DEAR DIARY " DOES THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH REALLY EXIST?"

Anyone who knows me knows I'm obsessed with the concept of eternal youth. I certainly haven't found a magic fountain yet but I have found some amazing options to stay looking young without having to go under the knife. My philosophy is all about prevention vs. surgery. I have been getting skin treatments done for over 10 years. I started noticing changes in my skin around 25. I was still going in the sun and I was a smoker. I started with microdermabrasion, ligth chemical peels and Smoothbeam laser which has kept my skin in great shape. I don't have any wrinkles or lines and my skin in still tight. However, I have noticed lately some hyper-pigmentaion starting to show and I have several broken capillaries around my nose and some veins showing around my eyes.I have been researching my options and have found some more advanced laser options.

The first option is the IPL Photo Facial. The IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It is non-ablative, meaning that it does not damage the surface of the skin. The are several types of IPL. The PhotoDerm VL tragets vascular lesions such as spider veins and birthmarks and the PhotoDerm PL is for melasma and dark spots. The third kind of IPL is used for hair removal. The treatments take about 30-45 minutes and there is next to no downtime. There are some disadvantages. There can be some redness and brown spots will come to the surface and get darker first and peel for 7 to 14 days. The cost of each treatment can range from $300-$600 depending on the area. The photo facial can treat redness, acne, hyperpigmentation, facial veins, fine lines and wrinkles and even rosacea. The IPL is great for most skin types however very dark or very tanned complexions can not use IPL. It is also important to remember depending on how much damage there is to the skin will determine the number of treatments needed. It is also important to be very careful with sun exposure after IPL treatments. I plan to do several treatments in the Fall and Winter.

I have also noticed that my neck is showing some signs of aging. I've noticed some more lines and some slight sagging. Stay tuned for more information on Microcurrent Facials and Thermage as well as some information on the latest fillers to help combat "the aging neck"

"WHAT'S NEW IN MAKEUP PART 2"

I have a new mascara I'm obsessed with! I have to say it's even better than Dior Show! The new Hyperlash from Smashbox creates fierce lashes! I love the 2 in 1 applicator with a brush and a comb. I use the brush to apply and thicken the lashes and then use the comb to separate and define. I especially love it when I apply individual false lashes. It makes is so easy to blend the false and the real lashes together for a dramatic look without looking fake or clumpy. The only downside is that it only comes in black. I'm a big fan of chocolate brown to make blue eyes pop.

Another one of my new favorites by Nars is the Pro-Prime Face Prep. Now that it feels like 1000 degrees outside the las thing I want to do is put on makeup only for it to melt off in the subway. What's a girl to do? I recommend keeping it simple. I just put on the Pro-Prime and some bronzer and some tinted lip conditioner and some Hyperlash and go! This new product gives a nice matte finish to the skin and smooths out pores and fine lines. It's doesn't feel heavy and it can be reapplied throughout the day. It's sheer and colorless and works on all skin types and skin tones.

So, speaking of bronzer and tinted lip conditioner. I've been wearing Uruku Bronzer from Aveda and using their Nourish Mint Sheer Mineral Lip Color. My skin has been acting sensitive from the heat and my other favorite gel or cream bronzing products are just no match for July in NYC. I was at the Time Warner Center cooling off and browsing when I decided to stop at The Aveda Store. The Uruku Bronzer is a nice light natural bronzing duo and it's made with vitamin E which has healed my skin"s irritation. While I was there I decided to get a lip conditioner too because my lips have been dry and I haven't felt like wearing my favorite glosses and lipsticks in the heat. The Nourish Mint did the trick. It's made with natural spearmint and vanilla and not only moisturizes but it tastes good and has plumping action. I really like Sheer Clover it's a nice soft pink.


Stay Tuned for " The Latest in Non-Invasive Anti-Aging Technology"

Hyperlash $21 www.Smashbox.com
Pro-Prime Face Prep $30 www. NarsCosmetics.com
Uruku Bronzer Amazonia $22.50 Nourish Mint Mineral Lip Color Sheer Clover $15 www.Aveda.com

DEAR DIARY" WHAT'S NEW IN MAKEUP?"

I'm in love with a bunch of new goodies from some of my favorite makeup companies, Giorgio Armani, Nars and Smashbox.
I'm obsessed with Face Fabric Radiance.It's the lastes version of Face Fabric Foundation from Giorgio Armani which won The Cosmetic Executive Women Product Prestige Award for 2009. It's the most amazing cream to powder formulation I've tried. It's so light and sheer, and gives the skin a soft radiant glow that looks so natural. It's come in 3 shades light to medium dark. My other favorite product that I love to pair with it is Blushing Fabric. This blush is sheer and gives a nice pop of color for a nice natural look. It also comes in 3 shades ranging from a soft pink to a bolder more coral shade.

