Summer Love

There are so many delightful things about summer. And despite the fall-like weather NYC has been experiencing as of late (and the fact that my office feels like Antarctica making me look like a bodyless mummy as I bury myself in sweaters, scarves and jackets) I think it’s good to walk down the summer memory lane. There’s of course the long days ensuring that you get to at least see the sun as you make your way home from work. Weekends spent poolside, beachside or bbqside. And who doesn’t love Sunday night ice cream? Of course like all things there are some less than positive side effects of summer: sun parched hair, callused feet and perhaps a few breakouts in places you never thought possible.

Yes as the weather warms up your oil glands go into overdrive causing unwanted pimples not only on the face but also the body like arm, back, etc. And like all cruel ironies in life it’s still summer so you want to be able to flaunt it not hide in layers of clothing. Not to fear there’s a solution: breakout fighting body wash like Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash in Pink Grapefruit. Like all body washes it cleanses and refreshes skin but this body wash works one level deeper with the power of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxyl acid that helps break the bonds between dead skin cells to exfoliate and unclog pores. As you energize your senses with naturally derived grapefruit extract and brighten skin with vitamin C, the body wash cuts through oil and pore clogging aggressors without stripping skin. After a few washes, skin is visibly softer, smoother and breakout free!

Usage tip: Remember to exfoliate your skin weekly with an actually body scrub and to help boost the mechanical exfoliating action use a loofah or brush.

The result: No more red, bumpy spots on that sun-kissed, toned arm as you show off your new strapless sun dress without needing a cover up sweater!

Caring for Beauty

Oddly enough in my family I’m known as the “tech” person. The person mom calls when she makes the jump from a cell phone to a blackberry. The person who’s supposed to know the magic button that makes the new flat screen go from wide screen to full screen… over the phone. And the “go to girl” who installs and sets up new electronic toys in under 30 minutes. So you can only imagine the irony when I received a supped up juicer, decided to not waste my time reading the manual and instead start juicing! Well it only took me 5 minutes to blow the poor little machine up! What a humbling reminder that no matter how much of an expert you may be it’s not a blow (literally!) to the ego to just brush up on the “how to’s.”

When it comes to the world of beauty we often discard the box with the instructions and prefer a roll up your sleeve and do it attitude. This may work sometimes but it’s the finer print on the box detailing how you should use and care for your products to maintain maximum efficacy for the best results. Since I know all your beauty instruction boxes are in a recycling center somewhere (yes all boxes, bottles, tubes and jars are recyclable so please do your part to be eco-fficient) I thought it would be good to review the fundamentals.

Top 3 Ways You Should be Caring for your Beauty Products:

1.Close the cap!

Basic, right? Well in the wee hours of the work day morning or after an exhausting evening it may seem too challenging to full screw the cap or to firmly close the flip top but if you don’t you risk “deactivating” your precious product. Some products contain air sensitive ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C and if the formula is exposed to oxygen the ingredients oxidize rendering them inactive. So rather than apply “dead” cream night after night thinking your skin is becoming ageless just close the cap

2. Keep it cool!

What happens when you don’t keep your produce, dairy or veggies in a cool, refrigerated environment? It goes bad! Well the same logic applies for your beauty products. Hot, steamy showers don’t equal efficacious products. Instead extreme temperatures can cause the product to “age” faster and inevitably lose it’s mojo. So store your products in a dry, room temperature (no higher than 67 degrees). If you’re an over achiever and want extra credit, store your products in the fridge to maintain their freshness (side note I keep my nail polishes there too!).

3. Know the age!

Some time sensitive products like sunscreens or retinoids are labeled with expiration dates. Be sure to adhere to these dates because not only does an expired product not work but you risk experiencing an allergic reaction to the spoiled formula. If you’re product does not have an expiration date then look on the back panel for the open jar symbol. That tells you how long the product will remain active after opening.

Usage tip: While you’re getting refresher in caring for your beauty products why not also glance through the 101’s of beauty care.

The result: Now at least you will be using products that “do something” and deliver on their advertised promises.

Science 101

Let's take it back...back in the day (if you can recall from what song that is I would be impressed!). So here's the scenario: you're back in your sweet sixteens, just finished lunch break where you were trying to catch the attention of your new crush and now it's time for the buzz kill...science class! Mrs. Hall is going on and on about something called pH which determines acidity or alkaline value and all you can think is who cares and when the hell can I get out of here and study something that I care about like how to become rich by doing nothing! If only you knew that fateful science class held the key to keeping your skin ageless.

