A Fun Find Tech Toy or Just Way Too Much Connectivity? A Connected Mirror Analyzes Your Skin Condition

Ladies, start your charge cards - just when you thought you had smart-everything: from your phone, tv, thermostat, home speakers, smoke detectors, fridge, well, everything... now there's a smart makeup mirror.

Read the full article below from USA Today, but here's how I see it - in a nutshell:

Pro's:

• This smart mirror features settings that allow you to simulate the lighting scenarios you'll be in (office, evening, daytime, etc) for specific make up application needs. Love that!

• Skin analysis (fine lines, discoloration etc) keeps you aware so you can treat your skin proactively - and stat on top of your game.

• From my perspective, it seems like the storage of old photos and developments might help you recognize if a questionable spot is new or changing. Who knows, if you see something that wasn't there before (for example), it might trigger you to call your dermatologist for expert analysis.

Cons:

• Is this good for the psyche? Plain old magnifying mirrors are notorious for causing the most beautiful women to freak out and run into their doctors' offices for Botox, laser, you-name-it, to treat tiny 'imperfections' they see on the mag-setting at home. While Botox and laser of course have their benefits, it's the freak-out state that could be caused by constant reminders and updates on your new age spot could cause insecurity like, on a daily basis. This would be a definite CON.

• Omg, why do we need YouTube DIY's playing in our mirror?? Granted, there are a lot of jems and pearls of knowledge out there on good old YouTube. But it's also very diluted and there is a whole lot of junk. The last thing I would want is for this to be playing at me in my bathroom while I'm getting ready. I can't imagine my smart, well informed patients and clients doing the same, either.

Read all about it here:

From USA Today: A CES Innovation Award winner and available to test-drive at SXSW, HiMirror is the world’s first “smart mirror” that provides personalized beauty and health feedback by analyzing your face. Simply wave your hand in front of the mirror or use voice control, and thanks to the camera and cloud-based image processing algorithm, you’ll receive real-time skincare analysis – including comments on wrinkles and fine lines, complexion, dark circles, spots and pores.Based on your skin condition, HiMirror displays custom DIY YouTube tutorials on the mirror itself. Advice is also based on how your skin looks over time, with stored photos of you in its internal memory.

Along with the basic HiMirror model ($189), HiMirror Plus ($259) also adds LED makeup lighting that can simulate varying environmental settings – such as sunny outdoors, brightly-lit office, restaurant, and supermarket, to name a few – to help you properly apply makeup for the occasion. The Plus model also adds more local storage (for more photos or more users) and a faster Wi-Fi connection.

Is it a perfect new edition to the slew of tech products already on your home wifi network, or just way too much media? I'll be interested to see what else we can 'stay connected with' as more new products make their way to the market.

And until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

Things that make you go HMMMM: Spaghetti Sauce Skin Care?

Recently spotted on my home television: a Pasta Gravy commercial that begins with a woman spooning sauce onto her arm:  Creative Sauce campaign of the year: Silver Palate is positioning eating (no, not actually wearing) their tomato sauces as Lycopene-rich, protective skin care.

 So, what's the scoop with Lycopene?  

From mayoclinic.com: "Many studies suggest that eating lycopene-rich foods or having high lycopene levels in the body may be linked to reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and age-related eye disorders."

Lycopene, n antioxidant phytonutrient, is also known for boosting your skin's defenses against the sun. Lycopene can be found in papayas, watermelon, carrots, and of course, tomatoes. So, open up a jar of tomato sauce tonight and 'anti-age' right there at the dinner table! 

Until next time, they fabulous my friends!

More Fun New Tech Toys: Beauty and Brains

Ok, say what you want about the $280 price tag on this gorilla glass-covered, French-designed, narcissist-fave hard drive but I think it's fab! The Lacie 1TB Seagate scratch-proof hard drive puts the fun in ...um, backing up your computer. No... it puts the fab in ... techy desktop accessories. No... Hmmm.

Well, I'd like to know what's wrong with double-checking your lip gloss placement at your desk with a single glance before greeting a client? Or (more importantly) quickly verifying there is no spinach in your smile after a veg-friendly lunch? I think this is a fun and fabulous find.

Watch a quick vid of this pretty piece here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U06KicKXg4Until

If that price tag causes you to frown, it's time to touch up your BOTOX. ...And/OR, you can experiment with a budget-friendly and creative mirror alternative: The Glam Screen. I gave this one a try after doing the above ^ double-checks on my actual phone for a while.

