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There are times in life when certain things stop being "cute" and "endearing" and start becoming inappropriate and untimely. Take for example the age old damsel in distress act. When it was once acceptable and perhaps charming (to the lesser, more insecure gentlemen of course!) to play "not so smart" by answering questions with a shirll, high pitch "I don't know!" (are you imagining the accompanying head tilt and finger twirl of the hair?), it is now perceived as foolishly belittling. So when it comes to beauty and its respective accessories there are times and milestones that require you to retire the "cute" for the "polished." Say the plastic hair clip or scrunchie (responsible for the beginning of the the end in Carrie's relationship to Berger), it's perfectly fine to wear while running errands or just hanging out on the couch (scratch that scrunchies are no longer ok, even if you're at home in the bathroom by yourself). But when it comes to more ladylike or professional occasions its wise to trade in the old standby for the more souped up, elegant equivalent.

I discovered the U Shaped Pin while modeling at a photo shoot with one of Britain's hottest and most desirable stylists (I never kiss and tell so you're just going to have to guess who). He used 3 or 4 to artfully hold my hair in the most rocking chignon...no millions of bobby pins or cans of hair spray needed. Those couple of pins held my hair up through the entire shoot and I ended up taking them home with me I was so enamoured! Think of them as the next generation to the bobby pin. Same idea just superior function. The large U shape discreetly secures small and large sections of hair in the desired place without the bobby pin induced pain. Buns, french twists or haphazard updo's are elegantly sculpted without the tell tale signs of visible pins. Hair looks sleek, polished and refined. So convenient and ladylike that I'm never without this pin. With one simple twist hair goes from wild child to stately Madame President!

Usage tip: Always twist hair to the desired look and shape before pinning, the twist gives something for the pin to hold onto. For maximum holdability always insert the pin at a diagonal angle to your head. If you have extra fine hair look for a rubberized version of the U pin (available at Ricky stores in nyc). The double coated textured provides a non-slip grip while protecting hair from tears and snags.

The result: Hair that's ready for the boardroom to the bedroom and elegantly sophisticated the whole way!

Moisture Perfect

Ok so I just need to get something off my chest...the rainy/snowy weather in nyc is responsible for soaking my shopping bag causing it to rip at the bottomonly to have my brand new shearling hat and one pair of my favorite suede ballet slippers fall without me noticing. Granted it was my own stupidity to carry a bag made out of paper but nevertheless I'm quite mad/disappointed/sad. I almost wish I had lost both shoes so whoever found them could at least have a complete pair of stunning ballet flats (what can I say I know in comparison to many I'm blessed I have a roof over my head and food in my stomach so why not look at the silver lining?). Well that was therapeutic, thanks for listening. Now let's move on to something more beauty relevant...moisture! Ahhh, just saying those words rings supple, soft, plump, healthy looking skin. Especially in the colder months our skin is stripped of essential hydration thanks to the moisture zapping bitter winds and parching indoor heating. Do you know what dehydrated skin looks like? Think sallow, sung in like a dried prune and lifeless. Moisture is like an energy source, it plumps and revives skin cells so that you glow with health.

Often I find that cleansers can be quite stripping of skin's natural emollients. What can I say we are cleaning happy society and unlike the Europeans who appreciate a milder lather, we savor big, frothy bubbles thinking it's better. Unfortunately that's not always the case, especially in such inclimate weather conditions. Instead opt for a milder, more discerning cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. A dermatologist favorite, this delicate cleanser treats your skin with care (think Woolite vs Tide) so that makeup, oil and residue is removed while keeping skin's natural emollients intact. It's better to leave your skin's natural oils than to strip them only to try to restore skin's moisture balance minutes later through a cream. Your skin has it's own cycle and regimen that works so respect it. Skin is left flawlessly clean yet soft and hydrated!

