Brow Lesson From the Glow

Here is beauty wisdom from the Glow {dot} com to make sure we all are sporting amazing brows. My comments are in red =).
The right eyebrow shape not only visually lifts and opens your eyes, it also polishes your entire look. The best method for DIY brow shaping is tweezing because it's precise and more goof-proof than waxing — especially if you're a first-timer. Celebrity makeup artist Vincent Longo agrees. "With waxing, a detailed contour is more difficult to pull off on your own," he says.
Before you get started, you'll need a few tools: A magnifying mirror or any mirror placed near a window (natural light will help you see every stray hair); grooming scissors; a good pair of tweezers (Tweezerman's Slant Tweezer is great for beginners); and a brow brush (try the Dior Brow Brush). (or a cheaper option, try a toothbrush)
The best time to pluck is right after a steamy shower, which will open up your pores and make it easier to remove hairs. (pores do not open and close. They harden and soften so I'm sure they meant to say they will be soft at that point) Make sure you have time on your hands — tweezing can't be rushed! After you're done plucking, use an antibacterial wipe to clean your tools. Soothe any redness and swelling on your brow area with arnica gel, an herbal remedy that reduces inflammation, says Longo. And wait several minutes before applying lotions, creams, or makeup.

Step 1: Determine your basic shape. Figure out where your eyebrow begins by placing a pencil vertically against the side of your nose and the inner corner of the eye. Any hair that goes beyond this line should be tweezed. Next, place the pencil diagonally from the side of your nostril to the center of the pupil — this is where the highest point of the arch needs to be. A straight line from the side of the nostril to the outside corner of the eye determines the end point. Hair extending into the temple area should be plucked. (go to my perfect brow tutorial for the "pencil test").

Step 2: Brush your eyebrows upward with the brow brush (a baby toothbrush works too!) and carefully trim any extra-long hairs. Then comb downward, and — very conservatively — cut excess length.

Step 3: Tweeze one row of hair beneath the brow, between the points you identified in Step 1. To lessen the pain factor, pluck in the direction of hair growth. Open up the arch by removing a second row of hair from directly underneath it. Lastly, pluck random hairs below the brow line and between the eyes.

Remember: Less is more! Over plucking looks unnatural and requires a six-month "no tweezing" period to correct. Plus it adds more age to your face! Stick to these rules, and you'll have enviable brows in no time.

Treating Stubborn Acne

It's Monday and today from Daily Glow (dot) com we have Dr. Jessica Wu giving us insight on how to treat stubborn acne. Also, if you're a newbie here you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed to get updates on posts =).

While I often recommend acne washes, lotions, and gels to my patients who are having breakouts, these at-home treatments are sometimes not enough to control the problem. For stubborn or severe acne, I perform these procedures in my office:

Extractions (also called acne surgery) help remove pockets of oil and dead skin. I use a few different sterile instruments to safely drain whiteheads, blackheads, and small cysts. Extractions must be done carefully by someone with experience or they can turn a small pimple into a festering boil, which can become infected and take weeks to heal. This is the reason doctors usually recommend that pimples not be squeezed; without the right instruments and technique, you can scar your skin.

Large cysts (such as those that result from hormonal breakouts) can be treated with dilute cortisone injections, which shrink the inflammation under the skin, often within a day or two. The amount of cortisone is very small, but the injection must be done by a skilled doctor — if not, it can cause your skin to become pitted.

Acne peels with alpha and beta hydroxy acids can help unclog pores and reduce blackheads, especially if there are many little bumps and pimples. My favorite solutions are salicylic, lactic, and lipo-hydroxy acids, which target the oil glands to loosen dead skin and oil. Peels generally cause pinkness and flaking for a few days. For an at-home treatment, try Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System, which contains lactic acid, or Ren Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask, which contains four fruit acids.

Laser and photofacial treatments can help kill acne-causing bacteria and shrink pores, although the effect is temporary. For best results, these treatments are done once every three to four weeks, so they can become costly. However, little to no recovery time is needed. I often recommend lasers to reduce red scars after a breakout is under control.

Reverse the Signs of Aging

Here the Daily Glow helps us with the secrets to looking younger. Enjoy! =) Take it away Doc!!!

