Q. I heard about a new nail polish that will last for 14 days, is that for real?
A. Yes, there is a new technology in the market for super long lasting nail polish. It’s really a nail treatment and polish combined. Several companies are promoting a version of this treatment. The version I like the most is made by a company called Creative Nail Designs. They call their product Shellac for nails. It is a combination of gel and polish, but it goes on thin and smooth like a polish. You don’t use this product to lengthen the nail. It is available in colors and a French style pink and white combination. I like this company’s version best because it goes on just like polish, really does last a long time and stays shinny and smooth the entire time it’s on. It also comes off very easily and quickly when it’s time to remove the color. The science behind the product uses a monomer and a polymer, much like gel nails but it is free of formaldehyde, toluene or DBP and is hypo-allergenic. The company boasts that the product has 14 day wear time, zero dry time, is off in minutes, has a mirror finish, and does not chip or smudge. That is the hype; I personally found all of it to be very accurate except the wear time. For some people 14 days is realistic. Others, who are harder on their nails, should expect about 10 days... still a really long time for polish to last and stay looking great! It is not available for home application and must be put on by a trained professional. I love this new product. I recommend it often. It’s especially great for brides who what perfect looking nails and who are often leaving right away for a honeymoon. The polish will last the whole time and stay picture perfect. This also makes it great for anyone going on vacation. At our spa we only charge an additional $10 for the shellac polish so it’s worth it for anyone who wants to keep that “fresh from the spa” look on their nails for 10 to 14 days! Its great when something new really does live up to the hype. This product is does.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
End of Summer Skin
Q. Is there anything to know about the end of summer and skin? I always feel like mine is kind of dry at this time.
A. I have found that the most forgotten skincare element in the fall is sun protection. Just because the summer is over and the beach and pool are not on the list the sun is still out. Many young children have recess during school days between 10AM and 2PM, the worst time of day for the sun. Mornings may be cooler in the fall but the afternoon is often very sunny. Adults forget about sun protection once the summer is over too. It’s very important to remember. Dry skin is often the result of over exposure to the sun. If your summer was full of outside events your skin may be dehydrated. Take my first bit of advise and protect it from additional sun exposure then follow this routine for repair of overstressed summer skin: Cleanse twice a day with a mild cleanser, exfoliate at least once a day with a mild exfoliate, follow up with a great moisturizer after each cleansing, apply sun protection in the daytime. You can also help combat over stressed dry skin by avoiding really hot showers and opting instead for mild warm showers. If you work out at a gym or you have an active lifestyle be sure to wash your face as soon as possible after getting sweaty. Don’t forget to use a mild soap. Drink a lot of water and eat a diet high in fruits and veggies. If you can get in to see an esthetician for an end of summer facial your skin will really benefit. A good end of summer facial should include an advanced exfoliation and a treatment masque. Your professional should also recommend a home routine customized to your specific skin care needs. Take care of your skin, some damage once done can not be reversed and you are going to have to wear your skin every day of your life!
A. I have found that the most forgotten skincare element in the fall is sun protection. Just because the summer is over and the beach and pool are not on the list the sun is still out. Many young children have recess during school days between 10AM and 2PM, the worst time of day for the sun. Mornings may be cooler in the fall but the afternoon is often very sunny. Adults forget about sun protection once the summer is over too. It’s very important to remember. Dry skin is often the result of over exposure to the sun. If your summer was full of outside events your skin may be dehydrated. Take my first bit of advise and protect it from additional sun exposure then follow this routine for repair of overstressed summer skin: Cleanse twice a day with a mild cleanser, exfoliate at least once a day with a mild exfoliate, follow up with a great moisturizer after each cleansing, apply sun protection in the daytime. You can also help combat over stressed dry skin by avoiding really hot showers and opting instead for mild warm showers. If you work out at a gym or you have an active lifestyle be sure to wash your face as soon as possible after getting sweaty. Don’t forget to use a mild soap. Drink a lot of water and eat a diet high in fruits and veggies. If you can get in to see an esthetician for an end of summer facial your skin will really benefit. A good end of summer facial should include an advanced exfoliation and a treatment masque. Your professional should also recommend a home routine customized to your specific skin care needs. Take care of your skin, some damage once done can not be reversed and you are going to have to wear your skin every day of your life!
Monday, September 13, 2010
How to put on makeup
Q. I am never sure what the best way to put on my makeup is. Should I do the concealer first or after the base? Do I do the mascara last or the liner last?