It's tiring:

Unlock phone> Camera> Change the camera view to face yourself> Notice how weird and alien-like you look on the self-facing screen-side camera> check for spinach.

This is just too many steps for a girl on the go. Grab a glam screen and call it a day! 

Check out my other new and fun tech suggestion here: The Pearl Mirror Compact

And Until Next time: stay fabulous, my friends!

Scrub-A-Dub... DOH! Turns out Microbeads are messing up the environment.

While you might have until 2019 to stock up on your favorite microbead scrubs and cleansers, let your conscience be your guide: it turns out that microbeads are polluting the Great Lakes and starting to mess up the local food chain. Illinois was first state to pass legislation on the issue, requiring companies to gradually phase out the plastic beads by 2019. California (not to be trumped in this department) may ban them sooner, possibly by 2016.

Don't worry about your fave stuff disappearing, though. Companies like L'oreal and Johnson & Johnson are on board to sub biodegradable versions ASAP, with many others to follow suit.

Read all about it here:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/10/320638770/with-concern-for-environment-illinois-bans-microbeads

http://m.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2014/06/19/illinois-microbead-ban-cosmetics-industry-largely.html?r=full

Until next time, a fabulous my friends!

Whew, that was a close one: The Valeant/Allergan Saga

Allergan Pharmaceuticals' products (including Botox, Juvederm and Skinmedica, to name a few), their loyalty/partnership programs and their customer service standards are all impeccable. They are truly a class-act company. Even though being acquired by Valeant (or anybody else) does not necessarily mean that these things would change... I think everybody has been sighing with relief after the news that things will be staying put as-is (for now).

Read the Chicago Sun Times article about the would-be Valeant takeover here:

http://www.suntimes.com/business/27394525-420/botox-maker-turns-down-valeant-takeover-offer.html#.U3srwaa9LCQ

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

The Chicken, the Egg, and The Changing Aesthetic Landscape

As I write, I am here in San Francisco at the The Aesthetic Academy meetings.  Yesterday I took the Certified Aesthetic Consultant Exam and should have my results in 2-3 weeks. (Keep your finger crossed for me!) And now that the hard work is over, I can take a deep breath, sit back, and learn. A handful of the nation’s top aesthetic physicians are here presenting their favorite technologies for non-surgical rejuvenation, fat reduction and anti-aging. I'm noting a continuous theme with every. single. presentation.

The theme: the industry landscape is changing. For example: in 1997 (and maybe even 2007) a person might go to a doctor, have a surgery, and ride off into the sunset. These days, informed consumers are seeking more progressive solutions with little or no downtime. They have high expectations, plenty of options, and do lots of research.  They aren’t jumping into invasive surgeries. In fact, according to ASAPS, the surgical segment of our industry is only experiencing growth of 3% each year, whereas non-surgical procedures are growing over 10% each year. As I listen, I agree… as a Service Provider, a Practice Manager, and as a patient myself. People want procedures that are better, faster, and easier to recover from.

From my perspective, I see these savvy, well-informed patients demanding these advancements. And I also see (especially at the industry conferences) that the technology is getting better.  But I wonder: is the technology getting better because the market demands it? Or are people starting to access these treatments because the new, effective, non-invasive options are finally available? Which came first? The chicken or the egg?

Whichever scenario is happening, the technology is getting better. Science is looking to affect the skin/tissues on a molecular level. We are hearing more and more about changing 'the behavior' of the tissue. I even heard the phrase “reprogramming genes like software”.  Indeed, genes are kind of like little strings of data, not unlike software.  Heating, cooling, and using all types of energies to manipulate, denature, and contract are becoming the methods of choice for patients AND practitioners.  Very interesting.  So while plenty of facelifts are still happening, it sounds like the future of medicine is going 'molecular'.

Here are the buzz-worthy, popular topics for non-surgical and non-invasive technologies here at the show:

• Microneedling
• Diodes
• RF Devices (radiofrequency, now with less treatments)
• Enzymes, Stem Cells in Skin Care
• IPL, Photo Facial (oldie but a goodie)
• Circumferential Reduction, (Body Contouring and Fat Reduction)
• (Still trying for a great) Skin Tightening modality
• Cellulite Treatments (still nothing permanent, but looking good in the temporary-realm!)
• Micro-cannulas (for injecting soft tissue fillers like Juvederm)
• Voluma (the new filler from Allergan)

More to come from San Francisco!