 If you haven’t been protecting your skin, it can start to give away clues about your age. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear, along with brown spots and rough skin patches caused by sun exposure. Your skin might be producing less collagen, and dead skin cells don't flake off imperceptibly anymore. If this sounds like your skin, it’s time to turn to anti-aging products and treatments to slow down, reduce, or even reverse the signs of aging and regain younger-looking skin.
Any skin that's been regularly exposed to the elements can be expected to show its age and needs special care to maintain its youthful look, says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, CEO and medical director of Elite MD, Inc. Advanced Dermatology, Laser, and Plastic Surgery Institute in Danville, Calif.
Your Anti-Aging Action Plan
At-home and doctor’s office procedures can have a visible impact on your complexion, giving you back younger-looking skin.

1. Protect your skin. The first rule of thumb: Prevent the damage. "The best thing to do to protect your skin is prevention," Dr. Badreshia-Bansal says. The sun is enemy number one, so you need to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher whenever you're outside. You also should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Protect your face and neck with wide-brimmed hats, your eyes with sunglasses with UV coating. Dryness is enemy number two, making lines seem more noticeable, so choose a moisturizer made for your skin type and use it regularly to keep skin supple.
2. Apply a vitamin A cream. Prescription-strength, vitamin A–based topical gels or creams known as retinoids can reduce wrinkles and produce younger-looking skin. "It helps to build collagen, which can prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, and to lighten dark spots,” Badreshia-Bansal says. “We also use it to treat acne, and it can help prevent precancerous growths." Prescription retinoids include Retin-A and Renova (tretinoin), Differin (adapalene), and Avage (tazarotene).
3. Bleach your brown spots. You can try lightening brown spots (also called age spots) with a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone. "Hydroquinone helps inhibit an important enzyme in pigment synthesis," Badreshia-Bansal explains.
4. Pick up a pentapeptide anti-wrinkle cream. These anti-aging creams stimulate the skin's production of collagen and elastin and are found in some drugstore or beauty counter products. "You're helping to build back the support structure that's been lost through aging and sun damage," Badreshia-Bansal says.
5. Peel to reveal fresher skin. Dermatologists use various methods to remove the top layer of skin and expose new skin. These procedures can help tighten the skin and diminish fine lines and brown spots. "By exfoliating that top layer, you're allowing the moisturizers and other products we use to penetrate deeper and work better," Badreshia-Bansal says. Procedures include:
   
   • Chemical peel solutions to loosen and slough away the top layer of skin
   • Laser skin resurfacing to vaporize the surface skin
   • Microdermabrasion that sprays tiny particles to strip away topmost skin cells
   • Plasma skin regeneration using a stream of ionized nitrogen gas to heat the skin and cause the top layer of cells to flake away
6. Consider Botox. Injections of botulinum toxin have become tremendously popular as an anti-aging therapy. The injections relax the muscles under the skin and can eliminate deep lines and wrinkles around the face. Botox treatments also can help prevent new wrinkles from appearing.

You have many options available to create younger-looking skin. Factors including cost and the recovery time associated with procedures like peels will help you decide on your best course of action.

Glow Wisdom

Faking A Brow Lift:

It’s an annoying fact of life — as well as heredity and gravity — that our eyebrows start to get a little heavy once we hit a certain age. I knew it was happening to me when my eye shadow started to crease and my upper lids got crepey. While brow-lift surgery can reduce the droopiness, the results, which can sometimes look scary and unnatural, are permanent. Here are some other ways to fake a rejuvenating brow lift:

Get a lift with a high ponytail. Celebs like Penelope Cruz (at the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), Reese Witherspoon (at the Oscars), and Kim Kardashian show that this sleek, classic look never goes out of style. A high ponytail lifts everything up and back. Just don’t wear this style too often or you may pull out some hair.
If ponytails aren’t your thing, try taking a small piece of hair (about a quarter inch) from each temple and pull the pieces up and back. If your hair is long enough, tie the pieces together in the back, high on the crown, and hide the tie under the rest of your hair. Or, if the pieces are too short, pin them securely above and behind your ears.
In the office, one of my favorite minimally invasive procedures is a brow “lift” using an injectable filler, typically Restylane or Juvéderm. I put a tiny bit along the underside of the eyebrow, to replace the fat pad that shrinks over time. This gives a subtle lift to both brow and lid. But the injections must be made carefully and precisely, so you don’t end up looking like a Neanderthal.
Many of my patients get great results with a drop of Botox below the brow. This widens your eyes, makes the upper lids less heavy, and lifts the outer part of the brow. If done incorrectly, though, the Botox can make the lids and brows droop, so be sure your doctor has a lot of experience in treating this area.