A. There are many many ways to use makeup. Different looks will require different techniques but there is a very basic recipe for putting on the classic daytime look. Start with you concealer. Dot it on with the pad of your ring finger, not your pointer finger. The ring finger uses less pressure. Concentrate the concealer on the darkest areas of your face. These are usually the corners of your eyes, under your eyes and over any blemishes. If you are a woman beginning to show your age you may be getting deeper lines from the corners of your nose to the corners of your lips, and in the crook of your chin or between your eyes. You can use the concealer in these areas to lighten them as well. Lighter will make these areas seems less recessed or deep. Follow up with your foundation putting it only where your need it. Blend it out and over your face with a sponge makeup wedge, or a foundation brush. Follow with a very light dusting of powder. Next, apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks. Blend upward toward your cheekbones. Apply where you’d naturally blush. Your eyes will be next. Define your brows. Tweeze away stray hairs and define your brows with a few strokes of a brow pencil. Use feathery strokes and be sure your pencil is sharp. You can blend this out with a brow brush as well. Apply eye shadow over your entire eye area from the lash line to the brow bone. You can apply a shade darker to the hollow of your eye below the brow bone and right before the lid area. For nighttime you can bump up your eye color. If you use a lash curler you should use it at this point. Never use the curler after you have on your mascara that can cause your eyelashes to break off. If you use liner on your eyes this is the time to put it on. Apply a smooth even line at the base of your lid and into your lash line. Start at the outside of your eye and blend inward toward the inner corner. Apply one or two coats of mascara. Your lips will finish your face. If you use a lip liner apply it now and I always cover the entire lip area if I use a liner, that way when your lipstick wears off you are not left with lined naked lips. After the liner you can finish with a great lipstick or lip gloss. Don’t forget to bring some touch up items with you during the day. I suggest a concealer and a lip color at the minimum. Hope this helps.
A. There are many many ways to use makeup. Different looks will require different techniques but there is a very basic recipe for putting on the classic daytime look. Start with you concealer. Dot it on with the pad of your ring finger, not your pointer finger. The ring finger uses less pressure. Concentrate the concealer on the darkest areas of your face. These are usually the corners of your eyes, under your eyes and over any blemishes. If you are a woman beginning to show your age you may be getting deeper lines from the corners of your nose to the corners of your lips, and in the crook of your chin or between your eyes. You can use the concealer in these areas to lighten them as well. Lighter will make these areas seems less recessed or deep. Follow up with your foundation putting it only where your need it. Blend it out and over your face with a sponge makeup wedge, or a foundation brush. Follow with a very light dusting of powder. Next, apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks. Blend upward toward your cheekbones. Apply where you’d naturally blush. Your eyes will be next. Define your brows. Tweeze away stray hairs and define your brows with a few strokes of a brow pencil. Use feathery strokes and be sure your pencil is sharp. You can blend this out with a brow brush as well. Apply eye shadow over your entire eye area from the lash line to the brow bone. You can apply a shade darker to the hollow of your eye below the brow bone and right before the lid area. For nighttime you can bump up your eye color. If you use a lash curler you should use it at this point. Never use the curler after you have on your mascara that can cause your eyelashes to break off. If you use liner on your eyes this is the time to put it on. Apply a smooth even line at the base of your lid and into your lash line. Start at the outside of your eye and blend inward toward the inner corner. Apply one or two coats of mascara. Your lips will finish your face. If you use a lip liner apply it now and I always cover the entire lip area if I use a liner, that way when your lipstick wears off you are not left with lined naked lips. After the liner you can finish with a great lipstick or lip gloss. Don’t forget to bring some touch up items with you during the day. I suggest a concealer and a lip color at the minimum. Hope this helps.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Hair that shines!
Q. My hair just never looks shiny. I see some girls with great shine in their hair. How do I get that? I have blonde highlighted hair.