Usage tip: If you find that this cleanser is too mild to use at night when you need something more heavy duty to wipe the day's pollution and grim away, use this cleanser in the morning. (Yes you should be washing your skin in the morning to help remove any leftover night product while cleansing away any pore clogging gunk your skin may have naturally disguarded and pushed to the outer layer. See how smart your skin is it has it's own natural cleaning system!).

The result: Glowing, healthy skin all compliments of your skin's natural mechanism (and a great cleanser).

Ageless

There are certain ironies in life that are totally unavoidable - taxes are due every April 15th, responsibilities only get more strenuous as you get older (side note: I find myself envious of the blissfully unaware children being pushed in strollers through the crowded streets with not a care in the world) and my favorite...your body ages everywhere! Oh yes and let's start counting the ways: besides the lines and wrinkles, there's the loss of the youthful facial baby fat, the jiggly arms, and who can forget the saggy, turkey skin-eque knees?! And then there's your hair. As you get older hair gets more brittle, finer, weaker and less dense. Sadly certain culprits like continually heat styling or multiple chemical processes only expedite the aging process. But thanks to all the great beauty inventions (I knew there was a reason I worked in this industry) we can now fight the system and turn back the clock! Are you with me?

Think the finest ingredients; caviar, algae, shea butter and mushroom extract to fight the good fight and you have Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging SeaSilk Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. Formulated without those nasty ingredients this sulfate-, paraben-, phthalate and mineral oil/paraffin/petrolatum-free system works on three levels to restore hair's youthfulness. A proprietary Caviar extract targets aging at the cellular level while the ColorHold technology protects against premature color fading as the Age-Control Complex fights oxidative damage for renewed suppleness. From the moment you lather this rich, luxurious shampoo, you will feel an incredible dense, creamy foam that envelops each strand for the most nourishing yet gentle experience. Continue this pampering treatment with the conditioner which weightlessly coats hair with essential moisture so that it feels touchable soft and silky smooth. Think of this experience as champagne for your hair. A day later and I'm astounded by the shine, mangeability (I didn't need any styling products!) and bouncy volume. I feel my hair getting younger...or at least more head turning!

Usage tip: My dear friends at Lock & Mane have graciously offered a few travel sets of these delectable product for my readers. So post a comment with your thoughts about this product, hair aging or what you use. Then a special, secretive committee (think the people responsible for collecting and tabulating the Oscar ballots) will enter your name in the randomized drawing. Be sure to leave me your email so I contact the winners for their mailing address. Trust me you want this in your shower!

The result: Vivacious, ageless, envious hair!

Spring's Hot Accessory

There are some trends that quickly evolve and become reminiscent to the maystorm of the Barney's Warehouse sale; you don’t know how you got there (in fact you never thought of it be so alluring in the first place) but because of sheer popularity and that age old excuse we used as children (whine- “but mom everyone else is doing it!”) you know that you should be there. Otherwise you risk your street status of being a connoisseur of all “in” things. Remember those low rise jeans a certain Ms. Spear's popularized that only flaunted your thong color, while giving new meaning to the visual of a "plumber's butt crack"? Let’s be honest not everyone was blessed with a Michelangelo sculpted taut stomach fit for Victoria Secret model. Instead we ended up revealing TMI about the curves and crevices of our bodies to make those low risers attractive. On the other hand there are other trends that are more reminiscent of the skinny jeans- classic, timelessly appropriate and mother approved.