My next set of" must have" new products are from Nars. The latest version of the "cult favorite" blush Orgasm is a "liquid orgasm"! The Orgasm Illuminator is a sheer fluid that can be used alone or all over the face for natural glow.It can also be mixed with foundation, or used as a highlighter on the cheekbones. My other new favorite from Nars is The Multiple Tint. This is a great all in one NYC gal on the go "must have". The tints can be used on lips cheeks and I even use them on the eyes. They are bright fun Summer colors like pink and fuchsia and orange. They are bold colors, but go on sheer for quick on the go day look.

Stay tuned for PRO-PRIME face prep from Nars and Hyperlash Mascara from Smashbox!

DEAR DIARY "WHAT'S THE HEALTHIEST WAY TO TAN?" PART 2

Today is the perfect day to talk about the rest of my favorite sunless tanning products. It's 100 degrees outside, I can barely walk to the corner to get an ice cream cone let alone thinking about going to the beach. Why go to the beach when you can "look" like you did without all the fuss. That's why I love Stila Sun Gel. It's a lightweight gel that can be applied over moisturizer or a light foundation for a nice natural glow. If you like a little "bling" then you'll love Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15. This moisturizer not only protects you from the sun but is formulated with 24kt gold. The gold has antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties that illuminate the skin and give it a nice sheen.

If you have more oily skin or want to set your bronzing foundation or moisturizer I recommend several powder bronzers. I have had a similar experience with powder bronzers as with self-tanning products- they can leave you looking orange. It is important to find a shade that is more golden and has more sheer texture.My first pick is Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in Golden Sand. It ha a micro-fine texture and sheer buildable coverage. My second pick is Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer. It not only is a universal bronze shade that works for every skin tone but it reduces the appearance of wrinkles in just ten minutes! It has over 48 minerals and a patented hydrating system. It's to die for!

www.StilaCosmetics.com Sun Gel $24 Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 $32
www.Smashbox.com Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer $39

DEAR DIARY "WHAT'S THE HEALTHIEST WAY TO TAN?"

It's Summer and everyone wants that "healthy" glow but it's important to remember that long term sun exposure isn't really healthy Let's face it the healthiest tan is always a fake tan. I am especially fond of "faking" it since I'm fair and burn easily and I'm obsessed with not having wrinkles. I've found some great products and tricks to look bronzed and glowing for summer.

I have tried all the self-tanning products from the drugstore brands to the most expensive department store brands. I haven't had any luck not looking orange and streaky. I have opted for a "little goes a long way". I use an organic SPF 40 when I'm walking around the city or sitting outside at an outdoor cafe so I'm protected but still get a small amount of nice natural color. Then when I go out for the evening I use my favorite makeup products to enhance the color and create a nice golden look.

One of my favorite products is Mac Face and Body. I use it for photo shoots and backstage at Fashion Week. It can always go from "catwalk to sidewalk". I choose a shade 1 to 2 shades darker than my natural color. I apply it on my face and blend down my neck and then blend into any areas where is showing. It's great because it feels light and is water-based and water resistant so it stays put.

Another one of my favorite products is Nars Body Glow. If I'm not in the mood for Face and Body and just want a quick out the door fix then Nars Body Glow is the answer. It smells amazing made with Tahitian Vanilla and give a nice golden glow. It's amazing on collarbones with a strapless dress.

Stay tuned for part 2

www.maccosemetics.com Face and Body $32
www.NarsCosmetics.com Body Glow $59

DEAR DIARY "WHAT'S THE TRUTH ABOUT SUN SCREEN?"

Now that you know what do about cellulite, unwanted hair and what the trends are for Summer it's time to talk about sunscreen. There has been a lot of buzz about "total sun block" and SPF as high as 100. The question is "What does all this mean?"

