My Quest to Find the Perfect Summer Foundation, and My Holy Grail Discovery

Before I reveal my new Holly Grail summer discovery, I’ll share with you some pretty interesting things I’ve learned during my search to find the perfect foundation for my skin. Hopefully this would help you with choosing the right one for your skin.
 
As I’ve confessed in the past, I love natural makeup - I want my skin to look flawless, but without any trace of makeup, as if, “lucky me, I wake up like this” ;) So I was on the hunt to find a foundation that blends in perfectly, manages to cover all my imperfections, yet is completely seamless. 

This becomes even more challenging for oily skin like mine during the summer, when foundation ends up looking caky and, oh so very noticeable. On top of that in the outdoor light foundation ends up being pretty detectible and an SPF formula is a most not an option.

Guideline # 1 : Multitasking moisturizers/ bb creams tend to be too heavy during summer

Elizabeth Arden’s Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15 was my go to ‘foundation’ for years. Number 1 was my perfect tone at the beginning of the summer and at the end it would be number 2. In between I would mix them both. It added a luminous glow and even though it’s a tinted moisturizer it provided just enough coverage.
The problem was that my skin would get shiny pretty fast and using it often I noticed  pores tended to get clogged. It was too heavy.

We instinctively swap our heavy-duty moisturizer for a lightweight option during the summer. Same should be with tinted moisturizers and BB creams. One of the primary functions of multitasking beauty balm is to moisturize, and added emollients that provide that moisture tend to make the formula heavy. Not exactly what we want in the summer when our skin is more likely to be oily.

For that reason there’s now a new category of makeup that serves as a serum foundation. It’s lightweight as a serum, provides skin tone correction (CC for Color Correction), SPF and smoothing effects of BB - basically without the heavy hydrators. If you’ve already tried CC creams you’ll be happy to know there’s a new veil generation that is even more thin and fluid. Think hot sauce, not ketchup.

Guideline 2: Avoid these pore clogging ingredients that are found even in foundations labeled oil free/ non noncomedogenic

If your pores are congested, it’s very likely that your foundation is one of the main culprits.
Cosmetic chemists historically have tried to mimic sebum, the skin’s own surface oil, in order to derive some of its assumed benefits. Now we know that seam’s various chemical components, such as wax easters and fatty acids, are troublesome. Yet many cosmetics contain these same highly irritating fatty acids such as lauric acid or myristic acid, or their derivative isopropyl myristate, which is even more potent than it’s “parent” fatty acid.
isopropyl myristate is an ingredient used as an emulsifier or surfactant which helps cosmetics apply more smoothly with a slicker feel. According to Dr. James E. Fulton, one of the developers of Ratin A and Benzole Peroxide gel, “this particular penetrating oils so aggressive that if left in a glass laboratory overnight, the substance will actually migrate down onto the tabletop by the morning. This compound penetrates deep into your pores just as aggressively”.
Lanolins are another form of heavy oils to avoid. Sadly oil-free claims on makeup are simply not true. They may contain no animal, vegetable or mineral oils but they contain synthetic oil.

Guideline 3: Undertones are more then just yellow and pink and color should be matched to neck in order to blend seamlessly. 

While most foundation colors range in a scale of light to dark with verities of yellow or pink, there’s actually some more to it. An undertone is the color that lies beneath the skin. So your skin can tan and become darker in the summer, with more melanin that is layering your natural undertone.  Undertones can vary from warm (pink), neutral (yellow) to cool (blue), yet very few cosmetic companies cater to cooler tones. So many of the foundations I’ve tried looked great in doors, but natural light revealed a yellowish or pinkish mask.

Due to my almost success with Elizabeth Arden’s tinted moisturizer, I decided to give their custom foundation service a try at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in San Francisco.  A lens of a spectrophotometer (an optical skin diagnostic tool) is placed on  makeup-free skin to measure it’s depth of color and tone, then calculate the pigment levels required to create a perfect match. You can then choose a preferred formula—sheer, medium or full coverage with either a matte or natural finish. Because of my experience with the tinted foundation being too dewy, I decided to go for the matt finish. While it was a perfect match color wise, it was a bit drying. Being a full coverage, I use it as concealer to cover any readiness or mix it with an eye cream for an under eye concealer. Blending invisibly I can used it just where I need it.

Then..
When Tiffany D, a beauty vlogger I love, talked about It Cosmetic's CC cream, I just had to give it a try. I went over the ingredient list, non of the pore clogging offenders. I searched the color on my hand and went outdoor to the light. The undertones are taupe. perfect for cool undertones!! Not that many like it in the market. If I apply it with my hands it would give a full coverage yet blend seamlessly. But if I layered it too much it would be more noticeable.

