DAY 9: New Year, New Look, New YOU!

So much change! But it's a New Year and you should look at change as GOOD! You have probably noticed the new site and new name - but it's still me - fun changes for 2008!

Problem: The most common question I receive from clients and people in passing is... "How do I get out of my beauty rut?
I feel stuck in my old makeup and skincare routine. Every time I try something new, I fall back into my comfort zone and do not give the new treatments a chance. What do you suggest?"

Solution: Try it! You might REALLY like it! I am in the process of looking at new product lines for the new year and I have found some GREAT products. But if I didn't take the time to try some new products and just stuck with my old stuff, I would never have found some great new products!!! My lash clients agree...

This year I will launch a line called BLEND essentials. The line will consist only of items you can add to your current skincare regimen and makeup bags to help you achieve what I refer to as "the flawless face." That is why I call it BLEND. These items can just "blend" into what you are already using and add some pizazzz! The most important technique when it comes to doing makeup on tv, film, special events or just everyday is BLENDING... again, see the connection.

So try a new eyeshadow color. Instead of using it alone... add it on top of what you currently wear. Try to smoke out the corners of your eyes or line the inside rim of your eyes with a kohl pencil. Try a new scrub for your face and actually use it 2-3 times a week. Try a new sunscreen (powdered sunscreen, aka - mineral m/u brushes are all the rage!). Take that wonderful smelling essential oil and wear it on your pulse points for a day or two - see who notices. And grab a great red lipstick and add it on top of your current neutral color. There are so many little touches you can add to spice up your look.

It is a great time to try new things. Sometimes we like them, sometimes we don't - but as my father always says, "You don't know until you try it, and then you just might like it!"

Feel free to email with any questions... I can help give you some suggestions of products to try and help you liven up your beauty rut!

I will have some great treasures to share with you soon... so stay tuned!

And 2008 will be a great year for us all!

DAY 3 - Beauty Tip (BREAKING NAILS)

PROBLEM: Dry, Cracking, Breaking, Natural Nails

This is the time of year especially those of us with natural nails go bonkers!
They KEEP peeling, breaking & cracking!
This is the time of year we want them to look good! Here are some tips to keep you in great shape and great lengths for the holidays & new year!

SOLUTION: Put a nail strengthener on each night or at least weekly before bed. ALWAYS put on hand creme to moisturize at night too. If you are really good, apply your cuticle oil last, this keeps your nail beds moist and not dry. (Remember your new nails come from the nail bed and this is where you REALLY need to take care!)

Whenever you can, where gloves outside. I have saved soooooooooooooooooo many manicures just by wearing gloves.
Growing up on the East Coast, long nails were in and cold winters were torture!
One on my favorite products for growing healthy natural nails is QUITICA growth stimulator. No bad chemicals and stuff!
When I moved from NJ to CA I took off my acryllics and this was the only thing that saved my manicures! They have a great cuticle cream too!

Polish will stay on better with natural nails if you use a base coat. My FAVORITE is STICKEY by Creative Nail Design (in beauty supply stores) and their top coat SUPER SHINY is great too! This base coat actually gets tacky and grabs the top polish... I can usually keep my manicure for over a week!

BOTTOM LINE... Protect your hands and moisturize. Remember they heal and grow over night, so make the effort before you go to sleep! You will be glad you did!

Best Wishes

Michelle

DAY 1 - Beauty Tip (DRY CRACKED SKIN)

PROBLEM: DRY, Cracking Skin

This is the time of year no matter where you live in the country we all get chapped! YUCK!
Itching, cracking, flaking and sometimes bleeding...don't worry now there is some help.
These are some suggestions I give to my clients and follow myself this time of year.

SOLUTION: MOISTURIZE, MASK & HYDRATE.

OK, first EVERY night before bed you must put on MOISTURIZER (on face), lip balm/chapstick (lips) and lotion (hands).

I LOVE a few products... COW UTTER CREAM is great for this time of year. Most drug stores carry this creme. Yes, it is used to lubricate cows, but it works great on human hands too! I usually will layer a heavy creme from BATH & BODY on top too. For extra silky treatment place on a pair of cotton gloves and go to sleep - your hands will LOVE you when you wake up!
Everytime you wash your hands, follow with hand lotion.

Whenever possible I always have something on my lips this time of year. Remember, we need to remain kissable for the new year! BLISTEX and CHAPSTICK are favorites but CAROTITE (not sure if I spelled correctly) with Shea Butter is amazing - you have to find that in beauty supply stores. Or check the local health food store... shea butter is moisturizing and silky. (Nice holiday stocking stuffers!)

Depending on your skin, an appropriate moisturizer will help this time of year. Even oily skin can benefit from moisture hydration. I love the line from DR. GRANDEL. It puts in water not oil. Make sure to place on your face before bed, this is the most important time to treat your skin... your skin REPAIRS itself at night. The best time to moisturize is right after a shower or face cleansing... the lotion locks in the moisture you just had on your skin.

Even I make time to get a facial ONCE A MONTH this time of year. In addition, I also use a MASK once a week on the weekends at home. A facial is great, but the follow-up homecare will make it wonderful! The combination will eliminate the flaking and itchy skin. Instead you will glow!

Hydrating on the inside is just as important as our lotions on the outside. Drinking alot of ALCOHOL and SODA this time of year = DEHYDRATION. Do you for every 1 can of soda you drink you need to replace your body's hydration with a MINIMUM of 2 glasses of water. So have a water chaser with your drinks this season and when in doubt... grab a bottle of water!
YOUR SKIN WILL THANK YOU!

All My Best!
Michelle