How To Apply The New Self Tanners

We’ve come a long way. Remember the days of orange, streaked skin? And how messy the whole process was, in trying to fake a tan? Parts of your calves would be dark, but maybe your feet would be pale, and your chest blotchy, all because it was nearly impossible to spread yourself an even tan.

Self-tanners have greatly improved these days, and they’re worth a shot. Why not? We’ve all heard that, "No tan is a good tan." The UVA rays from the sun cause premature aging and unfortunately in some cases, skin cancer. So forget that deep, St. Tropez tan. Why not go for a subtle, golden glow, a hint of summer color that won't break your budget?

What makes these low dose self-tanners attractive, is that they are oil-free, light-weight, and non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores). They also have a moisturizing base and won’t leave your skin dry and peeling. And the product is made to fade away naturally, too.

Helpful Tips Before Applying A Self-Tanner
1. You should shower first before using a self-tanner. And it’s best to exfoliate, or remove the dead skin layers. In other words, shaving your legs and mildly scrubbing your face with a Buf Puf helps the tanner absorb better onto your skin.
2. Dry your skin thoroughly with a towel, and pin your hair back.
3. Open the tube of self-tanner. Yes. That familiar odor is still present, but not as strong as in years prior. Put an amount in your hand and rub it onto a large area like your leg. Try to work it in well. Applying the self-tanner to your back might be a bit tricky, and that’s where you could use a friend to reach those little nooks and crannies.
4. When applying to the face and neck, be careful of the eye area, and use sparingly on the face.
5. After you’re done, let it dry thoroughly. It can stain, so do not put clothes on immediately.
6. Wash hands with soap and water.
P.S. Most self-tanners do not have an SPF sunscreen in the product, so you are still not safe in the sun with your new faux tan. You can apply a suncreen over your tanner should you be heading outdoors for any length of time.

One Of MyFavorite Self-Tanners On The Market:
Lancome Soleil Ultra Medium Colour Self Tanning Lotion ($31.50) with 40 SPF.

Just Remember: Practice Makes Perfect
Some women complain that self-tanners are difficult to apply. It’s an individual thing. It’s probably best to go sparingly on them at first and wait to see how your glow and light tan is shaping up. You’re not going to look like you’ve been in the Caribbean for weeks, but looking too tan is not in style any longer either. If it’s a healthy golden glow you’re aiming for, then you might really enjoy these popular self-tanners.

Many customers think it’s easier to use a spray tanner than a lotion. But care must be taken in spraying directly on to the face. A better way to use this kind of product, is to spray on the palm of your hand and then apply to the face or spray onto a facial puff and then apply to the face.

Whatever new self-tanner you choose, remember, you’re saving the skin you’re in.

Retin-A Really Repairs Skin

Florida plastic surgeon Don Revis put it this way:

“Retin-A and Renova(Retin-A for dry skin) are the single best skin care product that has ever been developed.”

In other words, this stuff really works. You might need to use it for a lifetime, but then again, you get a second chance at smooth and wrinkle-free skin.

Retin-A is a prescription medication created from a derivative of vitamin A. The active component is known both as retinoic acid and tretinoin. Retinoic acid speeds up cell turnover and encourages collagen synthesis. In other words, collagen plumps up skin, so your face regains its buoyancy.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons(ASPS), the best candidates are older patients(adults)--- those with fine to medium depth facial wrinkles or blotchy pigmented areas of skin caused by sun damage. Retin-A is not for pregnant or nursing mothers. Research is still not clear if a fetus or nursing infant might be affected by the anti-wrinkle cream.

Retin-A is available in cream, gel, or solution form, as well as a generic version. And it comes in different strengths. For instance, Retin-A cream is available as 0.025%, 0.05%, and the strongest at 0.1%.


Applying Retin-A Carefully

Retin-A actually peels away the outer layers of the skin during the early weeks of use. That means skin is thinner and is very vulnerable to sunburn. Protection from the sun is extremely important to Retin-A users. Sun screen and a good moisturizer are your best bets.