Still I was in love. Until.. the folks at It Cosmetics out did themselves and came out with a lightweight ‘Veil Fluid’ serum version for summer (SPF 50). It’s a liquid cushion compact that goes on so ingeniously like second skin. Covering every imperfection yet feels and looks like you got nothing on. Ha! I do wake up this way.. if I keep this compact next to my bed ;)


Wishing you flawless skin,

You Never Tried this Trick that Melts Away Blackheads. No. Really. It’s Life Changing!!

Nothing beats the bliss of a perfectly popped blackhead. LOL!! That feeling of concur when you look at that blackhead strip and see it in all it's glory. Nothing until you try this simple trick. 

Heavy metals in our everyday tap water reacts with and convert oils in the skin into a waxy, gland-blocking substance that can lead to blackheads. 
The calcium in hard water is especially blamed for this interference, as it changes the nature of the sebum from a free-flowing oil to a sticky wax. Dead cells begin to stick together and form a mass down inside the pore.

Citric acid associates itself with minerals and metals easily. It bind’s with excess calcium and and melt away that sticky wax. It is one of the alpha-hydroxy acids and also works as a great exfolient melting away dead layers of skin.

The lemon salt (crystalized Citric acid) acts as a defoliant, and with Citric acid’s ability to chelate calcium, it easily lifts away waxy plugs, clearing the pores and removing impurities and toxins. 

I massage the lemon salt with worm water. The heat speeds up the reaction. Most of the blackheads will be gone by the time I wash it off. If there’s any presky left, I follow with a clay mask like Glamzone, or a blackhead strip. After the lemon sallt scrub those are much more effective.

Welcome to completely clear pores. Clear from every. single. blackhead!!
 Bliss!!

Italian Essential Bronzer

I'm back, loves!! I took a brief hiatus from sharing a new post because I was on a full-on vacation!! Well…. That didn’t mean my quest for all things beauty really stopped. I traveled to Italy, enjoyed beautiful Venice, stunning Riva Del Garda and Milan. When I travel I always hunt for unique local beauty finds. It makes me happy, like I'm on to some secret LOL

While in Venice I discovered one of the best bronzers I’ve ever (!!) tried.
Kiko Make Up Milano, Summer’s collection for 2014, Essential Bronzer.
I struck gold (literally) with this one and all the orange-averse ladies who thought they could never successfully use a bronzer would feel me. LOL. Most of the bronzer’s I’ve tried end up being too orange or brownish for my complexion.
This Essential Bronzer (in 02 Gold Mélange) is a stunning marbled of light honey tone enriched with golden pearl effects. It’s super soft, highly pigmented but not too brown or orange.
Definitely in the caliber as Guerlain Terracotta, but think more golden tan, with a lit from within glow, than a terracotta bronzed tan.

Wishing you ethereal glow,

Mother's Day: What's the Best Beauty Lesson You've Learned From Your Mom?

The biggest beauty lesson my mom taught me, is that I’m beautiful. At the end of the day, nothing makes a woman more beautiful, then the belief that she is beautiful. And if anything, that’s what I hope to inspire with my blog.  Then there were some other useful beauty tricks!!

I remember as a little girl I was always fascinated watching my mom get ready to go out.
My mom used to style and straighten her hair without heat!! Way healthier for hair, she would let her hair air dry in a hairdo that was then very popular among Israeli women - Abuagela. Here’s how you do it: Divide freshly washed and combed hair into two even sections. Lift the left section and wrap it over your head, across the right section. Coil it around your head and secure it in several places with hairpins. Lift the right section and wrap it over your head in the other direction, securing it in several places with pins. When your hair is completely dry, remove the pins and voila -  brush your hair straight.

My mom has been using Cover Girl Lipsticks Lipgloss in Daring for years, bringing a stash to Israel every visit to America. It’s a very sheer moisture rich lipstick that adds just a hint of red tint. She uses it on it’s own or under a red lipstick to soften lips first so lipstick goes on smoothly after.

Your turn! In celebration of Mother's Day, what's the best beauty lesson your own leading lady has taught you over the years??

Happy Mother’s day,
I love you Ema!!

These Beauty Essentials are a Force of Nature

In Honor of Earth Day, Here are My Top Eco-Friendly Beauty Essentials

 

Some products can leave harmful residue during disposal into the sewer, then circulated into our eco system. For example, microbead in some scrubs are coming from particles of plastic that rinse down the drain and eventually show up in lakes and oceans. In addition to polluting the water, microbeads can accumulate other toxic chemicals such as PCBs, be eaten by fish and wind up in the food supply, according to the Attorney General's office. If you aren’t sure if your scrub contains the offenders, check the ingredients list for 'Polyethylene'. From my experience you are better off anyways, as they tend to be too harsh. The gritty beads can break the skin and spread bacteria, causing breakouts.

