Polish your skin

Polish your skin
Smooth skin all winter long!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Lighten Up Too Much Tanner

Q. I recently bought a self tanner at the grocery store and I got too much tanner on my feet and knees. Do you have a suggestion for lightening this area?

A. Self tanners are a great option to the tanning bed and outdoor sun. They are much better for your skin, but can be tricky to do yourself. If at all possible I suggest you get your sunless tanning in a salon or spa with a spray tanning professional. It will cost a little more but the results will be worth it. To help fade the over-tanned areas of your skin the best solution is exfoliation. In my experience the very best product to exfoliate with in order to lighten your skin is simple household baking soda. Make a mixture of half a cup of water to one cup of baking soda. Apply the mixture to your over tan areas and let it stay on for a few minutes, about 3 or 4. After you have allowed the mix to stay on for a short while begin to exfoliate using your fingers or a soft sponge. Move in circular motions, do not scrub hard or use too much pressure. You indicate the areas of over tan are your feet and knees. These body parts can stand a firmer scrub and a stronger amount of pressure than some other parts. If the over tan is on your face you should use very mild pressure but repeat the process washing off the baking soda between tries. This method works quite well and I think you will be surprised at the amount of tan you’ll loose. Don’t let this problem keep you from using sunless tanning as an alternative to the tanning bed or real sun. It takes practice to get the technique right. Try putting lotion or petroleum jelly on your knees, feet, and between your fingers to keep from getting too much tanning product on these areas. Be sure to wash your hands well after applying the tanning agent. You should also consider my advice and go to a spa that offers spray tanning by a professional.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Q. What are you seeing as the hottest ways to do hair for the prom or a wedding? I am in both in May.

A. According to trade magazines here are the latest trends in formal hair:
The braid is all the rage this year for everything from weddings and proms to beach wear. There are loads of variations on the braid with fun styles and options. For a formal looking braid, tease the top to give yourself some height then pull your hair to the side like you were going for a side pony and make your braid. The hottest formal look for braids is the fishbone braid; somewhat flat and similar to a fishbone neck chain. A professional stylist should be able to give this to you. A popular variation on this theme is the side pony. This look gets sleek if you smooth over your bangs to the side and add loose, not tight, curls in the long free hair. Be sure to tease and get height on top. For a more casual look the half up style is still popular this year. Pull just the top of your hair up and pin it back then curl the back in soft loose curls. The classic up-do bun is never out of style either. There is always some trendy popular version of this style and the classic ballerina bun will never be out, especially for brides. To get the most current look for this classic try a side part. If you have straight bangs, leave them down. Get the teased up volume for the top and then work the back into any version of a bun you want. If you can afford a professional stylist you will not regret it. You can then relax and let an expert do your hair. Always remember that the most important part of any event is that you are comfortable. Choose a hairstyle that you feel good in and then relax and have fun!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Looking Younger With White Teeth

Q. Does getting your teeth whitened really make you look younger?

A. Absolutely. Age affects more than just your skin. Age itself can yellow or dull your teeth but years of lifestyle choices will show on your teeth as well. Teeth reflect years of coffee and tea drinking, smoking, and eating teeth staining foods. To make it even more poignant young people are currently on a “teeth whitening craze”. Unlike in years past, young people can get teeth whitening gels, toothpastes and treatments at any grocery store. They are also more and more often opting for professional teeth whitening under an LED light. This craze works to contrast the super white teeth of a younger generation against the duller teeth of the older crowd; making the mature group appear not only older but also out of the loop. White teeth also look fresh and clean and attractive, lending a youthful appeal to your smile. The good thing is that in the scope of anti-aging treatments, teeth whitening is one of the most affordable. The systems you buy at the super market are effective but results will be slower than the professional LED systems. Look around for places that offer professional teeth whitening many spas and salons offer the light and gel process at an affordable price. Teeth whitening is a great way to add a boost of confidence as well. It’s not risky and it’s not expensive, and it’s not very time consuming so I say, go for it. You might even smile more and that is always a good thing.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Hwo to correctly apply lipstick

Q. I always wear my lipstick down flat and then I think it does not go on as well. Is there a correct way to apply your lipstick from a lipstick tube?




A. I once went to a wedding shower where we all played a game about how we wore down our lipstick tubes. In the game, the way you wore down your tube told something about your personality, in reality all it tells is how you apply your lipstick. I researched your question and found that the Covergirl division of Procter and Gamble had suggestions for how to apply and how to not apply your lip color. According to Covergirl, if your lipstick ends up being flat as a pancake on top it means you most likely apply your color to your lower lip first, then rub your lips together to get the color on the top lips. If you are without a mirror this is a safe way to put on your lip color but it will almost always leave your outer mouth corners bare. If on the other hand your tube ends up with a sharp point you most likely are pressing the lipstick between your lips and rubbing it back and forth. This will make your lip color uneven and it will make your expensive lipstick more likely to break. The perfect way to apply your lip color from a tube of lipstick is to apply color to both your top and bottom lips evenly. If you do this your lipstick should maintain the slightly pyramid shape it starts with when it’s new, your color will go on your entire mouth and be even and you will not damage your tube. For the very best lip coverage, apply lipliner to a relaxed mouth, then open your mouth slightly and say “Oh” apply your lipstick evenly to top and bottom lips and with your mouth in the “Oh” pattern you’ll be able to reach the entire lip surface. I hope this helps because I am so upset when I end up breaking a perfect tube of lipstick it’s worse than breaking a nail!