Hot or Not Beauty

Are you ready for summer? Well if you’re anything like me, you’re well and truly ready to hit the beach after the long winter months, so you probably uttered a resounding yes! If you’re dying to get some sun and surf, then here are a few hint on thing you can do to be beautified and ready to make your own waves at the beach.

Have you had a pedicure? Starting from the feet up, this is one of the first things you should be considering. Getting your feet in tip-top shape is most important in summer, and best of all the natural exfoliating properties of the sand will help keep them looking great! Getting a pedicure is not only a fantastic idea if you’re off to the beach. It’s also worthwhile over the summer period when you are most likely to be wearing strappy shoes and sandals; nobody wants to look at someone’s icky uncared for feet. Hot? I think not! It’s relatively inexpensive, and in my opinion money well spent, to get a beautician to do the pedicure for you. If you are keen to try out a pedicure at home, or if you’re looking for a great set of products as a stop-gap between visits, then the products that I’ve been using for over 15 years now are the Body Shop’s Peppermint Foot Care products, (I think the newer Lemongrass ones are pretty cool too).

Fake it! By that I mean your tan. If you haven’t yet learnt of the dangers of the sun then I don’t know what rock you’ve been living under – but too much sun gives you cancer people! If that’s not enough it also causes freckling, blotchiness, sun spots and wrinkles! There are loads of great products out there to help you achieve a golden glow without basting yourself and roasting like a turkey. My favorites include the Nivea Summer Beauty Body Lotion, the Lancome Soleil Flash Bronzer range, and the Loreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning range.
Tips: There are options for different natural skin tones, so be sure to pick up the right one for your skin.
Also, before you go anywhere near the fake tan or tanning moisturizer – exfoliate! One of my favorite options for this is the Garnier Body Tonic Sugar Scrub.

Hair – not the hair on your head, but I’ll get to that in a minute. I’m talking about the hair you want to get rid of, in particular from your legs, bikini line and underarms. There are many options for getting rid of hair, the most popular being waxing, shaving and depilatory formulations. Personally I’ve come to believe that waxing is something best left to the professionals, but being a beauty junkie that hasn’t stopped me from trying out a number of different new formulations promising beautician quality results at home; lurking in the back of my bathroom cupboard are several such waxing products that are unlikely to see the light of day again! Shaving is another option, but the results are fairly impermanent, and if you are heading off for a week or more at the beach, then you may find that you have to address regrowth while you’re away. The pro’s of shaving are that you can do it yourself in next to no time and it really as cheap as buying a good shaver – if you are going to try this option then get a women’s shaver – it really is worthwhile.
Other at home depilatory formulations – well the all natural NADS is my personal fave. I like that it is made from natural ingredients, and a big thumbs up for the enterprising founder of this company who developed this product in her own kitchen! The NADS Essentials Kit is a good option of you are looking for an all in one hair removal, moisturizing and post-hair removal pack. The Essentials Kit contains 5 products and is a good value for money starter kit. Following the natural theme, a good summer moisturizer that is perfect for counteracting the drying effects of the sun is the Quench West African Shea Body Whip; a natural product that will really restore the skins softness.

Looking after your locks! We all hear time and again how summer stresses such as the sun, swimming and so on are really damaging for our hair. You will need a little extra TLC to keep your hair shining and prevent drying over the summer, but there are some good products again that can help with this. A good leave in conditioner and regular deep conditioning is a must to help prevent to much drying of your hair. Other good options are to use a hair sunscreen, that will help further protect your locks from the damaging effects of the sun during the summer months. Charles Worthington has a UV protection shampoo, and Elseve has a range of products to care for your hair across summer as well.

So there you have it – a short guide to help you get ready to hit the beach looking and feeling fabulous. Enjoy!

I may be a snob when it comes to beauty producuts, but I also recognize theres a time to splurge and a time to skimp. You don’t always need a $25 mascara to do the job, or a $65 cleanser to take your makeup off. With that said, I’m as much a shop-a-holic at my friendly neighborhood drugstore as I am at Sephora or Nordstrom.