And less is more. If improperly used, Retin-A can cause swelling, redness, burning, peeling and itchiness. Some users have quit because the irritation was unbearable. Most dermatologists advise a slow build-up. Apply the cream only every third night, until your skin ‘can take it.’ A pea-sized amount dotted on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, and then rubbed all over the face. Crow’s feet respond nicely to Retin-A, but some skin care experts say that the eye area is too sensitive for the anti-wrinkle cream, and great care must be taken if applying around the eyes.


Results That Are More Than Superficial

Retin-A works at a genetic level. In other words, retinoic acid is able to alter the skin cells’ DNA. It brings about increased blood delivery to the skin. It improves pigmentation and renews collagen. And it lessens the chance of skin cancer by regulating the skin cell cycle.

If you can get through the first few weeks of using the miracle cream with little irritation, then hang in there for all the good stuff to follow. Dermatologists says that after 8 to 12 weeks of use, skin cell turnover increases. Down the road, a few months later, you will enjoy a rosy glow and watch large pores shrink down. Fine lines will begin to soften. And by turning the 6 month mark, wrinkles will be less visible and age spots will fade. Skin tissue tightens and firmness develops.

Whatever you decide to do, visit a dermatologist and do your homework. Science is making incredible advances in skin repair/rejuvenation. Most of us are impatient and really want a cream that will iron out wrinkles and the signs of aging immediately. But it doesn’t work that way. Even incredible beauty products can take incredible amounts of time to slow the clock. The wonderful news is, it can be done. We can fool Mother nature. Gradually.

Kathy Hilton Talks Beauty And Skin Care

Look at Kathy Hilton. You notice that she is very pretty.

But more importantly, you see great skin and bone structure. And she's just like you and me---Kathy Hilton worries about wrinkles and sun damage and yes, aging.

The American socialite and businesswoman (and mom to Paris and Nicky) has teamed up with the Home Shopping Network, HSN, to introduce more great beauty treatments in her signature skin care line PureBotanical by Kathy Hilton. We had the chance to interview Kathy about her beauty regimen and she revealed some wonderful skin care tips.

Kathy Hilton is proud of the anti-aging products that carry her name. She tells us that her PureBotanical line was carefully developed by one of the prominent skin care formulators in the world. The end result is 'a perfect combination of technology and nature.'

"PureBotanical scientifically blends hand-picked botanicals from the Amazon Rain Forest with a select blend of anti-oxidants and vitamins. The Anti Wrinkle Cream, for example, features pure, exotic botanicals combined with my H5 Complex, to synergistically mix nature and science, fighting the signs of aging. The H5 Complex contains five cutting edge peptides developed exclusively for my line, one of which is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effects of the Temple Viper venom."

Kathy told us that her PureBotanical Wrinkle Cream ($32.50--Ageless Skin Care Set) is the one makeup item she cannot live without. She calls it amazing. "I find myself not only using it on my face--but on my hands, elbows, ends of my hair, in a spray bottle mixed with water (which I spray on my face when I travel) and even on my feet. I love it! This cream is definitely something I don't leave home without--it's always in my handbag."

And Kathy also enjoys this beauty on a budget item. "I love the Andrea Eye Q's Oil-Free Makeup Remover Pads. I can't live without them."

To keep her long blonde locks in tip-top shape, Kathy Hilton prefers these brands. "I always use the Kerastase Bain Volumactive Shampoo, but I also think it's important to alternate or switch your shampoo from time to time, otherwise, your hair becomes accustomed to the shampoo. I also use Frederic Fekkai's Apple Cider Shampoo for its clarifying properties and I take the Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplements. They're great for the hair."

Kathy also says we have to be sensible about our beauty routine. Always wash your makeup off at night. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep. And like her mom taught her--keep your face and neck protected from the sun.