Keep Your Makeup Fresh:

 When celebrities are shooting movies, they have to look fresh for as long as 16 hours at a time — of course, they have makeup crews standing by to powder their noses and freshen their blush. How can the rest of us still look polished hours after we've applied our makeup? If, like me, you barely have time to look in the mirror during a busy day, try these tips to keep your makeup looking fresh all day long — and through dinner as well.

Use a makeup primer like Urban Decay Primer Potion to help smooth dry patches and calm flaky skin. Your foundation will go on more evenly and last longer. If your skin is oily, look for a mattifying, oil-free primer like Vichy Normaderm ProMat Ultra Mattifying Oil Free Lotion.
Use waterproof eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara. Waterproof formulas resist humidity, sweat, and greasy skin, so your makeup will be less likely to smudge and smear. No more raccoon eyes!
If you reapply powder several times a day, it can mix with your skin's natural oils, settle into pores, and become cakey and creased by the end of the day. Instead, use oil-blotting sheets to control shine. I like Clean and Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets or Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper. In a pinch, you can use Kleenex or even clean toilet-seat covers. But don't use toilet paper to blot — it has too many fibers that can stick to your face.
If you have a last-minute meeting or date after work and you don't have time to redo your eye shadow from scratch, blot first, then use a shadow brush to “reactivate” the shadow and eliminate creases.

Under Eye Problems

Here's a dose from Dr. Jessica Wu of the Daily Glow =):

Whether you want to look relaxed and in control at work or be fresh-faced for a new date, there are ways to minimize dark under-eye circles. Here are some common causes of dark circles, along with ways to treat them:
 
Excess skin pigmentation on the upper part of the cheekbone and under the eyes can lead to dark circles. This can be hereditary or caused by freckles and sun damage. One way to tell if you have excess pigment is to gently pull down on the lower eyelid. Do the spots move with the skin? If so, skin-brightening creams may help. One study showed that a cream containing licorice extract and hyaluronic acid reduced dark circles after six weeks. Both of these ingredients are found in C. Booth Black Licorice Eye Cream ($12.99 at drugstore.com).
 
Thin lower-eyelid skin can also produce dark circles when the dark eyelid muscles are visible beneath the skin (the same way that black panties are visible through thin white pants). Another study showed that a gel containing retinol helped reduce dark circles after four weeks, possibly by thickening the skin of the lower eyelid. Try Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream (about $19 at drugstores).
 
Under-eye bags can produce shadows and hollows underneath them that accentuate dark circles. If you wake up with puffy lids, try soaking cotton balls in cold soy milk and holding them on your closed lids for a few minutes in the morning. The cold temperature and anti-inflammatory properties of soy can help shrink swollen tissues and reduce puffiness. However, if you have under-eye bags caused by fat deposits, topical treatments won't be enough to shrink them and reduce the circles. These types of circles may require injectable fillers to fill in the hollows or surgical removal of the bags.

Waterproof Your Makeup

How is it that beach-loving celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz always look picture perfect as they climb out of the pool or walk out of the ocean? Aside from having amazing bodies, many of them are probably wearing waterproof makeup. If you enjoy water sports (or tearjerker movies) and want to look your best without worrying about makeup dribbling down your face, try switching to waterproof products. Here are some of my faves this summer:
Sephora's Flashy Liner Waterproof is a soft and creamy eyeliner that glides on smoothly and then stays put. It's got a bit of sparkle to reflect light, but don't worry — it's not too glittery for daytime. I like Flashy Black and Flashy Green ($8 at sephora.com).
L'Oréal's Voluminous Waterproof Mascara (about $7 at drugstores) has been my go-to summer mascara because it builds volume that holds up under water, in extreme humidity, and through a sweaty workout. This year I'm also loving Giorgio Armani Beauty's Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara, which is lightweight and leaves my lashes feeling soft ($30 at barneys.com).
Make Up For Ever's Aqua Lip waterproof Lip liner pencil ($17 at sephora.com) stays put all day and comes in 18 shades (I like Nude Beige). I also like Prestige's Waterproof Lipliner (about $5 at drugstores and ulta.com), which comes in 10 colors. To avoid looking too made up, choose a shade close to your lip color and use short, feathery strokes to apply it along your natural lip line. These liners can be drying, so apply lip balm or gloss on top when you get out of the water.

Want to win a Makeup Forever Aqua Lip waterproof Lip liner pencil in Nude Beige? Tell me how you keep your makeup from melting during the summer. Send your tips to submissions@askjessicawu.com. I’ll pick 5 lucky winners and share your tips in an upcoming Shout-out!