Here are my favorite beauty products with sustainably harvested ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging:

Tarte - Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
It's a long-wearing blush that really lasts up to 12 hours!! The fade-free flawless finish is due to natural clay, harvested from the banks of the Amazon River. The Amazon River flows for 4,000 miles and as it flows it collects highly nutrias plant and fruit matter.  A lot of brands market their blushes as long lasting, but with this one I really found it to be the case, and the color payoff is fantastic!!

Tarte - Smooth Operator™ Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
This translucent, silky finishing powder keeps makeup in place without ever appearing chalky and mattifies skin by removing excess surface oil.
Aside from the Amazonian clay, It contains a special clay called Kaolinite, which can absorb 75 percent of its weight in sebum as it hydrates the skin, leaving a long-lasting matte finish that won’t make breakouts worse. Perfect for oily skin like mine!!
Another impressive ingredient is - Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a phospholipid derivative with the ability to stimulate cell proliferation. It visibly reduces pores thanks to a stimulating cell differentiation, promoting the tightening of skin, effectively shrinking oversized pores.
This powder really makes my pores less noticeable. I can count on it when I go to on camera auditions and don't want my skin to be oily and shiny in an unfaltering way. 


 
Josie Maran - Argan Oil Hair Serum
If you've read this post, by now you are aware of my obsession with hair serums, and this one shines in my endless stash, delivering instant and long lasting shine.
A recent study has shown that only some oils will actually penetrate the hair. Mineral oil and sunflower oil for example, will not penetrate. But Argan oil will filter deep into the cortex because it is so similar to hair's natural lipids. Straight chain glycerides will easily penetrate, while polyunsaturated oils, like jojoba oil, are more open in their structure so they don't pass through the layers of cuticles very well.  When I use it, my hair looks and feels healthier, silkier, and extraordinarily shiny. Biosilk serum is my top pick, but if it's a more curly look I am going for this adds shine and smoothness, yet curls hold well with it.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive
I mentioned this gem when I wrote about my favorite peels (you can read the post here). Since then, this has become my #1 favorite peel!! This peel toned them down my acne scars completely.  I use it two ways--as a mask and also as a spot treatment on any zits on my face, which will tremendously reduce them. A combination of acids tends to be more potent at melting away dead layers of skin and this is formulated with: malic acid from organic apple juice, citric acid from lemons, tartaric acid from white grapes, glycolic acid from raw cane sugar & lactic acid from organic milk.

Happy Earth Day,

A Berry Delicious Treat (with Beauty Benefits!!)

The vibrant, beautiful colors of many fruits and vegetables are Mother Nature's way of telling us that those foods are loaded with antioxidants. The rich hue of blueberries and strawberries, is a signal that they are packed with an antioxidant system called Polyphenols, that help protect skin and act as an anti-inflammatory, improving skin texture.

Polyphenols from blueberries may also have a slimming effect, a study suggests. Researchers at Texas Woman's University treated mouse cells with either blueberry polyphenols (in three different doses) or a control solution. The active compounds blocked the growth of new fat cells and the buildup of lipids inside cells, reducing total fat by up to 73 percent at the highest dose.



This super easy DIY Popsicle is high in antioxidants, high in fiber, low in sugar.
Simply blend fresh: Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, then fill an ice pop maker,
like the one by Ikea (CHOSIGT Ice pop maker, $1.99, )
For the mold to easily loosen, rinse with lukewarm water.

Beteavon!! (Bon Appetit in Hebrew),

Green Tea, Clearly.

The next big breakthrough in acne treatment may be the humble bag of green tea sitting in your kitchen cupboard!!
Recently, a University of Miami study showed that applying a two percent green tea lotion twice a day for six weeks reduced the number of acne lesions in subjects by more than 58 percent. Green tea contains antioxidants that are proven to reduce inflammation, which is likely the reason behind this anti-inflammatory effect.

Topical antioxidants save cells from a significant amount of environmental damage by free radicals. Free radicals are insatiable molecules that form in the body when we are exposed to UV light and other environmental assaults. I compare them to 'pirates'; In order to stabilize themselves they steal electrons from other molecules leading to damage. Antioxidants work their magic by turning free radicals into 'friendly' compounds, stopping them from causing inflammation, DNA damage, and collagen loss. That's why topical antioxidants can also help prevent wrinkles.

EGCG is the predominant antioxidant in most forms of green tea, and it’s also the most potent. It's over 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more powerful than vitamin E at neutralizing free radicals. 

Here is how I like to treat my face to some Green Tea TLC:

Option 1: For dry to normal skin. Make your green tea, then soak a compressed facial mask sheet (or use paper towels), letting it absorb the green tea. Wait until cool, then spread out the mask and place on your face for about 10-15 min.
Muji Compressed Facial Mask Sheets (5 sheets /set for $2.95)

Option 2: For oily skin. Use as a clay mask. Mix the powder with a little water to form a past and apply to face. Take off as soon as dry. My favorites Teuksun Powdered Green Tea (see picture) available in some nature stores, and Evanhealy Green Tea Clay Mask. At $24.95 at Whole Foods Market.

