Chicago's Most Recent Solta Medical Laser Symposium... where technology meets fabulocity.

Image Last week, Chicago Physicians and Clinicians attended Solta Medical's most recent Laser Symposium, where we learned about the most recent advancements in Liposonix fat-reduction (reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue) via HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), Fraxel re:pair (treatment of wrinkles, furrows, pigmented lesions, vascular dyschromia) Thermage (classic non-invasive treatment of wrinkles) Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 (sun spots age spots, AK's, melasma, peri-orbital wrinkles and scars) Clear + Brilliant (general skin resurfacing) and Isolaz (acne). WHEW!

Needless to say, there was plenty to absorb... and I had a cramp in my hand from taking notes even before the main course was served. I think with all the constant advancements in technology (especially in our industry), no matter WHAT your role is in your office: we are ALL always learning and growing!

It was an honor to be there, learning alongside some of Chicago's greatest!

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!

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!

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! (Makeup)

I had the pleasure of doing makeup for a Halloween-themed wedding recently. The Bride and Groom (Laura and Jay) wanted to be Lydia and Beetlejuice, which was a fun challenge for me to plan out. With Halloween only a couple days away, I thought it would be fun to share some of the pictures of the Bride and Groom. The cutie-pie couple was thrilled, and tells me they had lasting makeup and an AMAZING time!

It was fun creating the hair with Liquid Latex and Crepe Hair, which I steamed straight... no wigs were used in the making of Beetlejuice!

Lydia decided that GOTH was a no-go for her bridal look (and I don't blame her!) so we tied in her GLAM look with a Temptu S/B foundation that was about half a shade lighter than reality, and some MAC 'Orange' and 'Signed, Sealed' colors. She's got Mac Cosmetics Russian Red on her lips for a classic vamp look.

Enjoy!

Uhhh... sir? You have something in your hair.... Screen Shot 2013-10-30 at 11.03.41 AM Screen Shot 2013-10-30 at 10.58.44 AM Lydia Goes Glam, which is much better than Goth when you're the Bride Yes, the shadow coordinates with the bouquet.... You are right to be impressed. Lydia and Beetlejuice Lydia and Beetlejuice (Laura and Jay): The Happy Couple!

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!

ImageHere'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. 

Va, Va, Voluma! Ow, owwww!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!

Product Review: Tensage Radiance Eye Cream SCA 10

Word on the Street/Company Claims: Cryptomphalus Aspersa, a type of snail which has evolved to heal itself with it's own secreted Glycoproteins and growth factors, is the source for this concentrated anti-aging eye cream. SCA is used both for post-procedure (when you REALLY have to kick up the healing process) and to heal sun-damaged or aged skin in a daily home-care regimen. This particular product is a light/medium consistency slightly-tinted eye cream.

Biopelle's Website says this product:

  • is tinted for a more even skin tone
  • contains antioxidant and growth factor properties
  • delivers a firming and tightening effect
  • continuously hydrates the area around the eye

Get ready to be IMPRESSEDAppropriate for who?:

Those who are concerned with anti-aging or preventative maintenance, those who like a lighter consistency, & those who have uneven skin tone under their eyes.

NOT so good for:

Those with very, very crepey, very wrinkled, or SUPER excessively dry eye-areas. I don't believe that the light consistency would cut-it for these patients, and they may not desire the tint in the formulation.

Totally Fabuliz: (Favorite part):

My favorite part has got to be the tint- which I have to admit, I did not feel like I needed. I have very thin skin, but thankfully not much darkness or blue-ish tint from underlying vessels at all. Yet, I love it! The tint makes the whole area look more even and smooth, but isn't heavy or makeup-like in consistency.

Just OK: n/a! I love it.

Needs work: n/a!

Star Rating:

★★★★4 Stars:  Pretty much deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, want it/need it/ have to have it!

Misc Notes/Other need-to-know's:

-This is Biopelle's most popular 'fly's off the shelf' product in the Tensage line. I can see why after using it!

-Check out my Post on Biopelle's Tensage SCA technology here

Yes, it's tinted. You are right to be impressed. Bottom Line:

This product feels like it tightens and smoothes after just using it once, and who doesn't love a bit of instant gratification? With prolonged use (I'm using it twice a day), I'm seeing some brightening and hydration.