Who is Kathy Hilton's beauty icon? "I think Princess Grace is definitely an icon. Her elegance and style still transcend through time. I also think Ann-Margret is so captivating and beautiful--a timeless beauty."

For more information on PureBotanical by Kathy Hilton, visit: http://www.kathyhiltonbeauty.com/.

http://www.hsn.com/.

Jessica Jessana Nails The Perfect Shade

Nail polish is big this season. From midnight blues to vivid floral pinks, reds, violets, and mauves, it seems like every woman has a favorite shade. Nail polish is the hottest new accessory. And Hollywood is definitely driving this craze for beautiful manicured hands.

Celebrities are wild for Jessica Jessana polishes. And why not? At just $4.00 a bottle and dozens upon dozens of shades to choose from, you'd be silly not to pick a favorite. In Style Magazine even made a mention of Jessica Jessana's newest nail polish colors. Come to find out, Jessica Alba loves her fingers painted with 'Eternity.' And Demi Moore likes to wear 'Prima Dona.' And the magazine also called Jessica Jessana's 'Top Coat,' the best around for 2008.

Who is Jessica? Jessica Vartoughian founded the Jessica Nail Clinic in 1969. And from that point on, she has never looked back. The New York Times calls her the 'First Lady of Nails.' Her well-established line of nail and spa treatments have been written about in magazine after magazine all over the world.

Jessica stands by her products. She claims the formula in her nail polishes are superior and the color will last and last. And at $4.oo, you can't beat it. Hollywood celebs seem to think so, too. Some of her clients include: Scarlett Johansson, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, Sharon Osbourne, Tyra Banks, and Patti Scialfa.

There are so many gorgeous nail colors to pick from, you'll want more than one, or two, or three.

Check out Jessica Jessana Nails at: www.jessicacosmetics.com.

Milani Cosmetics--- Beauty On A Budget

Milani Cosmetics really deliver the goods. You can't beat a super bargain. The Los Angeles-based makeup company was created specifically for 'multi-cultural skin tones.' And that's a very good thing. How many times has a woman of color or a woman of Mediterranean background, for instance, been frustrated by the lack of depth in foundation shades? Every woman has a unique skin tone and skin type. It's nice when cosmetics companies recognize that 'one-size does not fit all.'

And it's really nice, when you can buy makeup like Milani, for dollars cheaper than most brands out there.

Milani Cosmetics calls it, "affordable luxury." Even their packaging looks rich with gold lettering.

Milani makeup offers a huge range of beauty items for face, eyes, lips, and nails. For instance, there are 11 types of lipsticks and glosses to choose from. Most at $5.00 or less. Sheer, velvet finish, moist matte, etc. And if you're looking for some base, there are several foundations to look at. Minerals loose or minerals compact makeup ($8.29). Liquid foundation. Tinted moisturizers. Foundation powders. Pretty blush and bronzer duos ($6.99). Soft, silky eye shadows. Liquid eyeliners. Nail lacquers ($4.49) with lots of lovely shades to choose from. Tropical Fiesta. Blue Nile. Liquid Silver.

Milani Cosmetics has become a very popular brand and has been written up in major magazines like Lucky, OK, Cosmo Girl, Essence, Seventeen, and more.

Milani makeup is distributed worldwide. And you can find it at department stores, supermarkets, and drugstores like Walgreens and CVS. You can also purchase Milani beauty items online at: http://www.bestbeautyonline.com/.

Blue Eye Shadow Is Back In 2008

Our girl Eve is definitely rockin' the blue eye shadow in her video (see photo). And she looks hot. It's fresh, not old-school.

Here we go again. Blue eye shadow is back in style in 2008. Blue, blue, and more blue was seen all over the runways. Models in the Betsey Johnson, Blugirl, and Diane Von Furstenberg shows, were all strutting their stuff wearing vivid shades of it. Layered cobalt shadow and electric blue liner. Bright blue liner 'winged up' like cats' eyes. And Betsey Johnson's girls glided by batting eyes adorned with chunky blue sparkles and blue eyeliner. Okay, a bit extreme. But that is the runway. Very disco and 1980s.