A. Super glossy hair is something anyone can achieve with the right help. Here are 5 ideas from Harris Publications, Inc. trade magazine for hair stylists. Keep your hair in good condition. Split ends and over processed color can zap you hair of its natural shine and leave it really dull. Use a high quality conditioner on your hair every shampoo and use a deep conditioner or hair masque at least once a week. If you’ve already done some damage to your hair and it’s looking frayed or over done visit a salon and get a professional conditioning treatment or a semi-permanent hair gloss treatment. The gloss color treatment won’t use any damaging peroxide and will actually help mend the split ends and will add shine. Second, try some at home styling products like shine drops or silicone sprays. The rule to remember with these great tools is a little goes a long, long way. Too much will leave your hair looking oily, but the right amount will add killer shine. The third rule to remember is also about product use. Go easy on the gel or hairspray. Too much will gum up your hair and leave it looking dull. Fourthly, avoid the heat. Blow dryers and flat irons can stress out over dry hair. Since you told me you do have color in your hair I strongly suggest you use a thermal protector product in your hair every time you blow dry and flat iron. These products are really effective at limiting the damage done by heat. Lastly, talk to your stylist about color. Be sure you are getting the color highlights that will add shine and reflect light. You may want to consider getting a clear gloss or a semi-permanent color. Both of these will seal you hair’s cuticle and add shine. For the readers who currently don’t have color in their hair but want shine I suggest some professional color. A boost of highlight adds brightness and shine to any style. Dark hair absorbs light but if you add a few panels of a lighter shade you’ll get reflection of light which adds shine. Love your dark color and don’t want any light color added? Dark hair really benefits from the clear gloss treatments. It can leave it looking like glass. Try these steps and you are sure to find the shine you are looking for.
A. Super glossy hair is something anyone can achieve with the right help. Here are 5 ideas from Harris Publications, Inc. trade magazine for hair stylists. Keep your hair in good condition. Split ends and over processed color can zap you hair of its natural shine and leave it really dull. Use a high quality conditioner on your hair every shampoo and use a deep conditioner or hair masque at least once a week. If you’ve already done some damage to your hair and it’s looking frayed or over done visit a salon and get a professional conditioning treatment or a semi-permanent hair gloss treatment. The gloss color treatment won’t use any damaging peroxide and will actually help mend the split ends and will add shine. Second, try some at home styling products like shine drops or silicone sprays. The rule to remember with these great tools is a little goes a long, long way. Too much will leave your hair looking oily, but the right amount will add killer shine. The third rule to remember is also about product use. Go easy on the gel or hairspray. Too much will gum up your hair and leave it looking dull. Fourthly, avoid the heat. Blow dryers and flat irons can stress out over dry hair. Since you told me you do have color in your hair I strongly suggest you use a thermal protector product in your hair every time you blow dry and flat iron. These products are really effective at limiting the damage done by heat. Lastly, talk to your stylist about color. Be sure you are getting the color highlights that will add shine and reflect light. You may want to consider getting a clear gloss or a semi-permanent color. Both of these will seal you hair’s cuticle and add shine. For the readers who currently don’t have color in their hair but want shine I suggest some professional color. A boost of highlight adds brightness and shine to any style. Dark hair absorbs light but if you add a few panels of a lighter shade you’ll get reflection of light which adds shine. Love your dark color and don’t want any light color added? Dark hair really benefits from the clear gloss treatments. It can leave it looking like glass. Try these steps and you are sure to find the shine you are looking for.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Great hair for guys
Q. Last week you answered a question about fall styles for a student. My son is a college student and he wanted me to write in and ask you what’s hot this year for men’s hair?
A. That’s a fun question because I get asked far less about men and men’s styles. According to Fashion Trend’s Website young college age men are opting for fringe (or bangs) this season. All the runway shows have young men in a more masculine version of the ladies long front fringe (or long front bang). This look features a shorter back and side cut with front fringe. The length of these bangs varies so it’s an easy style to customize to a specific face shape. Most of the time the bangs are side swept. The other key item in men’s hair for the fall is texture. Cutting in texture and even embracing some wave are all popular. Using hair styling product properly will give these trendy men’s styles the right mix of texture and ease. Be sure to have your son ask his stylist to give him a quick lesson in how to use product (like gel, paste or spray) to best manage his hair texture and style. Another really popular look this year for men of all ages, young and not so young is the slick back. This year’s Ralph Lauren catalog shows nearly all its male models in this classic look. Its fun and upkeep and styling are very easy which makes it a good choice for a busy student, a top executive or just a man with an eye for style. Guys with straight hair will want their slick back style with more length on top while men with wavy or curly hair will want a shorter more textured version. This style can have a definite part line or can be nearly part-less with a slick back from the forehead and sides. Men are getting color more and more as well. Color helps bring out the look of layers and texture and adds some kick to any hair cut. All-over blonde for men is very popular this season but is usually best with a polished style like the slick back while color layering and tips are best for the fringe or textured styles. No matter what style your son chooses it’s great to see men take an interest in hair and fashion. In the past, the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s men paid great attention to clothing, hair, fashion, even their hats. Its fun to see men involved in there appearance again. One only needs to check out the pop music stars or TV shows to see men are wearing hair again. The just buzz it off look is a thing of the past, unless you take it all the way off to bald and that is still hot.