While I still love the technology behind the highly concentrated HUMAN growth factor in TNS Recovery Complex and TNS Essential Serum, this natural growth factor offers a different approach... with a fun-to-use, cosmetically elegant edge.

Well done AGAIN, little snails! We thank you!

STAR RATING KEY:

★1 Star: Might pass this one up

★★2 Stars: Okay for the money

★★★3 Stars: Really nice product, I’d buy it

★★★★4 Stars: Pretty much deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, want it/need it/ have to have it!

Product Review: Tensage SCA 3 Soothing Cream Moisturizer

Word on the Street/Company Claims: Cryptomphalus Aspersa, a type of snail which has evolved to heal itself with it's own secreted Glycoproteins and growth factors, is the source for the anti-aging element of this moisturizer. SCA is used both for post-procedure (when you REALLY have to kick up the healing process) and to heal sun-damaged or aged skin in a daily home-care regimen. This growth factor promotes healing and skin health.

This particular product is a light weight, yet potent moisturizer which contains SCA.

Nicely designed packaging makes you want to dive right in!Appropriate for who?:

Acne patients (or those who break out easily), those who are concerned with anti-aging or preventative maintenance, and/or who may be healing from a procedure. This product is great for dry skin, normal skin, combination, mature, and reactive/sensitive skin types. 

NOT so good for:

Very, Very, Dry skin, those who desire SPF in their moisturizer, or those who want a more decadent consistency. (These particular people would try the Tensage SCA 6)

Here's my attempt to demonstrate the light/medium-light consistencyTotally Fabuliz: (Favorite part):

This moisturizer has a non-greasy finish and seems to pack a serious punch of potent moisture. I have dry skin, but break out easily... so I am always paranoid of products that build up on the skin or cause congestion... this is not one of them. It also made me feel like my old breakouts were healing faster.

It absorbs completely, but if a creamier SPF is applied on top, (I applied PRESCRIBEDsolutions Up the Anti Oil free SPF 30 during the day) you'll retain a dewey, glowing look and feel, which I liked. Not unlike the Tensage Intensive Serum, it feels like it brightens and smoothes after using it once.

Just OK: Wishing it was in a pump. (it's in a nice-looking jar)

Needs work: n/a!

Star Rating:

★★★3 Stars:  Really nice product, I’d buy it

I'm dry! WAIT: I Break out! WAIT: I can be sensitive! This is for you guys, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde!Misc Notes/Other need-to-know's:

-A little goes a long way.

-If you plan to use this when healing from a procedure, ask your practitioner how they'd like to see you use it. Rumor: layering it on 'like cake frosting' after a chemical peel (or other procedure), allowing most to absorb, and then smoothing out the excess is a great way to calm and hydrate.

-Check out my Post on Biopelle's Tensage SCA technology here

Bottom Line:

Thank GOODNESS that those of us with adult acne (or prone to congestion) have an anti-aging moisturizer that won't cause breakouts! YES!

While I still love the technology behind the highly concentrated HUMAN growth factor in TNS Recovery Complex and TNS Essential Serum, this natural growth factor offers a different approach... with a fun-to-use, cosmetically elegant edge.

Well done, little snails! Once again, we thank you!

STAR RATING KEY:

★1 Star: Might pass this one up

★★2 Stars: Okay for the money

★★★3 Stars: Really nice product, I’d buy it

★★★★4 Stars: Pretty much deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, want it/need it/ have to have it!

American Med Spa Association meets in Chicago

This week, Midwest members of the American Med Spa Association met to network and share ideas at Carnivale in Chicago.

the lovely Olga Batrich of Intraceuticals, yours truly, and Kelly Bricher & Dr Eliza Parker of Cadella Medical Spa. IMG_1922 IMG_0036

In attendance were some of Chicago's best-known med aesthetic industry professionals; including physicians, practitioners, and some of our favorite folks from fabulous companies like Environ, Intraceuticals, Jan Marini, Palomar, True University, Brown CPA Group and Thiersch and Associates. We all had a total blast! IMG_0032

Product Review: Tensage SCA Intensive Serum 40

Word on the Street/Company Claims: Cryptomphalus Aspersa, a type of snail which has evolved to heal itself with it's own secreted Glycoproteins and growth factors, is the source for this concentrated anti-aging serum. SCA is used both for post-procedure (when you REALLY have to kick up the healing process) and to heal sun-damaged or aged skin in a daily home-care regimen. This particular product is in ampoule-form, and contains the highest concentration of SCA. Used either daily for 7 days and then one time per week, or once in-office followed by 3 days in a row (then weekly after that), this growth factor promotes healing and skin health. Additional benefits include:

