TREND TUESDAY- Healthy Sunkissed Skin

I wanted to share a few of my secrets for achieving healthy, sunkissed skin. Summer is the time of year when we all want to wear less makeup, but it's also the time of year when we can do the most damage if we don't protect our skin. First, you should all know, there is no such thing as an anti-aging product. The only way to keep the skin looking youthful is to wear sunscreen! If you are blessed with good genes that helps too and, of course, not smoking is a big advantage. However, there are a few tricks that I have learned over the years that can help to improve your overall complexion.

First, you want to make sure you wash your face twice daily. During summer months, we spend more time outside, so think about all of the sweat, dirt, and sunscreen that can build up on the surface of your skin. Also, changing your cleanser from a lotion to a gel is a really big help! The skin tends to be a little more oily during the humid months. A gel cleanser does a much better job of breaking down dirt, oil, and debris!

You also want to make sure you exfoliate the skin but not too much ( aggressive exfoliators like retin A are not a good idea in the summer because they will sensitize the skin and you could get a serious burn if you go in the sun while using this type of treatment). I like to use a wash cloth to wash my face. The cloth is a gentle way to remove any dead skin cells from the surface, hence allowing the skin to glow and look more even.

I always wear SPF 30 or higher on my face. I will go to the beach and play in the sun but I am always protected. My best kept secret is Jergens Natural Glow Face with a pinch of powder bronzer (ask a professional makeup artist to match a color for you). I always look even and no one (until now) knows that's my face is actually a faux tan. I trade in my daily moisturizer for this one and I am golden! Trust me, it's natural, easy to use and affordable. You can't go wrong. You might not thank me right away but in ten years when the sun spots start to appear on your friends faces and not yours, you'll be grateful and glowing.

Some other items I like to keep in my beach bag are:

SPF lip balm (Burt's Bee's makes a good one!)

Evian Facial Mist

Trident Chewing Gum

Ray Ban Sun glasses

Moist wipes

US weekly Magazine ( sorry, guilty pleasure!)

Xo

Trend Tuesday-AMAZING Brows

Attention brides (and all ladies)!  This is one blog post that you don't want to ignore!  I am about to reveal one of the most essential tips in bridal beauty.  Did you know that 80% of your facial expression comes from your eye brows?!  That means, that the brows are a prominent part of achieving the perfect makeup look.  What make a respectable brow shape?  Your brows should frame your eyes with either a slight arch or a more defined arch right above the center of your pupil.  

Often women ask me how to make their eyes seem larger.  One way is by cleaning up any stray hairs that lie beneath the expected brow line.  This will instantly create a lifted eye area, hence making the eye appear more open.  I also love teaching women how to fill in their brows with either a pencil or powder.  Many times, hair will not grow due to over-tweezing.  The most natural looking way to fill in the brow is with a soft powder that matches your hair and a short angled brush.

Brows, like hair, makeup, and nails, have also followed some trends.  There were the really thick, straight brows of Audry Hepburn and the really thin, highly curved brows of Marlene Deitrich.  Then, of course the infamous arched brows of Marilyn Monroe.  Right now, I would say slightly fuller brows are in.

You should get your initial brow consultation with a specialist at least 6 months prior to your wedding.  This leaves ample time to re-shape and grow-in hair where needed.  After that, plan on a regular visit every 4-6 weeks for clean-ups.  Your last visit should be a least 1 week before the big day to ensure that any redness goes away.

I am so thrilled to offer my new brow shaping service to all of my clients at the Beauty Library in Clinton, CT.  I use a very gentle wax that is good for even the most sensitive skin and then tweeze to perfection.  I even include a relaxing eye and temple massage! Initial shaping costs $20 and clean-ups are $15.  Brides can take advantage of a special package discount when they book their wedding with me!  

Brow shaping is by appointment.  (917)-573-8100.  

Xo