Wishing you clear skin,

I'm Going Wild for This Radiant, Hypnotic Color

I was walking in the mall when the arresting picture on Sephora's window was alluring me in. It was a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. Sephora presented the Radiant Orchid collection, an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple, and pink undertones.

PANTONE® a global paint company, declared Radiant Orchid as the Color of the Year and Sephora has teamed up to create a makeup collection inspired the coveted color of 2014.

This collection is setting a hypnotic tone for spring, its vivid yet soft; from petal-sheer luminosity to wildly rich pigments. It's is the perfect purple-pink. Falling into the middle of the color spectrum—not too warm or too cool, meaning it's universally flattering to any skin tone.  

Right- Sephora's Radian Orchid Collection, Middle - Benefit's Lollitint, Left - Myself in an Orchid Blossom look. 

I'm obsessed with the the Liquid Luminizer, that features a soft Radiant Orchid-hued shimmer for an angelic petal glow. As well as the Cream Blush with a variable coverage. You can goo boldly, or tint softly, as you add a ravishing glow.

Other products I LOVE:

Benefit's Lollitint, a candy orchid-hued tint, that is poised to reinvent blush. Benetints are water-based tints, but Lollitint is an emulsion. It contains a different blend of ingredients—a copolymer that creates a matte film locking in color on lips and cheeks. It's a beautiful violet-pink tint with remarkable stain power. I apply it with my fingertips.

The poster on Sephora's window; makes me want to color my hair in an Orchid tone!!

Mac's Amplified Lipstick in Up the Amp A72. I love, love love!! this buildable color. I wear it lightly, or boldly according to my outfit and mood.


Wishing you a bright day,

My Silky Hair Concoction (Literally!!)

I'm a girl who loves her hair serums. They keep my hair healthy, despite the harshness of highlights and frequent abuse of heat styling for work on set.

Because of my involvement in the cosmetic filed, I can get a stash of free hair serums from different companies, but I would never replace this little recipe that completely transformed my hair. It has the ability to change my hair texture from damaged and frizzy to soft and silky, without being oily, only shiny. And the scent is dreamy!!

 

Sometimes the Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts 

Biosilk soften like no other,  while So Sexy kicks all other shine serums I've tried to the curb, but together - together they are completely unmatched!!

Biosilk, Silk Therapy Hair Serum is made with Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Silk; an esterified version of small units of silk proteins (from silk worm cocoons). Regular esters are amphoteric - they can be positive or negative in products - whereas these esters are always positive, or cationic, which means they have a high affinity to our negatively charged hair. Thus, Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Silk form a film on the hair, which have a sealing effect; filling in cracks in the hair shaft, binding in moisture, and making the shaft feel smooth. They replenishes, reconstructs, repair, smooth, and protect hair, making it TRULY silky soft.

Victoria Secret's So Sexy Smoothing Hair Serum is a thin silicone oil hair serum. It's consistency is runnier than other products of this type, which is great because it translates to feeling light in the hair adding glossy shine whiteout being oily. It gives my hair a great sheen as it provides leave-in moisture.

I mix small amounts of both of in my palms and apply on wet hair, let it air dry, and then apply more before working using hot tools to style. The result is satiny strands with a deep glossy shine that somehow manage to make my fried hair feel really healthy.

And the scent …oh so very sexy!!

The pair blend into a vibrant and sensuous aroma, like a perfume for my hair and the smallest breeze or shift of my hair makes its presence known. It is fresh and sweet at the same time. Clean, yet sensual and alluring.

Biosilk, Silk Therapy Hair Serum is like a high end musk, yet refreshing, light, clean and powdery. Victoria Secret's So Sexy is like florals swimming in a bath of cucumber musk water. It's a mixture of light white musk, fresh peony, crisp cucumber and a hint of freesia.

Together it's a blend of floral, musky, ozonic, aquatic and green accords, that smell like sex on hot summer days, sex in the shower. Clean and very fresh aquatic floral, yet sophisticated and sweet.

Wishing you a fabulous hair day,

Scoop Alert!! Exclusive Interview with Kat Lieberkind, Makeup Artist to the Stars, and the Unconventional Tricks She Used on Her Oscar Nominated Client

I'm lucky, very luck!! I met talented Kat Lieberkind, makeup artist to the stars while working on a photoshot with a renown photographer several years back, and now I have a beauty insider access to the makeup tricks she employed for the Oscars. Kat is an expert at making starlets look not just beautiful, but flawless. She worked with Pink, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Cindy Crawford, and Sharon Stone. Mentored by legendary celebrity makeup artist Billy B, who has created some of the most iconic looks on the biggest stars in the last 25 years, Lieberkind worked on editorial for international magazines such as vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazar as well as commercials for Dior, Victorias Secret and Bebe to name a few. This past Oscar weekend Billy B created Pink’s makeup for her performance while Kat worked on Beau Borders, who was nominated for Best Sound (Lone Survivor).

