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!

New Year... New Manicure! Getting Philosophical on the Treadmill

Happy New Year! I'm coming to you LIVE from my local gym (seriously). I barely made it in here today, even with my super New Years Resolve. Come on, you know how it goes... the day can really get away from you! But I digress.

Back to Blogging: I don't know about you, but I do my best thinking on the treadmill. I was thinking about future blog-post topics when it struck me: my new no-chip mani actually MATCHES my treadmill. Coincidence?? I'm not so sure...

The Universe (and/or my ultra-talented guru nail pro/business-owner role model, Annie) might be trying to tell me (or remind me of) something.

Is it: you had one too many Christmas Cookies. You should stay on that T-mill for an extra 20 minutes?

Although, it could just be: these colors are awesome. More awesome than treadmills, though.

But even better, maybe it's that: sometimes we have to take moments for ourselves, even when were busy.

So besides showing off my new no-chip, I think my point here is this: People get busy. But don't forget to take a moment for yourself... Be it a manicure, a yoga class, an afternoon with the fam, or a rockin' workout. It's important, you guys!

That's all she wrote! Back to blasting calories for me. And until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

December Lumenis Symposium: Because Chicago could use a little light(-based technology) in the winter... amiright?

I was honored to be learning about Lumenis' latest cosmetic light-based technology from (and with) some of the brightest minds in our field at tonight's Chicago Lumenis Symposium. Lumenis has been well known for it's IPL devices over the years, but just a few months ago they received FDA approval for their ResurFX: The New Fractional Non-Ablative technology for skin resurfacing. What the heck does that mean, you ask?

A quick generalized answer here: Non-Ablative means that the surface of the skin stays intact, and fractionated means collagen remodeling by only treating a FRACTION of the skin at a time (aka, little-to-no-downtime). WOO-HOO!

Here I am with The Lumenis M22, (the R2-D2 looking unit which houses their famous ResurFX and IPL), alongside the well-known Aesthetic Consultant extraordinaire, Cindy Graf (aka, The Laser Queen!)

Before and After: My Obagi Transformation

I think the Spring season gets a lot of credit for renewal and transformation, but Fall is really when I (and clients/patients alike) really get in the mood for change. The summer can be a time when we drop off of our strict regimens and become a bit lax... with schedules, eating, bedtime, skin care, and who-knows-what else. In my opinion, there seems to be something about the changing colors, the crispy air, and the earlier nightfall that seems to make us all think: 'OK, these summer freckles are bothering me. Time for a change', or 'Hey!! I'm suddenly interested in regimented self-care again'. I myself jumped back onto full time Obagi use a couple of weeks ago, and I thought I would share my slightly embarrassing before and after pictures from my first time using the Obagi Nu Derm system. (about 7 or 8 years ago)

I had some issues, as you can see. It's especially tough to have skin trouble when you are a professional aesthetician. After all, how are you supposed to recommend treatments and products for your practice's patients when your own skin is terrible??

Notice the acne, the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (red spots left-over from acne), melasma (patchy-brown above my lip and on my forehead), freckles, and uneven tone.

I used the Nu Derm system with tretinoin .1% (hardcore!!) religiously for 18 weeks, followed by a maintenance regimen. What a life-changing transformation this was for me! I am so thankful for this line, and have many, many happy clients who would agree.

So if you are in the mood for change yourself, join me in fall transformation! Start using that night-time product instead of falling asleep on the couch at night, jump into that Zumba class, or finally organize your closet by color; whatever blows your hair back! :)

Check out Obagi Medical's website here to learn more about nu derm, and until next time: Stay Fabulous My Friends!

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

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!

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!

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!

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

Appropriate 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

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.

• Soothing Cream Moisturizer Benefits:
  • gently hydrates skin
  • complements acne treatments (non-comedogenic)
  • leaves skin looking smoother and brighter

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)

Totally 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

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!

My "Mullet-Mani" No Chip

I thought I would share my latest manicure... The lovely Kimi at Cosmos Beauty Bar in Glen Ellyn, IL called this the "Mullet-Mani: Business in the Front, Party in the Back". Hahaha, love it!

Design/Polish/No-Chip by Annie Johnson, Owner of Cosmos Beauty Bar.

Thanks for the LOVELY Mullet, ladies! =)

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.

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!

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

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!

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!

OBSESSED. (no snails were harmed in the making of this post)

It sounds like a strange, anti-aging fairy tale: A special breed of prehistoric snail has evolved to produce secretions of growth factors and glycoproteins. These snails are farmed in a facility in Spain, and their secretions are harvested for use in an anti-aging product. Yes, one that you put on your skin.* *I know what you may be thinking... (I was thinking it, too) So I asked: Their secretions are filtered for purity before use.

This technology is called SCA, which stands for Secretion of Cryptomphalus Aspersa, and has been helping patients to heal after cosmetic procedures. It is also used as part of a homecare regimen, which is how I've been experimenting with it.