These are my favorite finds:

1. Mascara — I’ve worn them all- Chanel, Lancome, Bourjois, Blinc, Kevin Aucoin, I could go on and on. I love mascara. I love big huge eyelashes that are slightly on the side of trashy. Loreal Voluminous Mascara gives me all the oomph of a Dior Show mascara without the price tag. Try the newest black, Carbon. Its blacker than black. Walgreens frequently has a buy one get one free, and that’s when I stock up. $6.99

2. Makeup Cleansing Wipes – I travel for work, and there are all stiff controls as to how much liquid you can carry on board airplanes. I love Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They remove even the most stubborn makeup. $6.49

3. Scrub– I have written about my exfoliating addiction. I love a good scrub. St Ives Swiss Formula Medicated Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid is an excellent scrub. Its great for acne prone skin and as an anti-aging exfoliant as well. $3.99

4. Facial Cleansing Pads – When I’m not on the road, I use Perfection Facial Cleansing Pads for cleansing my skin and removing makeup. They are 100% cotton, made in France and lint free. Much bigger than a cotton round and they save getting makeup on your wash cloths! $2.99 for 85.

5. False Eyelashes – I use plenty of these in my work and need to replenish my kit often. I could go to MAC and splurge, but why when I can get them for $3.49 a pair in assorted styles. Andrea is the brand and they work just as well as the big dog brands.

6. Body Lotion – Keri Age Defy & Protect Moisture Therapy. This body lotion contains an SPF 15 plus alpha hydroxy acids. So you get sun protection and anti-aging benefits in one. Helps to even skin tone and tame those awful bumps on the backs of arms and thighs. Keeps feet smooth and sandal weather perfect. $7.19 for 15 oz. Sure beats $40 and up for treatment lotions that don’t work half as well.

7. Hair Gel – I really can’t understand spending an arm and a leg on hair gel. I get the cheapest stuff on the shelf. I love Citre Shine. It’s not too hard and doesn’t flake. Around $3 for a 20 oz bottle.

8. Overall makeup brand – Physicians Forumla. This line has it all. From fabulous bronzers to awesome eye shadow quads that I love. Prices are reasonable and the ingredients are quality. They have innovative products that work like CoverToxTen50â„¢ Wrinkle Therapy Concealer

10 minutes = Over 50% reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
10 hours = Up to 52% visible dark circle reduction.
10 days = 77% visible dark circle reduction.

So that’s it. The best of my drugstore basket. Of course there is more, but my lips are sealed.

Bargain beauty buys — Hot!

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A few days ago I begged for questions for my new column, Ask Ms. Hot or Not. And I got plenty of questions to answer. The first one off the press was from Erin who wrote:

Dear Ms. Hot or Not:
I would love to know how to get rid of bumps or razor burn on your bikini area. Are there any good razors or products to use to try to prevent them all together?

It’s warming up all over and it’s almost time for those leg baring, high cut, show-it-all bikinis. And for those who dare to bare, being hair free is of most importance. For women who wear bikinis there is always the question of wax or shave. Brazilian and Playboy style waxings can leave the bikini area sensitive and prone to infection if not properly treated after waxing. While waxing leaves skin stubble free and eliminates the need to remove hair again for up to six weeks, shaving is a whole new can of worms.

Improper shaving can leave skin irritated and prone to having ingrown hairs. This is often the condition that that is evident on the surface of the skin that we catagorize as bikini bumps. Using the right shaving method is one way to cut down on the possibility of bumps.

How to Shave:
Start by getting pubic hair and skin thoroughly saturated with a shaving cream. Soap will not do the trick. Try a product that’s made for men like Jack Black Beard Lube which moisturizes the hair and skin. This helps to soften the hair and makes shaving easier. First, be sure to adequately wet the skin and the bikini hair. Since pubic hair is coarser than facial hair, this is an important step. If you are using a disposable razor, choose one that is for sensitive skin. At times, too close leave hair too far below the surface and it may create a bump if proper exfoliation doesn’t occur between shaves. (more about exfoliation to follow) Gillette Mach 3 razor is my razor of choice for clean close shaves. With a disposable or with a cartridge type head, replace after each shave.