Yes you read that right. I had the privilege to attend a meet and greet with Dr. Jeannette Graf, a renowned dermatologist in Nyc who has authored "Stop Aging, Start Living: The revolutionary 2 week pH diet that erases wrinkles, beautifies skin and makes you feel fantastic." Dr. Graf's exhaustive work has led her to the conclusion that to maintain and promote healthy cellular function the pH of your cells must be kept at 7.4 (another words slightly basic). The problem is many of our dietary habits; sugars, refined carbs, meats and dairy, serve as breeding ground for an acidic environment. Excess acidity leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin which, like a domino effect, causes wrinkling and sagging. To rectify this imbalance Dr. Graf recommends balancing each acidic amount with three alkalinizing foods such as dark, leafy greens, fruit, nuts and whole grains topped off with proper amount of H2O! Manage your stress and make sure to take a moment each day to practice your yoga breaths. These small changes discourage a build up of acidity and besides the anti-aging benefits will make a more all round relaxed individual. So put down the bberry, grab a summer peach and enjoy your summer weekend. Your skin will thank you!

Usage tip: To help monitor your progress buy pH testing strips. Each morning test your saliva (the strip should turn a dark blue color) to help ensure your the effectiveness of your lifestyle changes.

The results: A happier you and as Dr. Graf promises 5 years of aging erased overnight!

Model Life

Do you know what the sign of a well executed marketing campaign is? Let me paint the picture for you. Imagine a typical weekday lunch break. You’re flipping through the latest edition of your favorite magazine as your eyes glaze over another “how to lose 5 pounds this week!” article and as you turn the page you stop. Mesmerized by the ad in front of you, you are suddenly transformed. A rush of visuals comes to you as you become enthralled with the model starring from the pages. From her cool pied-a-terre to the way she sips her coffee, every aspect of the character’s life unfolds in front of you. You can imagine the plush bed she wakes up in and the way with just a few brushes her hair effortlessly is styled. Everything from the iconic trench she sports to her signature fragrance flashes in front of your eyes. And for once in your adult life you feel a slight tinge of envy. You want to be her! You want to be that cool, “in the know” girl. And gosh darn it why can’t you be if you simply buy the makeup being featured in the ad… That ladies and gentlemen is a successful ad!

Compliments of Christopher Bailey might I add. Sir Christopher, better known as the creative director of Burberry, has once again reinvented the way ladies look by launching a 96 piece cosmetic line for the iconic house. Complete with everything you would need to look British cool, the line consists of foundations, shadows, lipsticks, glosses, mascaras and blushes (just to name a few!). Inspired by all things English from the weather to the insatiable glow of girl's skin, this range is the iconic trenchcoat's answer for the face (the foundation shades are aptly named Trench No.1 through Trench No. 9). Remembering all the details, the iconic plaid is emblazed in the compacts and lipsticks so you can feel like the complete Burberry girl. But the absolute best part is the colors! Complimentary to all skin tones, the shades flush the skin with a healthy rosiness and accentuate the wearer's natural beauty. Suddenly the colors of your eyes pop by the supporting role of the khaki, slate gray and taupe hues. Remember this is about effortless, translucent beauty. Sold exclusively at Nordstorm's.

Usage tip: Effortless equals minimalist. Apply these colors with a light hand and let your skin's natural glow pop through. Take time and work with counter's makeup artist to find your palette.

The result: Remember that model who paid for that ad? Well guess what she wants to be you!

Innocent Days

Every once in awhile it’s nice to blow caution to the wind and embrace your inner child. Afterall the days of summer camp, ice cream trucks and making forts were composed of innocence and simplicity. Why get done up in a strapping Shift dress and high heels when you can run around the backyard barefoot with your sundress whipping around your legs? Ahh those truly were simpler times and for Spring/Summer fashion’s big designers seemed to find something enviable in it too! From Miu Miu to Alexander Wang strategically disheveled side braids ruled the runway.

The look is less “perfect ballerina tightly woven braids” and more inspired by that carefree child who spent the day running around the backyard. Scruffier than its original counterpart, these braids should reflect a rougher texture and matte finish (it’s time to put down the shine enhancing serums!). Backstage stylists would tease strands and treat them with dry shampoo to get that matte grittiness before braiding. Remember this look is all about the imperfect. Hair should be deeply parted to the side or not parted at all for that “too cool for school look.” Start the braid at the nape of the neck and continue to a side. Once your braid is complete, secure with a clear band (no ribbons or bright hair ties please!) and then gently rough up the braid so it captures that disheveled, tousled look. Ideal for managing hair in high, humid temps, this style has equal parts playground innocence and rolled around the bed naughtiness.