  • Helping to repair skin damage caused by environmental smoke and toxins
  • Helping skin recover from the effects of sun damage
  • Helping skin heal after laser and aesthetic treatments

The stuff dreams are made of. Thanks little Aspersa!Appropriate for who?:

Those who are concerned with anti-aging or preventative maintenance, those who may be healing from a procedure, dry skin, mature skin

NOT so good for:

Very, very reactive/sensitive skin types may detect tingling when this product is applied. Anyone who experiences irritation should call their skin care provider.

Totally Fabuliz: (Favorite part):

This serum feels like an in-office treatment... but you can have it at home whenever you want! I love this after a dermaplaning! Although it's got an elegant serum-consistency, it absorbs completely and does not make me feel oily or break out. It feels like it brightens and smoothes after using it once.

Just OK: n/a! I love it.

Needs work: n/a!

Star Rating:

★★★★4 Stars:  Pretty much deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, want it/need it/ have to have it!

Here I'm attemting to demonstrate the consistency... a little hard to see, but there were no snails around at the time!Misc Notes/Other need-to-know's:

-Depending on how dry I am when I apply it, I can feel a brief tingle or warmth sensation. It only lasts for a moment, and doesn't bother me. I understand this to be the vehicle, which then evaporates.

-The ampoules can be used in several different ways, ask your skin care professional in what intervals they recommend using it.

-Check out my Post on Biopelle's Tensage SCA technology here

Bottom Line:

While I still love the technology behind the highly concentrated HUMAN growth factor in TNS Recovery Complex and TNS Essential Serum, this natural growth factor offers a different approach... with a fun-to-use, cosmetically elegant edge.

As far as it feels, this is the stuff dreams are made of. Others who have tried it agree. And who doesn't love a little instant gratification, backed with some good anti-aging science??

Well done, little snails! We thank you!

STAR RATING KEY:

★1 Star: Might pass this one up

★★2 Stars: Okay for the money

★★★3 Stars: Really nice product, I’d buy it

★★★★4 Stars: Pretty much deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, want it/need it/ have to have it!

BOTOX for Babies- Part 5: Request the red carpet treatment

Have you been nervous to try an injectable because of bruising or discomfort? Read on… There is a TOTAL laundry list of ways to avoid little bruises or lessen the slight (and temporary) discomfort from an injectable cosmetic treatment, but here is one of my tips based on my experiences in the office:

Ask for the VIP (filler) treatment:

Ever thought you could get Juvederm, Restylane, or other soft-tissue filler without the scary needle? Well you can, if your doctor uses blunt-tipped cannulas. Blunt-tipped cannulas are like the more innocent, duller cousin of the dreaded sharp needle. They aren't sharp, so they won't poke around and upset the tissue.  Check out my other post on Dermasculpt Cannulas here, a brand of a blunt-tipped cannula. 

If your doc uses them, ask if you're a good candidate- you'll be glad you did! They allow for less trauma to the area, so that means a more comfortable, smoother treatment with less chance of bruising. This is great for areas like the lips, the naso-labial folds, and the cheeks!

Here is a great video illustrating the difference between the cannula and a needle, they show a close up so it’s really easy to see (Don’t worry if you’re a wimp, they don’t inject anybody in the video- it’s just a neat comparison!)

http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/766021 (warning: you have to create a free account to view it)

it JUST doesn't have to be this way!Your doc will likely have specific instructions for you, including post-care. Please note: this post is simply meant to be fun and informative, *not the authority on your health* so please always follow your doctor's instructions... and NOT what you read on the internet. (yes, this blog included!)

Keep in mind that there are always risks to every procedure, so chat it up with your physician to make sure these procedures are appropriate for you… Until Next time: Stay safe, and fabulous!