A. That’s a fun question because I get asked far less about men and men’s styles. According to Fashion Trend’s Website young college age men are opting for fringe (or bangs) this season. All the runway shows have young men in a more masculine version of the ladies long front fringe (or long front bang). This look features a shorter back and side cut with front fringe. The length of these bangs varies so it’s an easy style to customize to a specific face shape. Most of the time the bangs are side swept. The other key item in men’s hair for the fall is texture. Cutting in texture and even embracing some wave are all popular. Using hair styling product properly will give these trendy men’s styles the right mix of texture and ease. Be sure to have your son ask his stylist to give him a quick lesson in how to use product (like gel, paste or spray) to best manage his hair texture and style. Another really popular look this year for men of all ages, young and not so young is the slick back. This year’s Ralph Lauren catalog shows nearly all its male models in this classic look. Its fun and upkeep and styling are very easy which makes it a good choice for a busy student, a top executive or just a man with an eye for style. Guys with straight hair will want their slick back style with more length on top while men with wavy or curly hair will want a shorter more textured version. This style can have a definite part line or can be nearly part-less with a slick back from the forehead and sides. Men are getting color more and more as well. Color helps bring out the look of layers and texture and adds some kick to any hair cut. All-over blonde for men is very popular this season but is usually best with a polished style like the slick back while color layering and tips are best for the fringe or textured styles. No matter what style your son chooses it’s great to see men take an interest in hair and fashion. In the past, the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s men paid great attention to clothing, hair, fashion, even their hats. Its fun to see men involved in there appearance again. One only needs to check out the pop music stars or TV shows to see men are wearing hair again. The just buzz it off look is a thing of the past, unless you take it all the way off to bald and that is still hot.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Fall Hair
Q. My daughter and I always fight about her hair and the styles that she wants to wear when to school. What do you suggest for back to school hair styles?
A. I will assume since you are arguing with your daughter in the mornings about her hair that she is not a college student. Beyond that assumption I have no idea from your question how old your daughter is. Hair style is an age appropriate issue. I can only give you some broad advice and suggestions on this topic. Elementary students have energetic days. They also usually require some help getting ready in the mornings. Keeping her hair from restricting her ability to work at a desk with her head looking down, being able to actively play and looking fun are all considerations for young girls. Right now ponytails and pigtails are all the rage, even for older girls. These are great choices for younger girls as well. Make her hair fun with hair accessories. Barrettes, headbands and shorter bangs are all popular options as well. If your daughter has curly hair or hair that is difficult to brush in the mornings keep a spray bottle ready with a mixture of water and a small amount of hair conditioner. Spray the hair until it’s damp and combing or brushing will go smoothly. If you need to blow dry the style it will be easier and quicker if you shampoo the night before and simply use the spray to dampen it the next morning. Junior High girls are a different story. These tween girls want to look like the older girls but still need some help in the mornings and still have very active school days. Teach her how to do a pony tail with some height on top. It’s easy you just tease the top and crown then smooth the hair into a pony. Right now it’s popular to wear a thin headband and a ponytail. If you daughter is looking for a fun new hairstyle have her try layers and some bangs (or fringe as we call it in the biz). Girls in this age group are often very active and busy with after school activities as well. You’ll want to be sure whatever she wears can last through the long school day and post school activities. High School girls tend to know what’s in style and they all want to look like most of their friends. They fall into one of two categories. The girls who want to sleep as long as possible and get up and get ready fast, these gals may also be athletes who need quick easy hair or the girls who want to play and fuss and can be a bathroom hog. I suggest to make morning easier with a teenager you assume they will need a lot of time and space to get ready. A simple purchase of a vanity mirror and a place to do their hair in their room could save you a lot of morning stress. If your daughter is taking up a lot of time attempting new styles invest in a salon visit and let a stylist give her instruction on quick and easy ways to get “the look” she’s after. All hair styles at any age have three major considerations. The time it takes to style, the money it takes for upkeep, and the personality of the wearer. In the end, like so many things preparation ahead of time and the proper tools and supplies all make the job easier. Good Luck, have a great school year.