Usage tip: Hair too short to muster a braid? With the help of V-shaped pins and a faux pony you can add your own extensions for the needed length. Just remember to rough up and tease the braid after securing it to your hair.

The result: Remember running around the schoolyard as the boys chased you for an opportunity to pull one of those braids? Ahh that was puppy love!

Bronze the Right Way!

So we covered the art of creating the beach bronze look in Monday's post but I'm sure you noticed that one key body part was omitted! Selecting and applying a facial bronzer is a science to say the least. Just the other day I noticed a girl who was not so familiar with this expertise. Her face looked not bronze but dirty, as if she hadn't washed her face in quite a long time. And the worse part was the "sun kissed look" stopped abruptly at her jawline leaving the eye wondering about what happened to her pale decollete and arms.

So in hopes of avoiding this serious faux pas I think it's important to understand the 101's of facial bronzing.

Rule 1: Pick the right color!
Your color should 2-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone. Fair skin tones should look for beige shades with a touch of warmth with rosy gold/peach undertones. Olive skin tones like myself should opt for brown bronzers with gold undertones (I use MAC Bronzing Powder in Bronze). Darker skin tones should use rich use rich bronze with hints of orange or apricot. On a side note I'm a bigger fan of pressed powders than loose one. I think they're easier to apply and control color deposit (a key to not looking dirty!)

Rule 2: Apply it the right way!
Using a fluffy powder brush (it helps evenly apply the color with a more a dispersed stroke) lightly dust the areas on your face that the sun would hit and naturally tan. Another words apply along your hairline, on the bridge of your nose, above the brows and on top of your cheek bones. Placement is key for believablity...I know you're saying "duh" but trust me some people still don't understand the concept of less is more!

Rule 3: Always apply in natural light!
Lighting is key to the application. Bronzing in dim lighting and you risk over doing it. So always apply in the brightest indoor lighting you can find to help mimic the effect of sunlight. It's
best to apply in front of a full or half body mirror so you can gauge the bronzing effect in relation to the rest of your body's skin tone. Remember there's nothing worse than a "bronze mask" effect!

Usage tip: Like all good things in life moderation is key. Always apply with light, gliding strokes. Remember you can build more color but it's harder to de-bronze. Matte powders are preferred to avoid a "greasy" look but once you become an expert you can start weaving in a slight shimmer on key areas (read: bridge of nose, brow and cheek bones). I love MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Gold Deposit.

The result: No faux Louis' for you! You've mastered the art of bronzing!

Short Cuts

Have you heard the saying "it's not how hard you work but how smart you work?" Yes you can play by the books and take the brown nosing route...Or you can get a bit clever, cut a few corners and get to the end destination in a faster, more efficient way. Think Mercedes CLS versus the Honda Accord. So when it comes to the bronzed, sun kissed look you can be the good girl and reside yourself to the policy that no matter how Gisele-esque the tan may look there is absolutely no way you would ever consider frolicking in the sun… so white and pasty it is! Or you may play the street smart route and admit to yourself that “I just got back from a beach vaca” look is desirable and more importantly attainable. With the right know how and savviness your bronze goddess look is a bottle and a few strokes away sans (that’s without in Français of course!) sun damage or premature UV induced wrinkles.

Courtesy of MAC you can be your own Monet and blend your way to sun kissed status with their Face and Body Foundation. A water-resistant, sheer fluid this product provides natural looking coverage while hydrating and conditioning skin with an emollient blend. A staple in every makeup artists’ bag, this foundation-like (but really more tinted moisturizer) gives a professional, air brushed finish and more importantly it does not budge so you can fake your way all day long. Opt for shades like C7 Warm Caramel or N7 Warm Bronze to recreate the tan look. Apply a nickel size amount to arms and legs with a stroking motion being sure to provide even coverage without any patchiness. You can even paint your way to definition and authenticity by paying special attention to those areas that are more prone to being sun kissed like the shoulders or front of arms. Versatile and life/skin saving, there’s a reason that sales of this product are up 38% this year! And I’m guessing will only continue climbing higher.

Usage tip: All smart girls love a little shimmer so mix the foundation with a loose luminescent powder like Laura Mercier Shimmer Loose Powder in Sun Dust and Star Dust (look at what it does for your cleavage!) and then apply. Think Victoria Secret annual lingerie fashion show bronze!

The result: Those minis and short shorts were made for bronze gams, not vampire skin!