 

BOTOX for Babies- Part 4: The Super Natural

Have you been nervous to try an injectable because of bruising or discomfort? Read on… There is a TOTAL laundry list of things to avoid little bruises and lessen the very slight (and temporary) discomfort from an injectable cosmetic treatment, but here’s a tip based on my experiences in the office:

Homeopathic Remedies: Arnica Montana Supplements and Vitamin K Oxide:

If you have bruise-anxiety, using an Arnica Montana supplement could be a good option for you. Arnica Montana is an herbal supplement, which is anecdotally known to reduce swelling and bruising. Here's a link to a post I wrote on the 'why's' of bruising.

The Arnica Montana Flower is also known as 'Mountain Daisy', and is quite pretty before it makes it into supplement form.

Here's the Arnica Flower before it grows up to become a cosmetic procedure hero!

Although taking Arnica Montana can be worth it, it can also be a little high-maintenance (in my opinion). Depending on the brand and dosage, users can be instructed to take up to 9 (or even more) of them a day! (I usually forget at least a couple times). But thankfully, Arnica is pretty easy to take. Typically they're just dissolving tabs that you put under your tongue.  Vitamedica is one brand I really like. You can browse/purchase theirs by clicking here.

Here’s a link to another popular one: http://www.naturesway.com/Products/Homeopathic-Products/21203573-Arnica-Montana-30C.aspx

It’s generally a good idea to start Arnica about 3-4 days before your injectable treatment. If you still get a little bruise, continue it after the procedure to help it go away faster. Arnica is also available in topical forms. As another option, you could try Vitamin K Oxide, in Auriderm® post-op gel. Vitamin K Oxide, (different from plain ole' Vitamin K) helps the body heal faster. I actually like the Auriderm the best of any that I've tried.

 postop gel

To cover all your bases, you can use both topicals and the sublingual tabs! Arnica Montana is contraindicated for people with certain conditions, so check with your doctor to be sure you’re a good candidate.

Your doc will likely have specific instructions for you, including post-care. Please note: this is post is simply meant to be fun and informative, *not the authority on your health* so please always follow your doctors instructions... and NOT what you read on the internet. (yes, this blog included!)

Keep in mind that there are always risks to every procedure, so chat it up with your physician to make sure these procedures are appropriate for you… Until Next time: Stay safe, and fabulous!

 

BOTOX for Babies: Part 3- Ice, Ice Baby

Have you been nervous to try an injectable because of bruising or discomfort? Read on… There is a TOTAL laundry list of ways to avoid little bruises or lessen the slight (and temporary) discomfort from an injectable cosmetic treatment, but here is one of my tips based on my experiences in the office:

She's as cold as ice:

Pressing a cold pack onto the area for 5 or 10 minutes before your procedure usually means vasoconstriction –so those little blood vessels are running for their lives, not begging to be hit with an injection (this is what causes bruising). BONUS: it helps dull the sensation, too!

Icing afterward will also prevent or reduce swelling, which is helpful as well. The cold reduces blood flow to the injury and can limit the size of the bruise. Additionally, the cold will decrease the inflammation (this IS an injury, after all) and reduce any swelling that you might have.

5-15 minutes on, and 5-15 minutes off with a cold pack can be helpful after an injection… so if you’re checking your email or watching Netflix when you get home, grab a cold one! (a cold pack, that is!)

So, I think it'd be more helpful on your face, you guys. But, whatever blows your hair back, I suppose...

Your doc will likely have specific instructions for you, including post-care. Please note: this is post is simply meant to be fun and informative, *not the authority on your health* so please always follow your doctors instructions... and NOT what you read on the internet. (yes, this blog included!)

Keep in mind that there are always risks to every procedure, so chat it up with your physician to make sure these procedures are appropriate for you… Until Next time: Stay safe, and fabulous!

BOTOX for Babies: PART 2- Just give me the drugs, Doc!

Have you been nervous to try an injectable because of bruising or discomfort? Read on… There is a TOTAL laundry list of ways to avoid little bruises or lessen the slight (and temporary) discomfort from an injectable cosmetic treatment, but here is one of my tips based on my experiences in the office:

"Missed me, missed me, now you have to kiss me!"  -your blood vessels

Even if you’re a Seasoned Injection Veteran who's not so concerned with discomfort, I believe you should ask for the topical anesthetic (if you’re not allergic or have other contraindications).

Why? Your doctor might use a topical anesthetic called LET (4% lidocaine, 1:2000 epinephrine, 0.5% tetracaine) which constricts blood vessels. This means that the blood vessels can kind of shrink up and there’s less of a chance of hitting them. I think it’s a win/win: less discomfort, and less of a chance of the dreaded bruise.