Sunscreen & Avoiding "Makeup Meltdown"

Here's a double dose from the dailyglow.com since I have missed a few Mondays...I know SLACKER!!! I thought these two issues where SO relevant to us right now that I though I would share them first. Enjoy!

Have you ever stood in the sunscreen aisle at your local drugstore, staring at the shelves full of tubes and bottles until your eyes glazed over? Help may be on the way. This month, for the first time in 33 years, the FDA released new guidelines that are designed to simplify the confusing and often misleading labels on sunscreens. Most manufacturers have a year to comply, so it should be easier to pick one next summer. Here’s the lowdown:

• The word “sunblock” will no longer be allowed on labels, since this implies that the product blocks out all UV rays.
• Only sunscreens that protect equally against UVA (aging) rays and UVB (burning) rays can be labeled “broad spectrum.”
• Sunscreens with SPF of 15 or higher can claim that they prevent sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer. Sunscreens with SPF less than 15 will be required to carry a warning that they haven’t been shown to prevent skin cancer or aging.
• Sunscreens will not be able to call themselves waterproof or sweatproof. This is because no sunscreen can be completely budge-proof under water. They can be labeled as water-resistant; if so, they’ll need to indicate how long (40 or 80 minutes) you can swim or sweat before the protection wears off.
• In addition, the FDA is proposing a maximum SPF of 50. Sunscreens that have SPF values higher than 50 would be labeled as SPF 50+. This is because there’s no scientific proof that a higher SPF provides more protection from skin cancer and aging compared to products with SPF 50. The agency is also taking a closer look at sunscreen sprays to evaluate how well they protect, as well as the safety of inhaling the mist.

While these guidelines are a step in the right direction, the labeling is still not as informative and helpful as labels in Europe and Asia, which have rating systems that help sunscreen users compare the degree of UVA protection between products. The FDA should also take a closer look at the safety of current sunscreen ingredients, and speed up their review and approval of newer ingredients with better UVA protection as well as less irritation and potential toxicity.
For more information on the change in sunscreen labeling, visit the American Academy of Dermatology.

Here is how to avoid a "makeup meltdown" =):

Q: I want to schedule more sessions with the cute new trainer at my gym, but I need to figure out how to keep my makeup from dripping all over my face during the workout. How do I pull off a polished look while exercising?

A: Dripping makeup is messy, and it can be a real turnoff — even at the gym. But don’t sweat it! Here are some tips that’ll help you avoid makeup melt and show off your natural glow instead:

1. Wear less makeup. The gym is one place where you can get away with this, so go for it. Instead of full foundation, just dab on a little concealer wherever you need it.
2. If you need more coverage, add some tinted moisturizer to help even out your complexion. For oily or acne-prone skin, try Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer, which is oil free and noncomedogenic. Bobbi Brown’s Tinted Moisturizing Balm works well for dry skin. (Or mix some of your usual foundation with a bit of moisturizer to make your own.)
3. Skip the blush — your workout will give you a natural glow.
4. Use waterproof liner and mascara to avoid raccoon eyes. For a clean, natural look, I like Maybelline Unstoppable Smudgeproof Waterproof Eyeliner and L’Oréal’s Panoramic Curl Waterproof Mascara because they add definition and won’t run down your face.
5. Use a tinted lip balm instead of lipstick, and skip the lip liner so you don’t end up with an odd-looking outline around your mouth by the end of your workout. And no goopy gloss, either — it’ll just get all over your teeth and water bottle.

       6.   Carry a towel for blotting the sweat from your face — pat, don’t wipe! 

So It's Not Monday

I saw this and thought...yes, this is true. I will pass this onto my ladies with all my love and support LOL. Yeah, I'm a nerd but you knew that ;). Here is what thedailyglow.com had to say about hiring a pro to handle your face on your special day:

Even if you're not a celebrity, there are certain occasions when you want to look your absolute best. Whether you're splurging for your wedding or a class reunion, you want a professional image for your new Web site, or you just want a sexy photo for an online dating profile, hiring a professional makeup artist can be totally worth it. I learned my lesson years ago when I did my own makeup for a television interview. I ended up looking so pale and sickly that my mother called and asked if I was ill! Now whenever I do a TV appearance or need to have photos taken, I have my makeup done professionally.