 

 

With perhaps the highest concentration of cameras anywhere in the world, the Oscar’s red carpet is where style-setting stars are celebrated and hair and makeup trends are established.
 

"At the 2014 Oscars I noticed a lot of emphasis on the cheekbones with blush and highlights. In order to create that look successfully, blending the colors is very VERY important." Instead of using Blush directly on the apples of the cheeks, and bronzer to create a strong line under the cheekbone, Lieberkind  likes "MIXING the cheek color with a bronzer" creating a more natural healthy glow that blends seamlessly.  "I love the cheek colors from Bobbi Brown, they are very close to the colors of naturally flushed cheeks. Benefit also has a great matte natural looking bronzer named, Hoola. It looks great on almost everyone with exception of the fairest complexions."

Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Juicy Clementine

The 86th Annual Academy Awards was a bold moment for lip colors!! Instead of the typical parade of bright red, we saw many memorable, rich lip hues. "I saw some gorgeous bright lips on the red carpet. At the moment I’m completely in love with Clarin’s orange-red lipstick, Juicy Cementine".

Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Juicy Clementine is a gorgeous bright orange that (true to it's name) adds a juicy splash of color and screams spring with fun vibrancy!! Read Major Trend Alert for this Spring!! It's opaque formula, has a strong color pay off, yet unlike most high pigmented lip colors, it feels creamy and moisturizing and has a satin finish.
It's being touted by Clarins as 'the first age-defying lipstick' that offers more than just
vibrant color. Looking at the ingredient list, I do find it to be the case, as the formula includes a triple action:

    •    Intense nutrition, suppleness and comfort in an instant thanks to a combination of 100% plant waxes: Mimosa, Jojoba and Sunflower, Cocoa Extract as well as Shea Butter.

    •    Phytosphingosine, a type of lipid that occur naturally in the outermost layers of skin, reinforces the skin's protective barrier, protects against dehydration. Research shows it is effective in regulating damaged epithelial cells and it seems this ingredient can also be a cell-communicating ingredient (Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology, October 2003, pages 1135–1137).

    •   Palmitoyl Oligopeptide - an innovating peptide boosts collagen synthesis (look out for a full in depth post about this ingredient in skin care in the near future).

Clarins lip products made major headlines this Oscars ceremony, after Best Supporting winner, Lupita Nyong'o, pulled a tube of HydraQuench Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm out of her clutch and drops it into Ellen's 'tip hat', during the pizza tip gag.

"When I do makeup for celebrities I focus on bringing out the features, making the eyes “pop” and skin look flawless" Says Lieberkind.

"A black liquid eyeliner and small individual flare eyelashes and, of course, mascara are my favorites to emphasize the eyes without looking like you are trying to hard. It’s timeless and ageless."

"One of my new favorite products to create flawless skin is L’Oreal Miracle Blur, a colorless creamy product that I like to apply on the skin as the last finishing touch. It works as Photoshop’s ‘blur- tool” in a bottle. I will describe it, as if you look at the skin through a frosted window; it minimizes how much you notice details such as imperfections, redness or wrinkles. On guys I use it without foundation and it looks like there is no makeup at all."

L'Oreal Revitalift Oil Free Miracle Blur

Unlike a primer, Kat uses Miracle Blur AFTER foundation. According to L'oreal; 'It's Not a Moisturizer.  It's Not a Foundation.  It's More Than a Primer. It's an instant skin smoothing finishing cream.  Miracle Blur was specially formulated with a distinctive cushiony texture that instantly blurs lines, wrinkles, pores and uneven texture.

Opti-Blur Technology diffuses light on skin for a soft-focus effect, with Dimethicone Crosspolymer, a silicone elastomer that's
non- comedogenic,  leaving a velvet-soft matte finish.  

The first thing I did after this interview was to get my hands on L'Oreal's Miracle Blur. For those of you who are familiar with the trick of using a chafing relief cream as a primer (crazy, I know, but it works!!), It's very similar to Monistat Soothing Powder Gel. However, I do find it to be a little more blurring, perhaps because it's slightly more concentrated with Dimethicone.

The very second thing…was to get Clarins Lipstick in Juicy Clementine. LOL!!
Now all I want is a fancy reason to put some hot lips on ;)

Wishing you glamorous spring nights,

How the Stars Get Ready For The Oscars

Tonight is the biggest night of the year in Hollywood. When it comes to pre-oscars beauty rituals, celebs go to some crazy extremes in order to keep themselves looking flawless. Here’s a look at some of the secret tricks to the stars Red Carpet beauty routine.