When you begin to shave, pull the skin tight with your non-shaving hand. Then shave in upward strokes. Make sure there is adequate shaving cream on the hair and skin before each stroke. Without this protection, you’re likely to get red and bumpy after you shave.

Some experts recommend rubbing an ice cube over the shaved bikini area to reduce redness and discomfort. A pure Aloe Vera Gel is ideal for using after shaving to conquer irritation. Also over the counter hydrocortisone creams are helpful. Some post-shave products made up of mainly rubbing alcohol can actually increase inflammation. So consider taking a Tylenol or Ibuprofen to reduce the amount of inflamation that may occur.

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For several years, I spent my time writing advice for Sephora.com. If you are a product junkie, you know that it’s the hugest e-tailer of beauty products, cosmetics, fragrance, haircare and skincare in the world. As a makeup artist and esthetician with years of experience and one who has tried thousands of products, I am what you might call a pretty jaded guru. I’m not impressed by hype, but by results.

So in my own humble opinion, I know what’s hot and what’s not. But this is where I need you — the beauty blog readers out there. I am starting a new feature — Ask Ms. Hot or Not. So please send your questions to me via the contact link on the page, or in the comments section. If I don’t know the answer, I will do the research. If it’s a product I haven’t reviewed, I’ll get it, use it and review it. And know, I will give you my honest opinion.

Please, deluge me!

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I received a beautiful package of body products to try out form Maryam’s Soap Nook. Well, I thought they might be cheesy, since they weren’t from a major manufacturer. But I had to think again about my snobby attitude. The best products are born in someone’s kitchen or garage or bathroom. So, I got over my own arrogance and started dipping and smelling these lovely goodies.

My favorite from the group is the Shea Butter & Dead Sea Salt Glow Scrub in Peppermint Sea. I’m an exfoliating junkie. I have written about my love of the scrub before. Well, this scrub is just about perfect. The ingredients are top notch: Dead sea salts, shea butter, essential oils, camellia oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, vegetable glycerin and vitamin E,peppermint, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper and lemon.

The scrub melted into my skin and wasn’t at all rough as some that I have used. It rinsed clean and left my skin completely moist. My skin was soft as a baby’s behind. I was extremely touchable after using this scrub! I really didn’t have need for body lotion afterward. The scent is a little heavy for me because I like to wear perfume. I will just resolve that by using the scrub before bed!

TO USE: Stand in the tub or shower and massage the scrub onto your skin, body and hands only
(avoid face). Do not use on sunburned skin, or just shaved skin. If you must shave, exfoliate first. As
with all salts, do not rub into or onto a wound or open skin, as it will sting.

Maryam’s body scrubs are available in 15 scents and are so reasonably priced. $15 for an 8 ounce jar OR $25 for a 16 ounce jar. I’ve used scrubs that cost a fortune and don’t work nearly as well, so check her out. In addition to the scrubs, Maryam has gorgeous handmade soaps, Shea Butter Body Butters and more delicious body products. I’ll defintely be writing more about her awesome products.

Glowing skin from Maryam’s Salt Scrub — HOT!

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As a makeup artist, I have to stand for long periods at times. I also spend untold hours on planes. This leads to the horrible consequence of swollen legs and feet. Sometimes I look down at my legs and they are totally unrecognizable. My kids laugh at how huge they get. Well, I found a cure! At least something that helps.

Nuxe, a French skin care brand, has a wonderful product called Spa Tonic Refreshing Gel for Legs.

Nuxe Spa Tonific Refreshing Gel for Legs works to relieve sensations of fatigue and heaviness in the legs and feet. Butcher’s Broom Extract and Horse Chestnut Extract are well-known for their protective action on veins and capillaries. Legs and feet feel lighter and refreshed. 5 fl. oz.