Now, this part is purely anecdotal, and just my opinion based on what I’ve personally seen in the office: but I think even topical anesthetic without the epinephrine can help prevent bruises. So, if your doctor’s office doesn’t use LET, I would still ask for the BLT (20% benzocaine, 6% lidocaine, 4% tetracaine) or similar. I haven’t read anywhere that these other compounded topicals are actually proven vaso-constrictors, but if you try it, let me know what you think! Hey, at least it won't hurt!

Missed me!! Beep Beep! (With LET, your vessels can be the roadrunner!!)

Your doc will likely have specific instructions for you, including post-care. Please note: this is post is simply meant to be fun and informative, *not the authority on your health* so please always follow your doctors instructions... and NOT what you read on the internet. (yes, this blog included!)

Keep in mind that there are always risks to every procedure, so chat it up with your physician to make sure these procedures are appropriate for you… Until Next time: Stay safe, and fabulous!

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)

Dr Steven Bloch schooled us last night on Liposonix's fat-fighting philosophies

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. 

Hmmmm... but give up SHOPPING? ....Really?!?

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

Image 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**

MAC recycles and you get FREE lipstick: Win/Win

Ok, I know for those of you in-the-know, this is super basic info... But I just HAD to put it out there for those who may not know. It's not fair to keep things like this to yourself (shame on us!!), and I don't know that I've EVER seen it advertised, have you?? Did you know that MAC will take your empty makeup products and recycle them? (They call it the Back to MAC program) A sales associate in the store told me that they make playground equipment with it. Fascinating! And even I, theproductpro, didn't know about this for a number of years. waaaaaah?

As an incentive: for every 6 pieces makeup packaging that you recycle, MAC will let you pick a lipstick (or eyeshadow, depending on whether you do this at a store location vs online) of your choice FOR FREE*!

*The exception is the VIVA GLAM line, (All proceeds from VIVA GLAM sales go toward helping women, men and children living with/affected by HIV and AIDS).

The most helpful thing about this in my opinion: 

If you have OLD products (yes, its time to let them go) or colors that you just aren't nuts about: recycle those bad boys and breathe some new life into your collection with FREE PRODUCT! Yeah!!

On the website, MAC's own 'Primary Packaging' is accepted, including:

Empty Compacts

Tubes (lipglass, lipstick, liquid liner, paint tubes, etc.)

Empty mascaras

Empty foundation tubes, bottles, and jars

Here's my recycle haulHOWEVER, the girls at the location near me say this (and you didn't hear it from me!): You can bring in anything that involves plastic.

They tell me that this INCLUDES the empty makeup remover wipes package AND empty Lash containers.

My response to this was: "Do you have any idea how many of these I have thrown out over the years??" waaaaaahhh!

...So if you weren't before, now you too are empowered with this knowledge. Enjoy that. And your free lipstick!

Until next time, Stay Fabulous My friends!

Tutorial: Let your eye-shadows run free!!!! ...in 7 Easy Steps

Why would you want to de-pot your eyeshadows (and blush/bronzer etc) from the packaging, you ask? Why WOULDN'T you?: This way you can put them all in one place, and make your life much easier! ...Well, at least where makeup is involved... Many products are offered in "pro" pans, without the packaging... but many are not. This is especially true in the case of limited edition products, or items from another brand that you'd like to combine with your pro pans in a palette.

Here is a step-by-step tutorial of how I de-potted my MAC products:

You'll need: Parchment Paper, a flat iron, a pointy knife or screwdriver, an exact-o knife, rubbing alcohol, and craft magnets with an adhesive backing

Step One: I used a cheap IKEA knife to CAREFULLY pop the pan out of the packaging. The seam is hard to see at first. Be careful not to accidentally throw your shadow across the room!

EEEEK: don't shoot your eye out, kid!

Here's what the pieces look like separated:

Step 2: Place the parchment paper over the flat iron (or other comparable heat source) Mine was set on 145 degrees, which is about MEDIUM. Place the pieces onto the paper so the heat can start to soften the glue (as pictured here)

IMG_1359

Too Hot to Hold: be careful, now!

Step 3: After about a minute or so, remove the lower packaging from the heat. The label's adhesive will now be soft, so you can easily remove it. Set it aside.