A. I will assume since you are arguing with your daughter in the mornings about her hair that she is not a college student. Beyond that assumption I have no idea from your question how old your daughter is. Hair style is an age appropriate issue. I can only give you some broad advice and suggestions on this topic. Elementary students have energetic days. They also usually require some help getting ready in the mornings. Keeping her hair from restricting her ability to work at a desk with her head looking down, being able to actively play and looking fun are all considerations for young girls. Right now ponytails and pigtails are all the rage, even for older girls. These are great choices for younger girls as well. Make her hair fun with hair accessories. Barrettes, headbands and shorter bangs are all popular options as well. If your daughter has curly hair or hair that is difficult to brush in the mornings keep a spray bottle ready with a mixture of water and a small amount of hair conditioner. Spray the hair until it’s damp and combing or brushing will go smoothly. If you need to blow dry the style it will be easier and quicker if you shampoo the night before and simply use the spray to dampen it the next morning. Junior High girls are a different story. These tween girls want to look like the older girls but still need some help in the mornings and still have very active school days. Teach her how to do a pony tail with some height on top. It’s easy you just tease the top and crown then smooth the hair into a pony. Right now it’s popular to wear a thin headband and a ponytail. If you daughter is looking for a fun new hairstyle have her try layers and some bangs (or fringe as we call it in the biz). Girls in this age group are often very active and busy with after school activities as well. You’ll want to be sure whatever she wears can last through the long school day and post school activities. High School girls tend to know what’s in style and they all want to look like most of their friends. They fall into one of two categories. The girls who want to sleep as long as possible and get up and get ready fast, these gals may also be athletes who need quick easy hair or the girls who want to play and fuss and can be a bathroom hog. I suggest to make morning easier with a teenager you assume they will need a lot of time and space to get ready. A simple purchase of a vanity mirror and a place to do their hair in their room could save you a lot of morning stress. If your daughter is taking up a lot of time attempting new styles invest in a salon visit and let a stylist give her instruction on quick and easy ways to get “the look” she’s after. All hair styles at any age have three major considerations. The time it takes to style, the money it takes for upkeep, and the personality of the wearer. In the end, like so many things preparation ahead of time and the proper tools and supplies all make the job easier. Good Luck, have a great school year.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Summer Makeup - Part 2 Eyes
Q. What do you suggest for eye makeup for the summer?
A. One of the fun things about summer is how bright and sunny everything looks, including the face and skin. Everything is sun kissed and bright. To brighten up your eyes try this technique. Hughes of white, pale pink or pearl deflect the appearance of darkness around your eyes. A sheer brush of soft color like lavender or soft green will have the same effect. Always remember that a flat finish on your eyes will absorb light and a shimmer will reflect light. As you age, you’ll find that the shimmers are not always best because they do draw more attention to your fine lines. If you are a person worried about fine lines around your eyes try the shimmer color on the brow bone and use a flat color on your lids and near the laugh line area. During the day in the summer keep it simple. You can even use some bronzer on your brow bone and a simple brush of mascara on your lashes. Use waterproof if you’ll be in or near water or be out in the heat.
In the evening go for more vibrant color and use the fun shimmers on your entire eye if your eyes are young enough or opt for the lighter fun shimmers on your brown bone right under your eyebrow. Here’s another important eye makeup tip you’ll want to know for the summer. To avoid eye shadow creases start with a concealer or foundation on your lids. Dust your entire eye area with powder then use a powder eye shadow and avoid the cream shadow. Summer is about fun, so play with colors and shimmers and have fun!
A. One of the fun things about summer is how bright and sunny everything looks, including the face and skin. Everything is sun kissed and bright. To brighten up your eyes try this technique. Hughes of white, pale pink or pearl deflect the appearance of darkness around your eyes. A sheer brush of soft color like lavender or soft green will have the same effect. Always remember that a flat finish on your eyes will absorb light and a shimmer will reflect light. As you age, you’ll find that the shimmers are not always best because they do draw more attention to your fine lines. If you are a person worried about fine lines around your eyes try the shimmer color on the brow bone and use a flat color on your lids and near the laugh line area. During the day in the summer keep it simple. You can even use some bronzer on your brow bone and a simple brush of mascara on your lashes. Use waterproof if you’ll be in or near water or be out in the heat.
In the evening go for more vibrant color and use the fun shimmers on your entire eye if your eyes are young enough or opt for the lighter fun shimmers on your brown bone right under your eyebrow. Here’s another important eye makeup tip you’ll want to know for the summer. To avoid eye shadow creases start with a concealer or foundation on your lids. Dust your entire eye area with powder then use a powder eye shadow and avoid the cream shadow. Summer is about fun, so play with colors and shimmers and have fun!
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