Enter the new nail color for spring. Reviewed in our first post for 2010, this trend has become so hot that certain brands are wiped clean of inventories and predatory vultures are hawking the elusive polish on EBay for over $100 a pop. Let’s take a step back and visit to the original inspiration. Tastemaking Karl Lagerfield sends models with nails painted in a creamy mushroom inspired, chalky brown with a hint of steel gray polish down his Spring/Summer Chanel ’10 runway. (Remember the feeding frenzy this brand was responsible for with Black Satin or the ‘90s Vamp?). This fresh Chanel color, Particulière, (a welcome change from the tired dark black/purple) not only caused a minor anxiety attack with all the beauty editors as they scrambled to get one but sent a flurry of "me too" remakes. And with good reason. This subtle color takes a back seat to spring's pastel, candy-hued clothes, letting the outfit do the talking. Yet it is impactful and lingering enough that it pulls even the everpresent military jacket together. Is your heart racing yet because this is the new accessory for spring and you don't have it?! If you can't find pony up for the $100 Ebay original try some more pocket-friendly and equally alluring alternatives like OPI's You Don't Know Jacques, Essie's Chinchilly (I wish my job was to brainstorm nail polish names!) or Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Laquer in Commander in Chic. But hurry spring is right around the corner and you don't want to leave your nails envious and bare!

Usage tip: This color looks immaculate on shorter, square-shaped nails. Long and pointy/curvy only spells Jersey Shore (no offense to my NJ friends).

The result: Love at first sight (yes it's possible)....this color stopped hearts on the runway!

Cupid's Arrow

From the womb to early childhood right up to becoming an adult we are taught, preconditioned and dream of meeting that special one. You know the soul mate that is your other half. The one that makes you complete - the ying to your yang, the bread to your butter, the beat to your heart. So we walk through life with our eyes wide open and our heart's brimming full of hope and enthusiasm that Cupid will stike us with his/her (do we know if Cupid is male or female?!) lucky arrow. But like all ironies in life did you know that there's a certain "look" men subconsciously seek in selecting their mate? Studies have been done showing that their are certain physical attributes men are preprogrammed to seek in their partner. So while it's no guarantee that by wearing a certain lipstick you will meet your soul mate the minute you step outside of your house, why not up your chances of meeting the one by catering to or playing up some of these attributes.

The Look that Finds that Special One

Skin: Men are drawn towards a women's natural glow, a tell tale sign of her fertility (it's all about spreading the seed after all!), and femininity so glowing, radiant skin only helps play up your inner luminosity. Skip the heavy, cakey foundation and instead opt for a luminizing sheer foundation like Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation or mix your daily SPF moisturizer with a radiance boosting lotion like JK Jemma Kidd Mannequin Skin.

Eyes: When polled over 70% of men say the first thing they notice about a women is her eyes so it's time to play up the windows to your soul with soft, neutral hues and light contouring. Definitely more natural than smoky. My favorite technique is to create that twinkle in your eye.

Cheeks: Rosy, rosy, rosy! Flush cheeks equal health, youth and yes our favorite fertility. I recommend a cream/gel blush like the Tarte Cheek Stains to give your cheeks that color yet keeping skin dewy and glowing. Powder blushes can look streaky and synthetic.

Lips: Again it's about pink-esque natural shades so look for creamy lipsticks or tinted balms in the berry and rose family. And of course what man is going to say no to big, full lips?! So just add a dab of clear gloss to the center of the lips for a juicy, kissable look.

Hair: Nothing makes men run faster than hair they can't run their hands through so think softness and natural. Men don't love the pin straight look or tight up do's. Instead soft curls and touchable tousled hair should be on the menu. And of course shiny, thick hair spells what? Yes you guessed! Baby material. So before styling add some volumizing mousse to wet hair and when your done make sure to add a few drops of a shine serum through your strands!

The bottom line is men like a more natural, relaxed look so play up your assests with a light hand and a few beauty essentials. Cupid's arrow is looking for you!

Usage tip: Less is more and after all men can't tell the difference between 5 minutes of getting ready versus 20 minutes of work!

The result: Finding the person who makes you gets your silly jokes, kisses you while you sleep and whispers of his hopes and dreams for a life with you in your ear. And I guess there may be a baby or two in the future? :) Happy Valentines Day!