First of all, it's important to know the difference between sun block and sunscreen. A sunscreen absorbs ultraviolet light so that it doesn't reach your skin. A sun block physically blocks the sun with ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Both a sunscreen and a sun block protect your skin from the sun but neither block the sun's ray 100 percent. The next important thing to know about sunscreen is the SPF. The term SPF refers to the ability of the sunscreen to block UVB rays which causes sunburn but does not protect the skin form UVA rays. According to Florida dermatologist and American Academy of Dermatology spokesman James M. Spencer the truth about sunscreens higher than 45 is they are just silly. The truth is that a sunscreens with an SPF of 45 blocks about 98 percent of UVB rays and that a sunscreen higher than 45 is unnecessary. However, with skin cancer on the rise, especially among young people, it is important to wear sunscreen and to follow the ABC's of sun protection:

A is for Avoid the most dangerous hours of the day between 10 and 4
B is for Block by wearing hats, sunglasses and an SPF of 30 t0 45
C is for Cover which refers to the amount of sunblock that should be applied(about a shot glass size for adults)

The most common mistakes people make is not reapplying sunscreen and choosing a sunscreen that is high in dangerous chemicals. There are new studies that now show the danger of certain chemicals in sunscreens such as oxybenzone. The British Medical Journal recently showed that

there is a possible link between this chemical and malignant skin cancer.

So remember to protect yourself this summer. Choose the right SPF, reapply especially when swimming or playing sports and be sure to choose a chemical free sunscreen.

I highly recommend "The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40" by Lavanila Laboratories. This is a excellent 100 percent natural and chemical free sunscreen for the face for only $28 www.Sephora.com

Stay tuned for " A Healthy Sunless Tan"

DEAR DIARY "WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT MY UNWANTED HAIR"

The first day of Summer is here! This means it's time to show some skin and get rid of your unwanted hair. The question is "What's the best way to remove unwanted hair?" The most permanent way to remove hair is electrolysis. The next most permanent option is laser hair removal. If you are not ready to commit to the electrolysis or laser process then pain-free waxing is another excellent option. If you are considering any hair removal option it is important to know all the information so you can choose the best method is right for you.

Let's start with what you need to know about electrolysis. First, electrolysis is the only FDA approved method for permanent hair removal on the market today. The process of electrolysis works by using a pre-sterilized disposable needle like electrode that is inserted into each hair follicle to destroy the root using electric current. There are three types of electrolysis known as galvanic, thermolysis and blended. The first step is to find an expert technician. I have the pleasure to work with one of the best. Marta Rodriguez of Skin Laser Studios has been doing electrolysis for over 30 years with great success. The next step is know what the pros and cons are. The pros are that it works on all skin types, skin tones and hair colors,is the most permanent option and works well for small areas. The cons are that it can be painful, time consuming and there are some unpleasant temporary side effects like redness, swelling and sometimes scabbing. So the question "Who is the best candidate for electrolysis ?" The best candidates are women and men who have blond, red or grey hair, don't respond to laser hair removal, those looking to treat a small area like eyebrows or underarms and have already tried laser hair removal without success. The average number of sessions needed really depends on the person and can be as many as up to 30 over a year long period or longer. The average price is about $70 per hour but session are usually broken down into 15 minute and 30 minute sessions the comfort level of both the client and technician.

The next method and most popular has become laser hair removal. Laser hair removal works by the use of an invisible beam of light and a constant source of heat that penetrates and destroys the follicle while preserving the surrounding skin. I'm a big fan of laser hair removal not only because I'm a technician but because I'm also a client. I've had great success. The ideal candidate for laser hair removal has fair skin and dark hair, those who want to work on large areas of the body and are tired of waxing and shaving. There are several different types of lasers on the market known as the Alexandrite, Ruby, Diode and LD and ND Yag. I highly recommend the Alexandrite Gentle Lase by Candela. This is the laser I work with and has done an amazing job on my own hair! It's quick and very minimal pain. The average number of treatments needed for optimum results are anywhere from 3-6 and in some case more.It is important to remember that hair grows in different stages. The laser can only treat hairs that are in the active growth phase so it will take several treatments to treat the hair as it grows in different phases. The average cost per session varies based on the area of the body but the average starting price is around $200/300+up and less for smaller areas.

If you are you not ready for electrolysis or laser hair removal,waxing is still a quick and inexpensive way to be hair-free and smooth for Summer. The question is 'What is the key to a quick, pain-free and expert wax?" The key is product and technique! I personally love to work with Cirepil. This company has been in business over 30 years and is recognized worldwide for providing the finest in depilatory products. Cirepil's products maintain the integrity of the skin, are clean and neat to use and their superior anti-irritant ingredients ensure less inflammation. I've learned my advanced speed waxing technique from the world renown International Dermal Institute. The combination of amazing product and excellent technique allow me to give a top-notch professional service. I especially love the pre-wax cleanser, as well as the pre-wax oil that protects the skin and allows for the wax to adhere to the hair not the skin for a quick pain-free experience! Then for the finishing touch, the post waxing cooling gel made with botanical extracts.