To find a makeup artist, ask for referrals from friends who have been pleased with their makeup. Hairstylists and wedding or event photographers are also likely to know who does good work.
When you contact the makeup artist, ask about his or her professional experience, what type of work she or he does, and what rate you can expect. Ask to see photos of the artist's work or speak to recent clients.
Depending on the type of event you're getting primped for, you may have other questions: Is the makeup artist available to work on other members of a wedding party? Will she or he stick around for touch-ups at a photo shoot or TV interview? If so, be sure to ask about additional costs.
Always do a trial run. You'd never wait until the day of a big event to put your dress on for the first time, would you? A trial run will help you and your makeup artist nail down the right look and prevent any ghastly surprises.

CRAZY Weekend!!!

So I am doing great in Utah, I really am, I love it.......but I ADORE Portland and have missed it greatly. It's quirky, unexpected, fun, artistic and fits me like a glove. I was so happy to travel back this weekend for some great times and photo shoots. Friday was packed with rushing from the flight to grab my rental car. Side note, look really cute and somewhat "lost" and the boys behind the counter will pretty much give you anything you want =). Isn't it cute???

I was so pleased with my cute little ride and rushed off to my first appointment....shopping with my dear friend Nicole!!!!! I had missed her so much and it was so great to hit up our favorite haunts and eat yummy food. The next morning I awoke at the crack of dawn to bid farewell to Nicole and head out on the road to the wedding. The bride was lovely and her bridesmaids charming. They were all so beautiful it made my job super easy.

 Next I went straight to the airport to catch my flight down to California. My "who did you sit by" companion was Mary. A lovely woman from Sacramento who had just been visiting her daughter and very first grandson. We chatted and laughed talking about babies and my life when I lived in Siberia. We walked out together, rushing somewhat as I had to get home quickly and she had to pick up her cute pup before the kennel closed. I was then met by a tall dark and handsome man that I lovingly refer to as Dad and we rushed to my childhood home to get my little sister ready for her Senior Ball.

 It was wonderful to spend time with my family and meet some smooshy nieces and nephews I had not yet met. That night my Dad took me and my sisters-in-law, my grandmother and great grandmother, in from Hawaii, out to our fav restaurant where we just sat for hours eating, talking, laughing...it was a dream. I left the following evening and was lucky in my travels again in the "who did you sit by" category. Lovely Christine was my companion on this leg of the trip and we talked as if we had known each other for years. Her daughter was off doing service in New Zealand and was named Jen as well. Unfortunately it was SUPER windy upon arrival and we had to circle for what seamed like FOREVER in gusts of wind in a tiny plane. Needless to say I enjoyed the lunch my mother so lovingly made for me before I left but didn't keep it down. Christine, you are a beautiful soul and I thank you for the patience and grace under fire that you exuded =). YUK! I am now home, safely on the ground, in my pjs still and about to take a nap!Just wanted to fill you in on some fun times and leave you with some glow wisdom that I thought was pretty appropriate =).

 Whether your next flight is 2 or 12 hours, here’s what to do to keep looking fresh on board and when you land:

• Slick on a thick layer of lip balm as soon as you board the plane. Sticks can be waxy and drying, so look for a balm in a tube or pot. My new favorite is Lavanila's Healthy Lip Shine, which contains apricot, jojoba, and sunflower oils and shea butter. I’m also a fan of Kiehl's Coconut Scented Lip Balm, as well as Aquaphor, which you can find in any drugstore. For a little natural color, dab on a bit of lipstick (not a thick layer) first. The color will stay on even when you reapply the balm.
• Carry a lubricating nose spray. Dry, stale airplane air can irritate sensitive nasal passages, especially if you have allergies or you're recovering from a cold. And there's nothing worse than getting a nosebleed at 30,000 feet in cramped quarters. Look for a nonmedicated saline solution like Ocean Nasal Spray (available at drugstores).
• Pack moist towelettes to wipe off oil and makeup before you land. It's impossible in the plane's closet of a bathroom to wash your face with one hand while pressing the faucet with the other. Basis So Refreshing Facial Cleansing Cloths are individually wrapped and contain aloe, chamomile, and green tea extract.
• Keep everything in a small Ziploc bag in the outside pocket of your carry-on for easy visibility and access.

The Glow And J-Lo Win the Book!!!