I had the pleasure of trying (albeit, reluctantly at first!) 3 super fabulous products: Tensage Intensive Serum 40 SCA, Tensage Soothing Cream 3 SCA, and Tensage Radiance Eye Cream 10 SCA. The number at the end is what Biopelle (the makers of the line) call the Biorepair Index Number, and represents the percentage concentration of SCA in each product.

I have to say, I am always leery at first when a new product appears on my radar. Especially when the claims seem fairytale-like in nature. But I cannot deny how awesome this makes my skin look! It's smoother, my breakouts are healing (yes, I'm totally acne-prone) and my skin tone is evening out after a long summer honing my skills in beach volleyball.

And these products are instant-gratification-city. Not only are they cosmetically elegant and light in consistency, but my skin looks like something out of a fairy-tale when I've got them on!

And of course, the proof is in the pudding: they've got some very nice studies to back it all up. Because it's one thing if it makes you LOOK good, but it is actually DOING anything? Seems as though the answer here is yes. Here's a short, fairly-understandable read on how this snail secretion inspires proliferation of human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts when used topically. So, even though I'm imagining Spanish snails living happily on a farm, now it's a bit less fairytale for me. ;)

Stay tuned for individual product reviews for these, and until next time- stay fabulous, my friends!

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

HOWEVER, 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!

Fillers, without the ouch: Dermasculpt Cannulas

When a physician uses a blunt-tipped cannula to administer a soft-tissue filler like Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Perlane or other, they are using a blunt-ended, usually flexible, straw-shaped tool to move around the area. This tool allows the injector to lay little threads of the filler product smoothly and evenly. The key point here is that blunt-tipped micro cannulas are not sharp. When the filler is administered with one, the tissue is not pierced through or poked like it would with a ‘regular’ needle. The physician or nurse will be sliding the cannula in through a tiny pin-point opening that they create (in an inconspicuous place like the corners of the mouth). Then they'll thread/glide the cannula through the tissue, smoothly filling the area with the product. Additionally, they do not have to pierce through the surface skin multiple times like they would with a needle. This means less possibility of bruising for you!

It’s also less painful, and you'll typically end up with much less swelling. Here’s a great study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, if you'd like to check that out. They did a 2 week comparison of post-injection 'downtime' of needles and micro-cannulas. They conclude that cannulas are the way to go!

l personally would describe the feeling as “weirdzies” versus “OUCH!!”. You can certainly feel something moving around, which is why I describe it more as a strange sensation, and not really a pain sensation. I've personally tried the Dermasculpt Cannula, which seems to be a great product. Dermasculpt cannulas have pretty much become the standard for soft-tissue filler treatment at Cadella Medical Spa and Wellness Center here in Chicago, so it's the brand I'm most familiar with.

Even though blunt-tipped cannulas are a fantastic way to have a soft-tissue filler injected, not all docs use them. They can be much more expensive than regular needles, and training is needed (there is a learning curve, as I understand).  It's also important to know that even if they utilize cannulas for injections in their practice, sometimes an injector will choose to use a traditional needle. It can depend on the product being used, because some fillers are thicker or thinner than others. It also depends on and what the injector wants to do with it, and where they'd like to put it, so it won't be appropriate all the time. Chat it out with your injector to see if you're a good candidate for blunt tipped micro cannulas at your next treatment.

Check out my other post on Dermasculpt and uplift filler technique here, and until next time: stay fabulous my friends!

If Michelangelo was into aesthetic medicine, he'd do this...

Michelangelo Buonarroti is known to have described his sculpting as a process where he would 'release' a figure from the block of stone in which it slumbered. The masters of the Renaissance (and contemporary sculptors, too) would often create a model of their ideal figure first. Typically made out of clay, the artist would mold and manipulate the shapes to take form- and create something beautiful.

To me, this is not unlike the soft-tissue filler sculpting methods of today. Injectors will often use combinations of Artefill, Juvederm, Radiesse, Perlane, Belotaro, and/or Restylane to fill in areas that have lost facial volume due to age, injury, or medication/treatment. After the product is administered, they'll sometimes use their hands to manipulate the material and sculpt the filler inside the tissue, (no, it doesn't hurt!) since at this point, the fillers have a clay-like consistency. It absolutely makes me think of sculpting, like the masters of the Renaissance.

I've got soft-tissue fillers on my mind since the fabulous injectable event that I worked last night. We were SO busy, because once you've discovered who to go to for a gentle, natural liquid facelift -or- uplift injection, you don't need to look any farther. Dr. Eliza Parker in Chicago is that physician (and a sort of Michelangelo) for many people. She is a MASTER with the soft tissue filler sculpting techniques and the use of Dermasculpt blunt-tipped micro cannulas. She uses the Dermasculpt cannula instead of a traditional needle, and smoothly threads filler into the tissue. She'll do this as a part of her sculpting technique as her tool to restore lost volume and build a sort of scaffolding, which helps create a structure underneath any lax or sagging facial skin.

