COLOR ME CORAL!!

Summer is almost here and it's about color. One color in particular stood out on the runways for Spring/Summer 2010. The looks ranged from bold matte coral lips at Sonya Rykiel, soft coral cheeks and eyes at Theory and a coral gloss at Max Azria.

I found some amazing products that can take these looks from "catwalk to sidewalk" on a budget! The first is an online exclusive palette form Bobbi Brown. It includes 4 lip shades and 4 neutral shadows to pair with a bolder coral lip for day for $60. What a steal $8.50 per shade! Then for my "must have" splurge is the new Chanel blush In Love form the Cote D' Azur Collection which retails for $45.

DEAR DIARY "WHAT'S HOT FOR SUMMER?"

Is this weekend really Memorial Day Weekend? It seems as though we just skipped Spring. The cold rainy weeks were not so inspiring. So the question "What's Hot for Summer?" is all about getting inspired for Summer!

The makeup trends for summer are all about skin, lashes, lashes, lashes and coral colors for cheeks and lips. So let's start with the skin, beautiful glowing healthy skin is always in. One of my "must haves" the new Face Fabric from Giorgio Armani Cosmetics. This is a new cream to powder formula that has an exclusive MicroFil light pigment that applies like a second skin.The result is a luminescent glow. It's perfect for summer because it dries to a sheer powder.

Now let's talk about lashes. The trend for summer is lashes and more lashes. If your looking for no fuss beach ready lashes then Lavish Lashes lash extensions by "yours truly" are the answer! I use individual micro- fiber extensions and surgical grade adhesive to apply to each individual lash. Once they are applied there is no need for a lash curler or mascara! How long they last depends on your shed cycle. They can last up to 6 weeks for $200! Stay tuned for a special Summer promotion. If you are not ready to make the commitment to extensions then let's talk mascara! My fave in the drugstore category is Voluminous Black Carbon by Loreal and the new Lash Stiletto by Maybelline both create full lashes on a budget. They both retail for under $10.My "must have splurge" is Dior Show Backstage. It's the waterproof version of the cult favorite which retails for $24.

Stay tuned for "Corals"

DEAR DIARY "WHAT DO I DO ABOUT CELLULITE?"

Yes its that time of year again. It's time for shorts and bikinis. You look in the mirror and see that your legs or your tummy or the backs of your arms are not as smooth as they once were. What's a girl to do? Velashape is an amazing treatment that combines Bi-Polar Radiofrequency, Infared Light and vacuum and mechanical massage. The result is gradual smoothing of the skin and a reduction in cellulite as well as circumferential reduction. Clinical studies show 85% of treated areas show circumferential reduction. This is not your average cellulite cream. The treatment actually increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat cells. This treatment is the first FDA cleared non-surgical, safe and effective treatment on the market.

Now the question, "Does this treatment really work?" The answer is YES!! I'm not just saying it because Kim Kardashian said so. I decided to try the treatment myself. I had kidney surgery back in 2003 and ever since the muscles in my stomach have been weaker and I never seemed to have the flat abs I once had in my 20's. I started noticing a little bulge and the skin not being as tight and smooth. I'm happy to report that with only 2 treatments I'm starting to see my abs come back. Just in time for summer.

The next question, " So how much is this going to cost?" It can be as expensive as $350 per session but now spas are offering packages. Since you need at least 6 sessions. The best deal I've found is 2 areas 12 sessions for $1680 which is over 50% off the treatment. This is great so you not only can treat one problem area but 2. Visit www.whiteteaspa.com for more details.

See you at the beach!

DEAR DIARY "WHAT'S NYC BEST KEPT SKIN SECRET ?"

