Manicure Monday

 I feel like Selena Gomez has been in my life a lot lately. Besides being on the cover of my InStyle & not being able to get her song, "Come & Get It" out of my head for a week- she's been on my fingers & toes, too!

Her polish that is. I spotted Selena's namesake shade in her collaboration with Nicole by OPI at Ulta. I was a good girl & didn't get it since I already have enough polish to last a decade. However I couldn't get the perfect peachy shade out of my mind. I feel like it's a great summery color for my pale skin tone- so of course I acquiesced & bought it. I'm glad I did.

Peace. Love. Polish.

Files From the Brow Whisperer

I've been working with some of my clients for over a decade. Nothing makes me happier than when I get new clients via word of mouth. For a while one of my regulars was saying I just had to get my hands on her friend & that she was going to get her in to see me come hell or high water!

This client's brows had a fair amount of cowlicks & some patchiness in them. I spent some time explaining how important brow gel or even brushing hairspray through her brows would be to keeping her shape in place. I had to even out some natural gaps in her brows,  as she hadn't been waxed in years. I streamlined their overall shape to open up & lift her eyes. 

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Tarte Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation

Thanks to Maureen Kelly, creator of Tarte Beauty,  I now have some more free time in the morning! There are a group of products that I call Lazy Day Beauty Essentials. This term is reserved for products in my mind that require minimal effort to use, but deliver a lot of results. They are great for when you're running late in the morning (which is every morning for me) or lazy Sundays when you still want to look pulled together.  

The fact that Tarte's Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation is one, also makes it a perfect summer beauty pick with it being so simple. This powder is a win win. Because let's face the fact that every one of us usually has something they want to hide, in terms of imperfections that frustrate us with our complexions. I know I initially doubted the ability for a powder foundation to offer true full coverage- but this one does.

Even as a skincare expert, there are still things that I'd love to improve with my skin- hyperpigmentation being my main issue. More & more female clients of mine struggle with this same frustration- got to love those hormones!

 Because I'm self conscious of it, I like a fuller coverage foundation around my upper cheeks- but want completely natural looking coverage. I don't even need to use a separate concealer with this product. Buff it on, build the coverage to where you want it & off you go. The Amazonian Clay helps regulate oil production as we head into muggy summer weather. The added Tourmaline & Camilla Leaf Extract boost a surge of moisture for the skin. Just a dollop of pearl powder prevents the powder from looking chalky. This is definitely a Must Have Make-Up Monday product for me!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Gifted for review

MicrodermMD by Trophy Skin

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

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

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

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

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Gifted for Review

Files From the Brow Whisperer

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

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

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer.

Style File Find: BlingDots

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

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

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

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

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

*BlingDots gifted for review

The Lipgloss Diaries: Don't Be Tardy Edition

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.