Step 3

Yes, I label EVERYTHING

Step 4: After about another minute or two, you can carefully remove the shadow pan from the heat. Very CAREFULLY wiggle your x-acto blade between the pan and the plastic. The glue should be soft, and the pan should come out easily. If not, give it another minute or so on the iron.

Step 4

God bless the label-maker.

Step 5: Be careful not to burn yourself, the metal is hot when it first comes out of the packaging. After a brief cool-down, clean the old adhesive off of back of the pan (when it's still a little warm is the easiest!) with your rubbing alcohol. You are now ready to apply your magnet.

Step 5

Don't Burn, baby, burn: (let the metal cool for a sec before touching it!)

I found these pre-cut adhesive magnets in the craft section at Hobby Lobby:

Step 6: Almost there! Put that little magnet on the back of your pan. By the way, check to see if your empty palette is just plain metal, or if it's already magnetized... you could possibly skip this step!

Step 6

WAIT for it.......!!!

Step 7: Seems a little overkill-ish, but you'll be happy when you run out of that color and want to get more!! Apply your label onto the back of the magnet. There should be enough left-over adhesive on there to stick it right on.

Step 7

Awwwww, Label and Magnet: a match made in heaven.

Woooo-hoooo! Now you can pop those pans into your palette and hit the road! Want to know how to make your palette look like mine? Check out my post on cracking your palette here!

Step 7

Pop those pans into your palette and hit the road!
By the way: I learned this trick via you-tube vids. Petrilude's vid is BY FAR my favorite one out there! Click on his name above for the link to his video^ if you'd like to watch this in action!

BOTOX for Babies: Part 1- Thin is not always in

Have you been nervous to try an injectable because of bruising or discomfort? Read on… There is a TOTAL laundry list of ways to avoid little bruises or lessen the slight (and temporary) discomfort from an injectable cosmetic treatment, but here is one of my tips based on my experiences in the office:

Avoid blood-thinning meds and supplements:

Why? Because when the blood is thin, it can flow out of an injured capillary pretty fast, causing a pretty solid new purple beauty mark! Check out my post on what causes a bruise here. This most commonly means avoiding things like:

Ibuprofen

Aspirin

Alcohol

Herbal teas (and Green or Chinese teas)

Gingko

Vitamin E

Fish Oil/Omega 3's

Medications like Plavix and Warfarin

(There should be a complete list of these blood thinning elements and other contraindications available at your doctor’s office.)

Try to avoid any drugs/supplements known to thin blood for about 5 or 7 days beforehand. However, you should talk to your doctor (don't just stop because you read a blog!) if you are on those Rx blood thinners, as you’ll want their professional direction about risk vs. benefit.

Don't Pop that (Omega 3) Pill the week before your injection!This is not a complete list of meds to avoid... and your doc will likely have specific post-care instructions for you. This is post is simply meant to be fun and informative- not the authority on your health, so please always follow your doctors instructions, and NOT what you read on the internet! (yes, this blog included!!)

Keep in mind that there are always risks to every procedure, so chat it up with your physician to make sure these procedures are appropriate for you… Stay safe, and fabulous!

Is the MAN keeping you down?? Customize your x15 MAC Pro Palette

Don't let someone tell you how to organize your shadows... You are the ARTIIIIST, after all! BEFORE: BORING and limited shadow storage ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz.....To fit more fabulous shadows onto my Pro x15 palette, I wedged a small flat head screwdriver through one of the empty shadow spaces, and underneath the top plastic piece. I pried it up just enough so I could grip it with my hand...

Be careful here, if you give it too much muscle, it will snap and could fly across the room- possibly injuring an innocent bystander (or you!). Slowly pull one end up, and if you get it just right, that piece will pull right off.

Waaaah-LAH!This can work for many brands of palettes, existing Mac Pro x15's, and mac palettes that are smaller as well... so play around and see. Mac is making a new 'blank-canvas' large palette that you can customize now, I purchased this newer generation palette with an optional plastic liner for lips. Sounds like we won't be breaking the inserts out of mac pro palettes for long! Good work, MAC.

Thinking outside the box, errr, palette: you can get nuts with products, too: invite your foundation powder to the party, blushes, bronzers, cream blushes, whatever!

Getting crazy here, peopleGet creative, and let me know how it goes. Until next time, Stay Fabulous my Friends!