In the meantime, Stay Fabulous, My Friends!

Alert, Alert!! New Obagi Medical Products System, available next week!!

My lovely Obagi representative just alerted me to a new Obagi Medical Products line, specifically designed for those in their 20's and 30's, but likely appropriate for anyone who may not want or need an Rx Tretinoin (or anything 'hardcore', per se). She didn't have any literature to send me yet, but referred me to the Youtube vid here... which, at the time that I viewed it, only had 63 views!! This is new, hot off the press!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjKvHbZAxf4

Obagi 360 features only 3 products: an exfoliating cleanser, a retinol .5 to use at night, and a hydrating broad-spectrum SPF. This line promises simplicity, gentle care, an emphasis on consistency and routine, and maintenance! Well done, Obagi... can't wait to hear more!!

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

New (super cute) Device Monitors Sun Exposure: We're now OFFICIALLY out of Excuses

Has anyone seen the June device yet? It's existence was just announced by Netatmo at the Consumer Electronics Show. It's a an electronic device that looks like a wrap bracelet... a somehow good-looking wrap bracelet! Amazingly, its actually a REALLY PRETTY bracelet, unlike my Fit Bit Force or my clunky and my obvious and chunky Body Bugg Arm Band!! Obviously I'm impressed with the styling here, but Ok- I'll get on with it:  This wearable device-in-disguise actually monitors your sun exposure.

With the June device, you can check in to see how you're doing on your UV exposure-levels from your smart phone. This way, you know what peak-times to stay in, when to re-apply SPF, and when to 'call it a day' after a daytime jaunt involving plenty of daylight exposure. With more than 2 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the US each year, I hope this little guy takes off! It's not released yet, but I'll be watching closely for its launch- can't wait to try it out!

Here is a video to watch on the topic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U-5rgbnNuE

Will you be wearing a June?? I think I will be!

Until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

Fun Find: Every Drop Beauty Spatula

Have you ever resented the fact that you can't reach the bottom of the bottle to get the last drop of really-great-and/or-expensive-fill-in-the-blank product to get the last bit? I have heard anecdotes over the years of women prying open a container of TNS Recovery Complex (and many others) with a pair of pliers. This is probably hazardous... (at the very least you at risk breaking a nail) and is likely not the experience you desire when using a fabulous, cosmetically elegant, and likely expensive-as-heck product. Don't be angry at the bottle. It IS just a bottle, after all.  Just get this "Every Drop" Beauty Spatula!

 

Don't get angry, get Spatula!

I came across this miniature silicone spatula with when I opened my new 'the Container Store' Stocking-Stuffer catalog that came in the mail today. Genius!

The unique shape is designed to reach under the lip of a jar to get every last drop.  It's washable (reusable) and has a long handle to reach into really skinny/tall bottles or jars. The cherry on top: It's only $4.99, and is made in the USA. And really, what else do you possibly want from a spatula?!

Happy Shopping! Stay Fabulous, My Friends!

Va, Va VOLUMA

So excited! ...Where do I start?? Ok, I'll start here: Yesterday, Allergan (makers of BOTOX Cosmetic) announced that they have FDA approval for the first filler specifically formulated for the cheeks. Our new friend's name is  JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™. This new glorious Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler is made with Allergan's proprietary VYCROSS(TM) technology. VYCROSS (TM) is a manufacturing method **cross-linking** that makes this HA super-duper smooth and long-lasting.

Another cool fact: Voluma is like the can't-stop, won't-stop, marathon-runner of HA fillers: it can last for 2 years with optimal treatment... which is much longer than others.

By the way, did you know that HA is a sugar that naturally occurs in the skin? SWEET!

Here's a link to Allergan's Voluma Page, and here's one to the Press Release.

You can also click here to see one of my posts about volume restoration in the aging face. 

Oh, and this filler product comes with pre-mixed with Lidocaine (numbing agent). ..........OR without, if you are crazy like that. (kidding... totally kidding!)

Remember to always talk to your doctor about your candidacy for treatments and give your doc the most updated health history info every time you see them.