 

Getting that Red Carpet Glow

Tonight's host, Ellen DeGeneres, as well as stars such as Charlize Theron get a series of facial over a period of three weeks, at the Ole Henriksen Day Spa in Los Angeles. Henriksen designed a Red Carpet Complexion Treatment -  the 80 minute treatment incorporates three pieces of equipment: HydraFacial- for exfoliation and hydration, LED lights - for fine lines & wrinkles and to minimize surface bacteria, microcurrent for facial contouring, lifting and firming and a finishing oxygen system to calm, infuse antioxidants, and bind deep hydration to the skin.

Chalize Theron loves the Power Peel with microdermabrasion. She likes the treatment so much that she requested that the company produce a kit of products that would let her get similar results while traveling; The enzyme peel was born.

Ole Henriksen Blue/ Black Berry Enzyme Mask

You can give yourself a "Star Facial" using Ole Henriksen's products, available at Sephora.. The day before a big event, you want to get the benefits of exfoliating, but you don't want your skin to be red.
I opt for his delicate peel - Blue/ Black Berry Enzyme Mask - it's very cooling gel with Lavender, Papaya Enzyme (papain), Blueberries and blackberries. I didn't feel like is was doing much as far as exfoliating, but boy it's so soothing and extremely hydrating!! So far I've only used it once, but watch out for a more in depth review as this has the potential of becoming a favorite.

Fitting Perfectly in to Designers Luxurious Gowns

In a new interview with The Daily Mail, Oscar-nominee, Cate Blanchett, reveals "In the morning I've been taking chlorophyll with my son, so that's been fantastic. I also love grapefruit juice and I don't eat a lot of red meat. Hot water and lemon as well," she shares.

I love starting my day with hot water with lemon. The magic properties of drinking a juiced lemon in warm water each morning is rooted in a seed of truth. It improves digestion - Citric acid in lemons support an optimal acidic environment in your stomach for enzymatic activity and the heat speeds up reactions for an excelarated digestion. The vitamin C found in lemon juice has been shown to enhance mineral absorption. Detox - lemon has an antioxidant called d-limonene, which is also found in oranges and is most highly concentrated in the peels of lemons or oranges. D-limonene has been shown to activate enzymes in the liver that are part of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification processes. These processes take compounds present in the liver that are toxic to cells and convert them to non-harmful or less harmful versions.

Sipping on water with Apple Cider Vinegar is another celebrity favorite. Megan Fox is just one in the list of celebrities who shared this trick. " Water and raw apple cider cleanses out your system entirely, I'm not one for dieting or exercising, because I'm lazy and I have a really big sweet tooth, so I have to do cleanses every once in a while 'cause of the amount of sugar I take in." she said in an interview with the Herald Sun.
In a research conducted in Japan, acetic acid, found in apple cider vinegar, was shown to switch on genes that manufacture fatty-acid oxidizing enzymes. These little miracle workers were shown to break down and eliminate nearly 10 percent of body fat in six weeks. (Kaga, 2009 American Chemical Society) And in a study at Australia's University of Sydney, subjects who consumed 2 Tbs of apple cider vinegar daily had steadier blood sugar and consumed 1,400 fewer calories per week than those in the control group.

Vibrant Cleanse Lemonade

Spicy Lemonade is another star detox weapon - a cocktail of lemon juice, Cayenne pepper and Maple syrup. The antioxidant d-limonene in lemon bolster the liver's ability to break down fat, while pepper's capsaicin revs metabolism and maple syrup's sugars prevent the breakdown of calorie-hungry muscles. In a research conducted in Aarhus University in Denmark discovered that capsaicin consumption was associated with an increase in thermogenesis, which boosts body temperature and the metabolism, according to research reported in the August 2008 issue of the “Journal of Biological Chemistry. Researchers from Daegu University in South Korea published in the July 2010 issue of the "Journal of Proteome Research," subjects fed the high-fat diet with capsaicin experienced greater decreases in body fat compared to the non-capsaicin group. Researchers found that capsaicin enhanced the activity of proteins inside fat cells that help break down fat. In addition, capsaicin also reduced the activity of enzymes that are responsible for synthesizing fat, thereby preventing the development of mature fat cells.

I didn't fast but I did add it to my diet in a convenient powder form -  Vibrant Cleanse Lemonade Diet, that I mixed with water. I loved the boost of energy. 

Wishing you a glamorous day,

Enhancing Your Lips With a Hue that's All Your Own. No, Really. It's (Almost) Magic.

I love natural, seamless makeup - the kind that looks like I'm barely wearing anything, yet transforms me into a more radiant version of myself with an invisible wash of color; as if "I rolled out of bed looking flawless".