The best kept skin secret in NYC is Skin Laser Studios. Skin Laser Studios is a skin clinic located in the heart of Chelsea. Skin Laser Solutions is owned by Marta Rodriguez who has has specialized in permanent hair removal and the treatment of acne for over 30 years. She has perfected a facial known as the "Perfect Skin Facial." This facial is like no other facial you have ever had. You not only leave looking amazing but the results are cumulative over a period of time. She combines state of the art equipment with organic products to achieve results in one hour that would take months to achieve with expensive products or prescriptions from a dermatologist. This facial is amazing for all skin types from severe acne suffers to sun damaged skin to even the most sensitive dry skin like mine. This facial addresses all kinds of skin concerns without any down time. The smooth beam laser which is anti-inflammatory and stimulates collagen production, is amazing for fine lines as well as for healing cystic acne and calming redness from extractions and micro-dermabrasion. The smooth beam is the only laser that can actually heal acne without all the usual side effects from harsh acne treatments. Most acne treatments such as Retin-A, Benzoyl Peroxide make the skin dry, flaky, irritated and cause the acne to get worse before it gets better. The " Perfect Skin Facial" is able to address acne by gentle thorough exfoliation with micro-dermabrasion, extractions, a special peel and the smooth beam laser without the harsh side effects. I highly recommend this facial for anyone even considering Accutane. I was prescribed Accutane for my chronic breakouts and it caused migraine headaches, depression, severe dry lips and I had to go for monthly blood tests. It cost thousands of dollars only for the breakouts to come back after being off the drug for a period of time.I'm proud to say that now I'm not only an employee but have been a client for 10 years. I'm pushing 40 myself and I look younger now than I did in my twenties. When I first discovered Skin Laser Studios I was still smoking cigarettes and laying on the beach in Miami. I was starting to get fine lines around my eyes and mouth. My skin's texture was dry, rough and flaky and I was still experiencing hormonal breakouts ,blackheads and larger more noticeable pores in my t-zone. Not to mention, I have the world's most sensitive skin. I had spent money on all kinds of products as well as trips to the dermatologists and all kinds of makeup to cover up my skin problems. Now, my skin is smooth, soft, pore less and I don't suffer from breakouts anymore. Not to mention I have no wrinkles! I use very minimal makeup and a simple gentle cleanser.I'm excited to share my secret to the fountain of youth with you and to have the privilege to train and work with the best skin therapist in the business. I'm also excited to remove my broken capillaries that have popped up recently. These as well as brown spots from sun damage can be removed with laser treatments available at Skin Laser Studios.

Skin Laser Studios is also your best option for permanent hair removal. Marta has the best lasers available for hair removal. She even can treat people of color with the darkest skin tones. She is also an expert in electrolysis which is the best way to treat hair that may not respond to the laser like some areas of the face or certain areas for men as well as people with blonde or red hair.

In addition to expert skin care and hair removal services the location is quiet, relaxing and very discreet with excellent personal attention. It is unlike large spas where there is a different esthetician every time you have an appointment or you are treated like a number rather than a person. Marta has clients that have been loyal for years. At Skin Laser Studios you are not just a client but a friend.

Contact me for information about new client gift certificates. The "Perfect Skin Facial" is regularly priced at $250 but I'm offering a new client promotion of $150 and also $100 off laser treatments. Goto www.skinlaserstudios.com for appointments and location and more information.

"DEAR DIARY, WHAT'S THE SCOOP WITH PRODUCT INGREDIENTS?

If it sounds to good to be true; chances are it is! So be on the look out for "gimmicky" sales promotions. The best way to know what you are putting on your skin is to first be an educated consumer. The question is "What  ingredients should I be looking for?" and "How do I know how to read the labels?"

First it is important to know that the FDA passed a law in 1966 regulating the packaging of cosmetic and skin care products. The name, address and net quantity and list of ingredients must be listed on the package. The FDA made an amendment to this law by requiring the ingredients to be listed in order from highest to lowest concentration. "What does this mean for the consumer?" If you are purchasing any product that claims it is made with high concentrations of any ingredient or claims to be medical grade, first you want to see where the ingredient is listed in the list of ingredients. 

Second, you want to know what ingredients to look for when shopping for products.  Here is the "Top Ten" List of ingredients to be on the look out for which can create negative side effects and can also be toxic:

1. Diazolidinyl Urea- These are usually used as preservatives. They are the second most commonly used after "parabens". They can cause contact dermatitis which is characterized by a rash. They can also be listed as Germall I. They can release formaldehyde and can be toxic.

2. Methy, Propyl and Ethyl Paraben- These are the most common preservatives. They can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Be on the look out for "paraben-free" formulas that are now being offered.

3. Petrolatum- This ingredient is extremely cheap and is most likely used in lip therapy products, lip sticks and glosses. Ironically enough the products that are claiming to soothe and protect lips that contain petrolatum actually do the opposite. It actually causes photo sensitivity and dries out the skin and interferes with the body's  natural moisturizing mechanism. So next time you buy a "lip conditioner" be sure to look for this ingredient.

4. Propylene Glycol- This is  petrochemical which can cause allergic and toxic reactions.

5. PVP/PVA Copolymer- Can cause lung sensitivity.

6. Sodium Laurel Sulfate- This a synthetic substance used in shampoos and hair care products that can cause eye irritations, hair loss and dandruff.