If you were to watch her perform an uplift, you could see how she gently moves and sculpts the product to the exact place she wants it to create a very pretty and natural contour, gently lifting jowles and naso-labial folds (nose-to-mouth). Here is a video of Dr Pierone in Vero Beach FL performing an uplift. We were lucky enough to visit him in his office to observe his technique a couple years back. You may find it fascinating...

If you’re in the Chicago-area, I would highly recommend seeing Dr. Eliza Parker for a consultation: her technique is total artistry. She even trains other medical professionals how inject with these special cannulas. Here's Dr Parker's website, so you can check it out!

And if you happen to be in Florida, you could certainly give Dr Pierone a call. Dermasculpt seems to be having trouble with their physician-finder page as I write this, so if you're in any other of the 48 states... (sorry!) check back with them soon to find an MD in your area: Here's the Dermasculpt link for you, and until next time: stay fabulous, my friends!

Product Review: Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Word on the Street/Company Claims: “This groundbreaking, weightless, 100% physical sunscreen provides water-resistant broad spectrum protection with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-Cote®*). Enhanced with artemia salina, a plankton extract, this lightweight sunscreen increases skin defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress.

Color-infused technology enhances natural skin tone and boosts daily radiance.”

Appropriate for who?:

Normal, Combination,  Oily, Sensitive… pretty much everyone!

NOT so good for:

For the darkest Fitzpatrick skin types, I suppose the powder-finish would be less ideal, as it could look a bit light/dry-ish. This being said, it is still better than almost any other physical-only formulation I’ve used on dark skin.

Those who desire a dewey, super-hydrated finish may not prefer the mattefying quality of this product.

Totally Fabuliz: (Favorite part):

Copy-Cats have tried with similar consistencies and claims, but product is unique and fabulous because of it’s PHYSICAL-ONLY, chemical-sunscreen-FREE  formulation. This means more broad-spectrum protection with less irritation- this is normally only achieved with HEAVY, white creams!

Just OK:

I wish the larger, limited-edition 4.2 fl oz size could be available all year round!!

Needs work:

The smaller, ‘regular’ 1.7 fl oz has a screw-on top. I’d love to see the flip top from the limited edition size make it’s way to this always-available version.

Star Rating:

4 STARS!!!★★★★

★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!

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

-Shake it before you use it, so it mixes up thoroughly.

-I’m obsessed with this very-slightly tinted formulation because takes the “white” out of a titanium/zinc sunscreen. This product may also be the only sunscreen that men will readily use, because of the clean/non-goopy finish. It leaves a silky, natural and texture afterward, and almost feels like a favorite makeup primer.

Bottom Line:

No, it doesn’t smell like coconuts, and it won’t make your eyes sting either- all of our usual sunscreen-skipping excuses are flattened. Well done, Skinceuticals!

"I LOVE re-applying Suncreen!" ...Said no one. Ever.

So, even as an anti-aging obsessed skin-cancer prevention advocate, I have to be honest: reapplying sunscreen is the pits. Maybe you have makeup on... maybe your hands aren't clean and there isn't a sink nearby... maybe you just don't feel like slathering goop all over the place! Here's a nice solution to the re-application challenge: Sunscreen powder. If you haven't tried one of these, it's worth a go. Mostly all of them are appropriate for anyone 6 months of age and over, and they are NOT MAKEUP. This means you can put it over your existing makeup, or apply it to an unsuspecting husband, boyfriend, or son.

Here's a link to my favorite one so far, Colorescince Sunforgettable: http://jxeqr.jklky.servertrust.com/product_p/brush50.htm

I would personally get the medium, (I am a somewhat fair caucasian) because the light is pretty darn light and the darkest one can start to look really dark and almost muddy on light or medium skin if you reapply more than once (the whole reason we are using sunscreen powder, right? ...to re-apply!!!)

If you don't already own a spray brush cleaner, I would probably get one so you can clean the brush in between uses.  GloMinerals is my favorite, who's brush cleaner actually smells AMAZING (almost like strawberries, but better!) and dries a little faster than some: http://www.gloprofessional.com/brush-cleaner

Now get out there and re-apply!! :)

Before and After: Temptu s/b Airbrush Makeup

So here is a cute before and after of some airbrushing I did this weekend for a wedding. This is using TEMPTU Silicone-Based Makeup and a small, relatively inexpensive compressor.  My fabulous makeup artist friend Jennifer Johnson schooled me on basics a while back, and suggested TEMPTU to start my airbrush kit. I've been playing around with it for a while and I think I'm in love!

As you can see, she has beautiful skin and gorgeous features anyway, so she could make any makeup artist look good… but I LOVE the dewy (yet not greasy or shiny) consistency of the s/b makeup, and it wears like a champ!