 Many of you watch her on American Idol and have asked for more tips on how to achieve her gorgeous look. So I turned to my friend Scott Barnes, who was her makeup artist for more than 10 years and whose book, About Face, features Jennifer on the cover. Scott points out that Jennifer often pairs a smoky eye with pale lips. This combination can look polished for daytime or glamorous at night, depending on how much “smoke” you apply. Here’s how Scott does it:

• Line the inside of your upper and lower lids with a black eye pencil. Scott’s favorite is Maybelline ExpertWear eyeliner in Velvet Black. First he flames the pencil with a lighter or match; this softens it and makes it easier to smudge. But be careful! Let the pencil cool and test it on the back of your hand before using it. He also uses the pencil to fill in between the upper and lower lashes to make them look thicker.
• Use an eyeshadow brush to apply brown or gray shadow in the crease. Sweep the brush back and forth from the inner corner to the outer corner to build up color and give your eyes depth. (For Asian ladies who don’t have an obvious crease, feel where your brow bone is, then move your finger down until the bone stops and your eyeball starts. That’s where your shadow should go.) Bring the shadow above the crease and under the brow bone, but leave a space between the shadow and your brow as well as the middle of your upper lid. Then take a shorter, tapered brush and use the same shadow above and below your eyeliner making the line thicker at the outer edges of your eyes. Blend well so it doesn’t look stripy.
• Use your finger to dab on shimmer in the middle of your upper lid. Scott likes gold (with brown shadow) or silver (with gray shadow). As he says, “When you look down, there’s something happening on your lids.” For evening, dab a bit more shimmer on your brow bone, between your shadow and your brow.

Want to win an autographed copy of Scott’s book? Send an email to Submissions@AskJessicaWu.com and tell me your favorite J Lo look. I’ll choose one at random and announce it in an upcoming Shout Out. Good Luck!

Monday = Glow Glow Gadget Miracle Product

Today's Editor Obsession: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

My husband just told me how great my skin looks. This is strange for a couple of reasons. 

One: While he isn’t oblivious to changes in my appearance, my spouse’s observational tools are sensitive enough only to detect the fairly obvious. For example, he declared a shade of red lipstick wrong for me but didn't comment when I had lash extensions. And the hubs certainly isn’t savvy to pore size or pigmentation.

Two: I just survived a couple of the most stressful weeks I can remember. Long hours at work, little sleep, and standard hormonal issues on top of a couple of life crises are exactly what usually turn my skin into a bigger mess than Charlie Sheen’s career.

So this comment on my skin had me floored. And the only reason for my calm complexion is SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense serum ($78).

This miracle skin cocktail contains a blend of ingredients that help prevent acne, fight the signs of aging, and combat hyperpigmentation. Dioic acid inhibits sebum production and kills acne-causing bacteria. And a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids help clear pores and exfoliate to minimize the appearance of pores and reveal more even skin tone.

I started using the lightweight serum before the chaos, and I still apply a few drops every morning before my moisturizer. The fluid is totally nongreasy and absorbs in an instant — I don’t feel like I have another product sitting on top of my skin.

In the weeks since I added Blemish + Age Defense to my routine, I haven’t seen a single breakout, and I think my skin looks more even and radiant. And it seems my husband agrees!

Visit the SkinCeuticals Facebook page to sign up for a free sample of Blemish + Age Defense.

How do you keep your skin from showing stress?

— Liesa Goins

A Dose of Daily Glow

 Every Monday I feature tips from the dailyglow.com. Dr. Jessica Wu is an amazing dermatologist to the stars and has so many tricks up her sleeve they just HAD to be shared with the ladies at Classy. Today she tells us about a homemade cookie foot scrub =). She writes:

I admit I have a weakness for Girl Scout cookies, and I can’t resist buying a box (or several) when I walk past the cute little girls selling them outside my local supermarket. My favorites are Thin Mints, which I keep in the freezer. I know, they’re high in sugar — but I try to limit myself to one or two at a time, and not every day. Plus, I like supporting the scouts in my neighborhood.

While cookies are not part of my Feed Your Face diet, cookie scrubs are featured in Chapter 11, titled “Food on Your Face: Food-Based Ingredients and Easy Recipes for Make-at-Home Remedies.” Your feet have been trapped in shoes all winter, so why not make this foot scrub to help get them in shape for spring? (It smells just like Thin Mints!)

Peppermint Patty Foot Scrub
- 1 cup coarse sea salt
- 5 tablespoons olive or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, minced
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix thoroughly and massage into your soles, focusing on calluses and rough patches. For best results, first soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, or use the scrub after a bath or shower. Follow by applying a rich foot cream. Repeat every week to keep your feet soft and sexy.

Glow Wisdom

It's Monday! So here is some insight from Dr. Jessica Wu over at the Glow.