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

Liposonix: Giving Chicago a kick in the butt... actually, the abdomen

Last night in Chicago, Dr Steven Bloch (of BodyByBloch in Highland Park and Glenview) taught area physicians and their staff a thing or two about Liposonix at the Solta Medical Laser Symposium. The Liposonix system uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (They call it HIFU) energy. It was very, very interesting! HIFU is being used in this application to non-invasively destroy targeted subcutaneous fat and deliver slimming (of 1 inch on average) results after a single, one-hour session.

Solta, the makers of Liposonix say " One Treatment, One Hour, One Inch..." (click for a vid)

Results are usually seen in 8 to 12 weeks (which is the time needed for the body to naturally process the treated fat). So, just make sure to weigh in at the same weight before you make any judgement calls. Many offices in the room have already been using it- and they all agreed that it works! Here's the Liposonix Website if you're interested. 

Oh, and here's an interesting tidbit: To quantify the extent of the desire to lose fat in the waist area, Solta Medical sponsored “The State of Love Handles in America” nationwide survey of more than 1,000 women. They released survey findings that include:

• 62% of women say the part of their body they are most uncomfortable with is their tummy/love handles.
• 45% claim they would give up sex for one year to lose an inch.
• 66% would give up chocolate for one year to lose an inch.
• 75% would give up clothes shopping for one year to lose an inch.

SHOPPING though, you guys?!? Really???

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

BOTOX gets a "NEW" use... wink wink

Day before yesterday, (September 11 2013), the FDA made it official: BOTOX Cosmetic is now indicated for use in the lateral canthal lines, aka: crows feet. Why is no one losing their minds in celebration, you ask??

Up until now, the only FDA indication for BOTOX Cosmetic in the face has been the glabellar lines (the 11's that can form between your brows). BUT, it is often AMAZING in many other places... including those crows feet! How do we know, you ask?

...So, don't tell anybody, (shhhhh!) but just about every physician or nurse who performs BOTOX Cosmetic treatments has totally already been doing this. It's considered 'off-label", (like you're off-roading from the original smooth highway of labeled directions/indications) but BOTOX is done frequently in many other areas.

Even so, Congrats, Botox! We're happy the FDA agrees with what we totally haven't already been doing for years.

**Let's all turn and wink knowingly at each other here, completely free from crows feet**

Beauty on the Brain: What's on my countertop right now

Happy Labor Day Weekend! If you're anything like me, you use a holiday weekend (BONUS DAY!) to have some fun AND get a little bit ahead of the game. I had a chance to get organized and thought I would share what's on my Review To-Do list, and what I'm playing around with now!

Getting Glam

MAC Cosmetics Pressed Pigments (new collection 2013) in Blonde Streak and Black Grape: picked these babies up at the MAC pro store on Armitage in Chicago last week. Loving these so far! If you try them, be sure to do your foundation AFTER your eyes (despite being easier to use than MAC Pigments, there can still be plenty of fallout)

Not all glosses are created equal

e.l.f HD Blushes and e.l.f Super Glossy Lip Shines: I picked up a bevy of these inexpensive OTC products in lots of colors to mess around with, and it seems that there is a pretty big difference in consistency based on which colors I am using- crazy! For example, the "Honey Do" gloss is sticky and unenjoyable... but "Goddess" is a dream to wear. This should be interesting...

But oh yeah: they were only $1. So as long as they aren't like, tar or poison or something, it will be worth it to find a keeper! =)

Snake Oil? No, Snail Serum!

Biopelle Tensage Products: Have you heard? Snail Secretions is being used as an anti-aging element. At this point, I'm only scratching the surface with my research... but here's what I know so far: Companies are using snail secretions in facial products for anti-aging. It sounds a little weird so far, but the theory is that (pre-historic?) snails have evolved over time to protect themselves from environmental damage/ repair injuries, and are secreting growth factors and glycoproteins that are great for our skin. I need to do my homework and check out some clinical data, but in the meantime, I'm hearing good things!

Biopelle Tensage SCA 8 Biorepair Index is a particular brand of snail serum product that I'm experimenting with. SCA stands for Secretion of Cryptomphalus Aspersa, which I understand to be the type of snail. Biopelle Tensage Eye Contour Cream is their super popular slightly-tinted eye product, and I am LOVING it so far. Absolutely LOVING it. I'll be sure to review this as I learn more!

Have a safe holiday and until next time: Stay Fabulous my friends!