I consider tints a pretty strong weapon in my arsenal. They make your lips look more luscious than usual, but since their pretty close to your natural lip color, people probably wouldn't notice it in person. It will just seem like your lips look extra lovely that day. Sneaky, ha?! ;)

Thus, when 'intuitive lip colors' started flooding the market, I got so excited I had to check them ALL out. Not kidding, my collection screams addict, LOL!! They go on clear, but then change color, in what advertiser's claim to be a response to your unique pH level, creating a customized pink shade that's most flattering to you.

How Dior Addict Lip Glow Looks on My Lips

Yes! The concept is so genius, it's unbelievable- so I had to get down to the bottom of it for some reality check. The main ingredient that provides the effect is a colorant known as “Red 27,” a red dye which is colorless when dissolved in a waterless base. When it comes in contact with moisture, the change in solubility and pH causes the dye to turn bright pink.  The product appears to change with your personal chemistry because the color changes when it comes in contact with moisture from your lips, or even just the humidity in the air. The color isn't really that "personalized", but the lower the pH, the pinker and more intense the color, so it's not a generic shade of pink either.

The Results: are stunning in my opinion; the color comes to life and glow anywhere from a sheer light pink to a gorgeous bright pink, but in a sheer form that looks as natural as the tint you might have after eating fresh berries.
    •  It's great for a date night , since date won't worry about kissing you and getting bright
       color everywhere.
    •  It's a perfect neutral lipsticks that goes with basically any makeup look.
    •  Great for when you are out in the sun and don't want to look made-up.
    •  Fool- proof application

Doutzen Kroes demonstrating the look for L'oreal. L'oreal Magique BB Blush. Dior Addict in Glow. Madina Milano in Revolution

My favorite is Dior Addict (hmm..they predicted I would become an addict, ha?!) in Lip Glow, because it's more a lighter pink that you can control by applying more layers- the more layers or moisture you add the brighter it becomes. Loreal Paris Magic BB Blush a brighter option if I want more of a rosy flush, and Madina Milano glows brilliantly.

Pink Kisses,

  

The One Treatment That Will Make The Biggest Difference in Your Skin

As skin cells move upwards towards the surface they become more and more loaded with a protein called keratin. Keratin gives this barrier such strong properties, making it such an effective barrier that it is often difficult to bring active ingredients through it to treat the underlying skin. This probably helps account for any sad history of acne treatment failure most of us experience, as well as lack of results from anti aging treatments.

benefits
    •    Removes dulling surface debris and imbedded impurities accumulate on the skin
    •    Unclog pores, and prevent blackheads and whiteheads
    •    Dissolve and free dry lifeless skin for visibly improved skin texture and tone
    •    Helps to maximize the benefits of any skincare products
    •    Makeup will apply like a dream and you'll need much less of it

These are The Best Exfoliators I've Ever Tried

Konjac Sponge
I feel like it don't get enough spotlight as it should on blogs and youtube. I believe these are going to be the next big trend in skin care - if used right!!
Konjac root is an Asian-cultivated, root-based vegetable that the Japanese have traditionally used as a as a calming, exfoliating sponge for delicate skin. It is naturally alkaline and balances the acidity of the skin’s impurities and oils. Do not add a cleanser, some cleansers will change the PH and that's essential for this sponge to do it's magic.
It's very soft nothing like a luffa (I know this is the first association that comes to mind). Its cleanses the skin like nothing I've ever experienced before, so it's a little hard to describe, it almost feels like there's a silky film left behind after, but it's actually your buffed skin with a balanced PH. So the only comparison that comes to mind is a nail buffer and how your nail feels like to touch after you removed all those ridges.
This is not a make up remover, I would do this on a clean face just like you would with a peeling mask.  Another important note - these do have a short expiration after opened and you will need to replace it every month. After using it, store the sponge in a dry place. Then when you want to use again soak in water and allow the sponge to fully absorb the water.
Keep in mind these are all 100%  konjac root so there's no big difference between the various brand.
Some options:
My Konjac Sponge  $10 on amazon
boscia - Konjac Cleansing Sponge $18 at sephora

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive
I heard good things about the full strength peel and wanted to purchase it for a while, but couldn't get a hold of it sine it was sold out at both Ulta and Whole food's locations I went to. I thought that must be a sign this product is pretty amazing if it is at such high demand. I picked up the sensitive
version instead thinking it's probably better to start with the more mild one anyways.
A combination of acids tends to be more potent at melting away dead layers of skin as they lower the PH and work simultaneously and this is formulated with: malic acid from organic apple juice, citric acid from lemons, tartaric acid from white grapes, glycolic acid from raw cane sugar & lactic acid from organic milk. 
I only started using this recently and I can't believe how quickly it has worked. I have acne scars that tend to linger a little long, and this peel toned them down completely.  I use it two ways--as a mask and also as a spot treatment on any zits on my face, which will tremendously reduce them overnight - but I would do this only after you've tried the peel several times and saw your skin tolerates it well.