You don't have to go over the edge when it comes to pulling off the blue look. A little goes a long way. Kate Hudson was just seen on the red carpet wearing blue liner under the eye. The look was soft and pretty, and new again. And more Hollywood celebs like Beyonce, Hayden Panettiere, and Katie Holmes have all been seen with blue shadow and liner.

I like MAC Powder Eye Shadow in Tilt ($14). Some women describe the shade as denim (see photo). It really does look like a pair of jeans. It's a very wearble day-time shade. It's not a crazy blue. And Tilt looks lovely on all eye colors, especially brown.

You can also try Laura Mercier Eyeliner in Bleu Marine ($20).

And if you're on a budget, Milani's Blue Ice Shadow is a pretty shade for just $3.99. And it looks as good as the higher-priced shadows.

Just remember to have some fun with blue eye shadow and liner. Experiment. Find the blue that looks hot on you.

NYC Makeup Artist Sandy Linter - Foundation Tips

It would be nice to have New York City make up artist Sandy Linter, arrive each day to ‘put on your face.’ She is a legend in the business and has the resume to prove it. From Eva Longoria to Christie Brinkley, this woman has enhanced the beauty of every face she has applied makeup to. Sandy Linter shares some super tips on foundation, the building blocks to beautiful makeup.

Okay, let’s say your skin is just about perfect. Lucky you. Then Sandy says all you need is a little concealer and blush. And don’t forget a sun-protection cream because Sandy cautions that skin cancers can form on and around the nose later on in life. But if your skin is a bit red, or pale, has uneven tone, large pores, or acne, etc., then you need to cover.

Choosing the right shade of foundation seems nearly impossible, but Sandy says you can get close. “I apply a swipe of color near the neck. On the face under the cheekbone. It has to blend into the skin, not exactly match it. But it should cover. Apply it on broken capillaries or something you need to tone down, like ruddy cheeks. See how the foundation sits on the skin.”

Most women don’t think about this, but a wonderful aspect about wearing foundation, is its ability to fight the elements like sun, wind and cold, harsh winter air. Sandy notes that foundation, even without the spf., still provides a good barrier, especially against sun damage. “And you will never regret saving your skin. It’s all about beautiful skin,” she says.


There Are A Gazillion Foundations—I’m Lost

Alright then. Liquid or cream or powder foundation? The choices appear to be endless, and that is when many women fear to even try a makeup item. But through trial and error, you can find a foundation that balances your complexion and gives you a healthy, sheer glow. For instance, I have oily skin with large pores, but Sandy says foundation can tackle a number of skin problems.

“I usually apply a liquid or cream, and then throw a powder foundation in my bag for touch-ups. That’s also what I do with models, actresses, etc. Most of the time, I use powder foundations for touch-ups, but it depends. They do work very well on oily skin. And I love working with Kevyn Aucoin's The Liquid Airbrush Foundation. With liquids, use your fingers to apply. With creams, use sponges. I use foundation brushes on oily skin. That might be a good trick for you. Armani has a great little brush. A stiff brush beats the foundation into the pores. Sounds gross, but it gives a really ‘pore-less’ finish. The Kevyn foundation is so moist that it is a waste pouring it into a sponge. I apply it with fingers, like a moisturizer.”


Don’t Forget The Blush, Either

On your way to ‘building’ a lovely face and complexion, don’t ignore the steps that follow through. Just applying a foundation or base, is not enough. You want to create a three-dimensional face--- one that features warmth, and enhances skin and bone structure. And that little secret is some blush, according to Sandy.

Whatever you do, remember to treat your skin with loving care. It’s never too late to improve the canvas you were born with. Never go to bed with makeup on. And get into a good nighttime cleansing routine. Like Sandy Linter says, ‘It’s all about beautiful skin.”