The Right Way

It's interesting how the human psyche works, we have this weakness or susceptibility for things that we know are completely wrong for us...hmm where to start with examples? How about falling for the bad boy? Or buying one more pair of shoes when your closet can't bear to house one more? Better yet, having that extra piece of cake when you just know you shouldn't! I guess we are all fallible with the proper temptation. When it comes to our faces there's something nagging or irksome about a breakout.With an instant reflex we want it gone as fast as possible, and what's the most effective perceived way to get rid of a pimple? Oh come on you know but probably don't want to divulge. Let's face it there's nothing sexy about popping a mini crater on your face! I don't mean to be the parent but you probably know that they best way to avoid making this pimple a permanent landmark on your face is to leave it alone! Otherwise if you further irritate or even infect it there's a huge possibility that your face will form a hyperpigmentation spot. So with that I know every once in a while you will be tempted to just pop it. Again my official position (like a good politic an) is to leave it alone but if you have the rare breakout then there's a few guidelines you can follow to successfully and safely perform this forbidden procedure.

How to pop a pimple:
Not all pimples can or should be popped. Cystic or infected breakouts should be treated by a dermatologist only.However if you have a smaller pimple that has formed a head then you may be able to pop it.

1. It's best to first steam the skin by taking a hot shower. This helps open the pores open for a more gentler extraction.
2. Take a tissue for each hand and using your finger (not your nails which could cause scarring) gently push on two sides of the pimple till the white pus comes out. If this doesn't happen after a few attempts then it's best to leave the pimple alone as it hasn't come to a head yet.
3. Once the white part is out, gently keep pressing on the pimple area to also extract the blood that was trapped within the pimple. Be sure to clean up the blood with a tissue as you go.
4. Keep extracting until the blood runs a bit watery or clear. That's when you know you have removed all the bacteria contamination and there is no risk for a reoccurring breakout.

5. Place a small piece of tissue over the extraction site to help clot and avoid infection. You can remove the tissue after 5 minutes

Usage tip: It's key to use your fingers and not nails. And again, stop pushing on the pimple if it seems like it won't budge. Trying to force it will only cause scarring. Play smart!

The result: So yes you gave into an impulse but at least you were smart about it (now let's keep this secret between me and you!).

Birthday Learnings

Again my sincerest apologies for going mia last week but I have a legitimate excuse for my disappearance...it was my birthday! Yes another year older and wiser, which in my book calls for a week long celebration (can you only imagine the non-stop party I had for my 21st?!). So with a big smile and a content heart I want to send a very big thank you to all my loved ones who made it so special..from the tiara and chandelier to drinks in the glass perch and dinner tête-à-tête it was the perfect way to begin a new year. Having said that the one thing that I'm dumbfounded by is that despite no longer being an adolescent my face still serves as a plush home to teen-inspired breakouts! I thought that pimples were exclusively reserved to a time symbolized for awkward kisses, catty girl fights and study hall. But as luck would have it adult acne is a very common problem that plagues a large majority of us.

So you can only imagine my relief when I discovered Skinceuticals Blemish Control Gel. Made with salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, this vanish gel, as I like to call it, helps clear existing breakouts while simultaneously preventing future ones. As I've divulged to you earlier (afterall there's no secrets between us), my Mediterranean/olive skin is extremely susceptible to hyperpigmentation (dark spots formed in the skin as a result of an injury like a pimple). Fortunately this gel is formulated with a special ingredient which helps prevent the acne induced skin discoloration from ever happening! And the best part? No drying! You know how some acne treatments dry the skin in an effort to remove all the oil causing acne? Well not this one! The gel includes sodium hyaluronate, one of the best ingredients available to help skin retain moisture and prevent drying. In short, during 8 hours of blissful zzz's this gel zaps the pesty pimples so I wake up to my adult clear skin!

Usage tip: You can apply this gel all over or apply as a spot treatment to problematic areas. Use twice daily (in the AM and PM) on a clean, dry face. Wait till the product is thoroughly absorbed before layering your serum, moisturizers, etc.

The result: Bye bye pimples (you should stay in the dusty closet with my high school yearbook!) and hello supple, radiantly clear skin!