7. Synthetic Colors- They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C. These synthetic colors can be cancer causing.

8. Steralkonium Chloride- This ingredient was originally formulated as a fabric softener but is cheap to use and can be used as a conditioner. This can cause major skin irritation.

9. Synthetic Fragrances- The synthetic fragrances can have as many as 200 ingredients and can cause anything from headaches, hyperpigmentation, rashes, and skin irritation.

10. Triethanolamine- This ingredient is often used in cleansers and can actually dry out skin and hair and cause eye problems.

It is not only important to know what ingredients  are not beneficial to the skin but it is also important to know what ingredients to look for that can actually improve the health of the skin. Stay tuned for my review of Dermalogica  which is a product line that is  not only free of all these ingredients but packed with amazing natural ingredients that promote beautiful skin for all skin types  and conditions.

VAPOUR ORGANIC BEAUTY!! MY NEW FAVORITE MAKEUP!!

Today I have had the privilege to work with the most amazing new product line at the exclusive preview of Vapour Organic Beauty at Henri Bendel. I have had the honor to become friends with one of the most talented product developers in the cosmetics market and had the opportunity to work with his latest product line. He has worked with the renowned  Kevyn Aucoin to create Kevyn Aucoin Beauty and served as Creative Director and President. He then went on to work with the brand founder Christina Carlino of Philosophy to create a color line for Philosophy.Now his latest triumph was launching this revolutionary brand of organic cosmetics. Vapour is made from food-grade Certified Organic ingredients and is free of all chemicals, parabens and FD+C color or dyes. Not only are the ingredients all organic but the packaging is recyclable. The organic ingredients in Vapour are not just to give it color and performance like other cosmetics the ingredients are actually beneficial for the skin. After all without flawless skin you can't have flawless makeup! The ingredients offer twice the amount of antioxidants than their leading counterparts. Vapour also contains EFAs ( also known as Esssential Fatty Acids) which are the best kind of fats for optimum health as well as pure vitamins and minerals.

Now that you have all the facts, the question is " With a million and one cosmetics out there, is there really a difference?" ABSOLUTELY!! As a self diagnosed product junkie I have tried almost every brand on the market as both a consumer and as a professional. The foundation and primer is like NOTHING I have ever experienced before. Not only does it  go on like silk but it covers flawlessly and seamlessly and looks like skin but only better. It feels weightless and is hydrating and soothing. It's like having a makeup and spa experience in one! It's organic formulation that does not include water means it doesn't even need to be set with powder as it almost magically sets itself. I'm on almost hour 12 and it hasn't moved and still looks and feels great which is a miracle because I have the world's most hypersensitive skin. The lip gloss: simply my new addiction! I must have put it on 100 times today; not because it doesn't stay on but because it is so luxurious and smells and tastes delicious. It's made from all-natural lemon balm, essential oils and fruit essence. My lips were so chapped from the weather change and now they are completely healed and moisturized. The blush and eye shadows go on like the foundation. The colors blend softly for an almost airbrushed effect. The best part is everything is in a twist tube so its easy, neat and compact. I also love that you don't even need brushes you can use your fingertips to blend everything! It really follows my philosophy as a makeup artist:  flawless glowing skin, soft colors, a beautiful/less is more, no makeup look that subtly enhances the beauty and camouflages the imperfections with ease! It's truly the fabulous 5 minute face! I give Vapour Organic Beauty 5 lipsticks(that's  5 stars in makeup artist lingo)

Visit www.VapourBeauty.com and check out Eric on www.ShopNBCTV.com to check out a live presentation October 27th!!

DEAR DIARY," WHAT'S THE LATEST IN LASER TECHNOLOGY"

Lasers are becoming more advanced by the minute! They are the wave of the future for anyone who wants to turn back the hands of time without the cost, dangers and downtime of plastic surgery and they can also treat a multitude of skin concerns that are not part of the aging process. I have been consulting with one of the best laser companies on the market and the verdict is in: the GentleMax Nd-Yag/Alexandrite by Candela can eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, rejuvenate sun damaged skin and actually remove sun spots and age spots. In addition it also removes hair on all skin types including dark and tanned skin. It doesn't stop there. It also can remove birthmarks, facial lesions, leg veins, warts as well as melasma, also known as the pregnancy mask. It is the fastest and most powerful laser on the market and is able to perform treatments in less time and is unmatched in its hair removable capabilities.

I'm looking forward to training with this laser company and working with this laser. Stay tuned for where, when and how much to get the best laser treatments on the market!