Have you noticed that certain celebs look younger in some photos and older in others? In many cases, a simple change of hair, makeup, and clothing can make a huge difference in how young or old someone looks. Here are some quick tricks that can make you look instantly more youthful:

 Moisturize 

 Younger skin is soft, smooth, and dewy, so moisturize if your skin is dry or flaky. If you have an oily T zone or large pores, just moisturize any dry, flaky patches, typically the cheeks or around the nostrils and the sides of the chin. (click here for a quick fix)
Light makeup 

The more your natural skin texture shows, the more youthful you’ll look, so use a light hand when applying makeup. Too much foundation or powder can settle into fine lines, accentuating wrinkles. Instead, use concealer strategically, only where you need it: on dark circles under the eyes, red patches around the nose, and/or any sun-damage spots. For the rest, use light liquid foundation or powder. Play up your eyes or lips, but not both. A smoky eye + a nude lip = sexy. A smoky eye + a red lip + loads of blush = painted lady.
Natural hair

Work with your hair’s natural texture and body. Stick-straight hair can look severe. On the other hand, stiff, teased hair can make you look like an extra from Mad Men. We love Joan, but she and everyone else back then appears older, thanks to their sprayed-to-death bouffant hair. Don’t be afraid to loosen up your hairstyle. You can look carefree and pretty but still well groomed.

*BEAUTY BONUS from DR. JESSICA WU*

Stylish & Sustainable

I packed Cove rGirl's NatureLuxe Gloss Balm for a ski trip recently and used it all weekend. It comes in a slim tube and moisturizes like lip balm (it contains castor seed oil, shea butter, and mango seed butter) while also giving you just a hint of sheer color, so you don't look overly made up when you're doing sports or working out at the gym.

Monday Glow Tips: A Healthy, Glowing Complexion

As you age, your skin becomes thinner and can begin to look tired. Environmental damage also can take the glow out of your complexion and leave you with dull skin. If you find yourself yearning for the dewiness of younger skin, there are ways to help restore the glow to your complexion.

Bad Habits Lead to Dull Skin
Your skin begins to age as early as your twenties. Skin starts to lose its elastic qualities and dead cells do not slough off as quickly, leaving you with dull, dry skin that has lost its glow. In addition to normal aging and your own genetics, factors that can cause your skin to appear dull include:

• Sun exposure. Over time, too much sun exposure can damage your skin, causing it to appear rough, leathery, and blotchy. Sun exposure is more likely to lead to dull skin if you have a fair complexion.
• Cigarette smoking. If you smoke cigarettes, the normal age-related changes in your skin happen even faster. People who smoke are more likely to develop a yellowish tint to their skin, and their skin often appears more leathery than that of nonsmokers.
• Low humidity. If you’re exposed to low humidity year-round because of overheating in winter and air-conditioning in summer, your skin can be left feeling dry and itchy.
• Stress. Being under stress can cause your skin to become drier and dull looking.
• Product overuse. Using skin care products that dry your skin, which may include soaps, antiperspirants, and fragrances, can leave your skin looking lifeless.

How to Banish Dull Skin
There are many ways you can help achieve the appearance of younger skin, but the best way to avoid dullness is to prevent it. Follow these steps to prevent a drab complexion or regain your glow:

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater every day, even if it’s not particularly sunny; another option is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF 15.
• Avoid sunbathing and using indoor tanning beds.
• Keep out of direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are the most intense — wear a stylish, wide-brimmed hat if you’re taking a walk during your lunch hour.
• If you smoke, stop; this can help improve your skin tone no matter how long you’ve been smoking.
• Use a humidifier in your home and drink water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated.
• Use mild facial cleansers instead of harsh soaps (or any soap you might use on the rest of your body) when you bathe.
• Switch from water-based makeup and powder formulas to creams, especially for foundation and blusher.
• Take lukewarm, rather than hot, baths and showers — and fewer of them — to avoid drying out your skin.

Techniques to Rejuvenate Your Complexion:

You can take more serious action to help restore the glow of younger skin by:

• Moisturizing. Use more targeted creams and moisturizers to give your skin back its younger look. Try over-the-counter products with alpha hydroxy acids or see a dermatologist for a prescription for Renova (or Retin-A if your skin is oily) to encourage cell turnover, brighten your complexion, and make it appear fresher.
• Talking to your doctor. Sometimes dry skin can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Treating a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease can sometimes help combat dull skin.
• Consulting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. If a change in skin care products isn’t making enough impact, consider a medical approach to regaining the look of younger skin. Treatments include:
  • Chemical peel to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, helping to restore the skin’s glow and a more youthful appearance
  • Dermabrasion, a procedure to remove layers of dead skin and stimulate the deeper layer of skin (dermis) to rejuvenate, which will diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles
  • Laser resurfacing, a more aggressive procedure that uniformly removes a certain thickness of skin and exposes newer, fresher looking skin

If you’re concerned about dull skin, consider all the options for helping restore your glow. Often, a few changes in your skin care routine can leave you with a fresher, younger-looking appearance.
All content from everydayhealth.com via the Glow

the Daily Glow Wisdom

Feed Your Face: How to Eat When You're Eating Out

Eating the right foods for your skin can be tough when you're dining out. Get tips on how to make healthy, skin-friendly choices at a restaurant.