Recommendations: For ALL Skin Types, even the most sensitive. Massage upwards from foot sole to thighs whenever necessary. Its non sticky texture is rapidly absorbed. Can be applied over stockings. In case of extreme discomfort, use as a refreshing mask on legs and feet. Remove excess gel after 5 minutes.

After I shower, I slather this stuff on, even on my ankles and feet. Then I hop into bed with my remote and put my feet up. Voila’! In the morning, my swelling has gone down. Even after a couple hours, I notice a considerable difference. This product is a necessity in my travel bags and is on my nightstand at home. The downside? You may find yourself going to the little girls room a bit more than you planned on…

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Did you ever think that you could practically overdose on butter and not gain an ounce? Well you can. The only glitch is that you don’t get to eat it, you get to slather it from head to toe. Today’s beauty products boast a variety of “butters� with moisturizing, regenerating and healing properties.

The most popular comes from the Shea Tree, indigenous to Africa. The fruit of the Shea or Karite tree resembles an avocado, with shea butter coming from the seed of the fruit. According to Wikipedia, “Shea butter is known especially for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient. It is also a known anti-inflammatory agent [1]. Shea butter can be effective at treating the following conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, severely dry skin, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. Shea butter provides natural UV sun protection.�

So, It’s easy to see why Shea butter is so useful in cosmetic preparations. Let’s take a look at Shea butter’s uses from the top of your head to the soles of your feet.

Hair: In shampoos and conditioners, Shea butter moisturizes hair and because of it’s natural sun protective qualities, is ideal for color treated hair. It also revitalizes, repairs and prevents breakage. Phillip B African Shea Butter Shampoo or Phytospecific Optimal Hydration Shampoo and Phyto Phytokarite Ultra Nourishing Conditioner or Korres Shea Butter and Vitamins Nourishing Hair Mask

Face: Due to it’s regenerating properties and emollient characteristics, Shea Butter is the ideal ingredient in anti-aging and dry skin moisturizers.
Stem Organics Hydrating Face Fluid for Dry Skin or Eris Young & Unique Perfecting Day Cream SPF 25. Lips need protection too: Davies Gate Cocoa Bean Lip Balm

Body: With it’s ability to heal and hydrate, no wonder shea butter is a favorite ingredient in bath products. It softens skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated.Cleanse with soaps from Karen Klein, Abhana or Seda France. Effervescent Archipelago Botanicals Brown Sugar & Vanilla Bath Cubes makes bathing a necessary luxury. Follow with with Korres Body Butter, June Jacobs Body Balm or elegant Tocca Body Cream.

Hand and Feet: These areas tend to get extra dry, especially in winter months. Pamper yourself a bit by giving your hands and feet an extra dose of care. Keep them protected with Davies Gate Lemon Made Hand Salve and Foot Cream.

So go ahead, indulge!

All products can be found at Beauty Exclusive.

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Major women’s magazines are telling us out with the old and in with the new. That we need a major overhaul because it’s a new year. Maybe it is a new year, but do you really want a new you? I maintain that last year’s model is pretty darn good; a little tune-up may get my motor purring like new though.

Sure I could shop till I drop for a new wardrobe, cut, color and otherwise change my hair, or plunk down the equivalent of a down payment on a two-seater foreign import to a plastic surgeon for major overhaul, but I think that’s pretty extreme. My closet is already busting at the seams (As I am in those clothes. Make note: use gym membership). My hair is great condition – nothing that a flat iron, comb and brush won’t cure. And as far as that plastic surgeon is concerned – I’d rather have the two-seater. So with that in mind, I’m taking care of my own maintenance.

You may want to do the same. Take time to consider where you may need maintenance. My tune-up is focusing on two main areas – above the shoulders and below the shoulders. I’ve got to conquer the jiggle factor. My neck is starting to get that jiggly turkey thing. I have examined it from every angle in the mirror and the jiggle has to go. I’m sure it’s only obvious to me and my high powered mirror with 10X magnification, but nonetheless, it’s there.