Vivo Per Lei Facial Peeling / Vino Vera Facial Peel with Resveratrol
What I love about these is that they are acid free. Will not strip away vital oils or irritate the skin, yet visibly rolls, lifts, and sweeps away dead skin cells when massaged onto skin. I couldn't believe how much dead skin sloughed off with just a little gentle rubbing.
As you massage it little capsules break and form a gel with the rest of the ingredients. The gel’s molecular structure is capable of aggregation in response to a change in temperature (body temperature) and allows for its ability to suck up all the dirt and debris. This is a unique physical property, since it is generally known that solution 'liquify' (viscosity decreases) with an increase in temperature.
At first this might seem 'gimiki' as you will see the gelling reaction starting to rub off and ball up, but as you continue to rub, you will notice those become dirty as actual dead skin cells will adhere to, and when washed off, it's clear that all the dead skin has been removed.
*Make sure you wash it off completely!! Debris layers with the gel might attach to little fine hairs on skin so use a wet washcloth or a towel to remove completely. I love using this mainly on my neck and to remove blackheads on my nose.

Noxzema Triple Clean Anti-Blemish Pads
The ultimate cleansing pads in my opinion. I've tried other fancy shmancy brands but find these simply do their job.  With abrasive texture that helps slug off effectively the dead layers of skin that Salicylic acid dissolves. The pad will be dirty even after I removed my makeup and washed with a cleanser….all there on the pad in it's glory for you to look at with satisfaction (do you all feel this way or is it just me LOL!!)
Simply swipe away..
This is what helped me keep my acne at bay the most for over 6 years now. I somehow try new things, forget about it and always end up coming back. This VERY is strong and does contain alcohol, so it does dry the skin a little bit. If you are on the sensitive side the other options are more suitable. I follow with a moisturizing aloe vera gel. Do not use this or any other Salicylic Acid product around your eyes. I recommend doing this at night since the skin is a bit shiny after (and supper clean) and I always recommend using a BHA product at night as the acid makes the skin sensitive to the sun. I DON'T recommend you use it more then twice a week.

Wishing you flawless skin!!

A Tip for Valentine's Day - for the Softest Kissable Lips Ever!!

Here's my little tip for Valentine's that will ensure a perfect kissable pout.

Almost all the makeup artists I've worked with on set, prep lips with with a scrub and moisture before applying color.

My favorite is the e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator
Tastes so sweet with a lovely smell of vanilla - perfect for that special Valentine's kiss!! One little swipe with this product and boom, soft and smooth lips for hours. I love that it's stick; so easy on the go..  It exfoliates with Grape Seeds and Brown Sugar and conditions with with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, removing dry, chapped skin and leaving soft, smooth, kissable lips. The price is pretty awesome as well - $3.00 at Target

I consider this a must before using a matte lip color, as those could make your cracks more noticeable and dry looking. Not only matte textured lipstick is very unforgiving to lips with dry flakes, but a smooth finish actually helps lips hold ANY color best.

*the first time you use it may seem dry, but there's just a little shield on the top layer you gotta get through. It gets better and better.

Wishing you a passionate Valentine's kiss!!

Life Changing Experience.... in a Beauty Regimen Kind of a Way

Going to a Koren SPA and getting a scrub was a life changing experience (in a beauty regimen kind of a way). I used to think I exfoliated perfectly using either a loofah or my beloved Dead Sea Salt scrubs. I am a scrub addict, so considering I exfoliate regularly, I could never imagine how MUCH dead skin came off during the scrub. I'm talking about thick layers (and layers!!) rolling up into grey ropes. I was hooked!! So obviously I had to find a way to be able to do this at the privacy of my own home, aside from the SPA visits (did I mention I'm a SPA addict?!).

 

The mitt is made of 100% viscose, and is highly abrasive, so prepare my skin for the exfoliation process, I always take a shower first, then enjoy soaking in a hot bath to soften the skin.

The spray does wonders at softening the skin even more, preparing it for the mitt but you can simply use a soap and get good results. I use the 'Hamo Hamo Aqua Peeling Spray' that I got at Korea Town. Searching online you might be able to find a coupon for this spray, but generally it's hard to find so another option, recommended by actress Jamie Chung (The Hangover 2&3) is 'Organic Mineral Peel Body' "I love Korean spas for their body scrubs. At home I use this peel to keep skin soft and smooth", in an interview for Cosmopolitan magazine. 

One scrub mitt can last for quite a long time. Just make sure to wash and dry it well after using. The color represents how abrasive the mitt and different companies vary with the coloring system so make sure to look for a softer one at first as a strong one can be sandpaper-like texture.


Wishing you soft skin!!