By Dr. Jessica Wu

In recent weeks, I’ve talked about the importance of eating well to keep your skin looking young and fresh. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to spend all day in the kitchen. Sometimes it can be a real pleasure to share a restaurant meal with friends and family — you avoid the stress of shopping, preparing foods, and cleaning up. Whether you’re hitting the drive-through, picking something up on the way home, or splurging on a night out at a special restaurant, here’s how you can make healthier choices for smoother skin and a tighter body when you’re eating out:

*Watch your portions: Restaurant portions tend to be large, so you may be getting more salt (which worsens under-eye bags and bloating), sugar (which breaks down collagen), and dairy (which has been linked to acne) than you realize. Ask your server to put half your meal in a take-out container, or split an entree with a friend.

*Choose foods in their natural state: The more processed your meal, the more hidden sugar, salt, and dairy it contains — plus, the fewer nutrients it’s likely to have. Here’s the test: Could you hunt it? Could you gather it? (And no, popcorn shrimp and chicken fingers don’t count.)

*Beware of condiments: Dressings and sauces tend to be loaded with butter, cream, salt, and sugar. Many of them also contain ingredients, such as spices and vinegar, that can aggravate skin conditions like rosacea, so ask for dressings on the side and dip your food into them. You'll get the flavor without irritating your skin, and you'll save on calories.

Are You Washing Your Face the Wrong Way?

Iiiiiiiiiit's MONDAY!!! Time for our pearls of wisdom from the Daily Glow =). Today Dr. Jessica Wu teaches us how to wash our faces...the RIGHT way! This is what she says:

 Seems obvious, right? Add water, lather, and rinse. After all, you've probably been washing your own face since you were 5 or 6 years old. But have you had any lessons on face washing since then? One of the first things I ask of my new patients is to describe their skin care routines. While most are picky about eye cream and sunscreen, many don't know the brand of cleanser they use, or they simply make do with the bar soap in the shower — the same one they use on their feet and armpits. There's a better way, and it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here's how to wash your face, in five easy steps:

1. Remove your eye makeup. If you don't, it will smear all over your face, get into your eyes, and take twice as long to remove, especially if it's waterproof. Plus, you'll ruin your towels. I use Clinique's Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips. If you wear contacts, take them out first.

2. Splash with lukewarm water. This will help your cleanser spread over your skin, so you won't have to use as much. Avoid hot water, which can dry out your skin.

3. Use a liquid face wash. Many bar soaps contain strong detergents that make a lot of suds — great for removing grime from dirty hands and feet, but not so great for your face. For normal to oily skin, try a gel or foaming wash, like Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, to help lift off oil and makeup. If your skin is dry or sensitive, your best bet is a creamy or milky cleanser like Boscia Soothing Cleansing Cream.

4. Massage with fingertips and rinse with lukewarm water. Then pat dry with a soft towel; rubbing can redden your face and aggravate breakouts, rosacea, and rashes.

5. Skip the cleanser in the morning. Unless your skin is very oily (or you forgot to wash your face the night before), just splash with lukewarm water to get the sleep out of your eyes.

More tips at the Daily Glow (dot) com =)

Wisdom From The Glow.Com

Don't fret Ethel, help is on the way! She looks like an Ethel right? =)

I was introduce to the Daily Glow website about a week ago and I must say that I am in LOVE!!!!! I get an email from them about everyday and I can honestly say that not one topic hasn't had me HoOkEd. Dr. Jessica Wu (dermatologist to the stars) talks about how to wash your face (I'll be sharing soon), how to de-frizz your hair, how to get red carpet skin, how to "feed" your face, etc. It even has a quiz to see which beauty icon YOU are. I'm Sophia Loren, who are YOU???
(pssst take it here) 

It's just PACKED full of goodies. I think that I am going to share some pearls of wisdom for them once a week for your listening pleasure. I think that Mondays are PeRfEcT because we can start the week off with an awesome tip that will get us going and keep us confident! Are you excited??? I am!!!!!