Second area of jiggle concern– thighs. I won’t even get into that scenario. But, if I use my gym membership in conjunction with some miracle jiggle stopper stuff, summer swimsuit shape is a possibility. Since I am a bit obsessed with magic potions, aka beauty products, I have decided to apply my twisted preoccupation with eye creams to conquering the dreaded neck and thigh jiggle.

Here is my list of anti-jiggle stuff that I’m trying for the next 3 months.
1.Eris Fortessimo Neck & Decolette Firming Cream.
This cream claims to firm and add elasticity to the delicate tissue of the neck. A proprietary blend of Coenzyme Q10 and other ingredients work their magic. I’m desperate, so I’ll apply day and night. And maybe keep some on my desk for intermittent day time applications…

2. Apivita Express Firming Face Mask with Grape Seed.
Since it’s made with Grape seed, known to be an antioxidant (fights free radicals which accelerate age aging process) and Coenzyme Q10, another antioxidant, I have great expectation of this product. Recommendation is to use 1-2 times per week. Sunday afternoon will be for masking.

3. Santica Beauty Recipes Facial Firming supplement. Grape seed extract is showing up again. Which leads me to believe this supplement has to be a good thing. Attack the jiggle from the inside out.
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Dear beauty diary:
I wanted to figure out how many beauty products I use each day, so I started my ticker counting when I turned on the shower. Hmmm, Can I count that cup of coffee? It is a diuretic after all.

Getting into the shower and starting count.
1. Cleanse face with Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid Cleanser. Let that stay on while I wash my hair. 2. Rene Furterer Okara Protective Radiance Shampoo (for my dyed ultra jet black hair). Rinse off the cleanser because it’s dripping in my eyes and stinging. 3. Condition with Rene Furterer Okara Protective Radiance Conditioner. Wash up with 4. Tocca Cleopatra Bar soap. 5. Apply Jack Black Beard Conditioning Lube to lower legs. 6. Shave lower legs with Gilette Mach 3 razor. 7. Exfoliate facial skin with Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion. 8. Exfoliate Body Skin with Fresh Brown Sugar Scrub. (not the lower legs though, ouch) All done, rinse everything from head to toe.

Get out and gently pat my freshly scrubbed skin dry. Apply 9. Keri Body lotion with AHA and SPF almost everywhere on my body. Especially feet, knees, elbows, backs of thighs and butt. 10. Go over that with my luxury Tocca Body cream on decolette and arms. (Subtle scent for the office) 11. Apply Caudalie Eye Contour Cream. Read my profile, no lines for this girl. Not even waiting in lines. 12. Apply Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Gel. Get undies on while that’s drying.

13. Apply Eminence Apricot Whip Moisturizer. 14. Follow with Stila Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15. 15. Light dusting of Stila Illuminting Powder Foundation 60 Watts. 16. Nars Lovejoy blush on the apples of my cheeks. 17. Fill in eyebrows with Body and Soul brown eyeshadow. 18. Quick Sweep of Laura Geller Baked Eyeshadow in Unearthed. 19. Makeup Forever Liquid Color Liner in Black. 20. Loreal Voluminous Blackest Black Mascara, two coats 21. Stila Brown Sugar Lip Glaze.

On to my hair which is going back into a ponytail. 22. Rene Furterer Anti-Frizz High Control Emulsion and comb through. 23. A dab of Suave Anti-Frizz Gel, (Yes, Suave. One buck at Walgreens) to hold my frizzy locks. 24. Degree anti-perspirant deodorant under the arms and a couple other places. And I think I’m almost done. 25. My Phyto Phytophanere hair growth supplements are the last on the list. Next best thing to a weave.

So I count a whopping 25 products. And I wasn’t even going on a hot date. What do you use every day? Am I out of control? I figure all of that only takes me 15 minutes, so it can’t be that bad. How much is too much? Share your beauty routine!

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