Now that we’re all familiar with cleansing, toning and moisturizing, the next step to acheiving great skin is the use of Serums & Eyecare. Here’s where things get interesting and overwhelming, but of no less importance than your first two steps.

Serums are boosters, typically used in conjunction with a day or night cream. A few drops gently patted on the face before your moisturizer is the normal application process. However, it’s always best to check with the individual line representative first. Serums will increase water, regulate oil, clarify, nourish, repair, firm, tighten and tone. There’s a serum addressing every issue we have. They are effective for their repairing and boosting qualities, plus are an additional layer of protection to the face. An ideal item for your winter regime.

When treating eyes, always remember that they are a separate entity to your skin and must be indulged with products formulated for the area itself. There are creams, gels, cream/gels, or roll-ons…..designed to lighten, smooth, de- puff, de-stress, and again firm, tighten, or tone. Whatever formula you select, eye care is best applied in teeny tiny amounts placed on your ring finger and gently patted in a circular motion around the entire eye. Think of tapping the product right on the bone, above and below.

Before shopping for serums and eye care, take a real close look at all areas of your face. Use glasses, magnifyers, or 250 watts if you need to. Study your eyes, lips, cheeks, and nose thoroughly, in order to set achievable goals for areas you would like to improve. Be honest but realistic about the performance you expect from your skincare line. Remember….it’s just a jar of cream…..not plastic surgery!

For those that see crowsfeet or creppiness, maybe a lack of firmess in the mirror, focus your solution with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to feed and bind the cells with water. Plumping the cells shrinks the length and depth of fine lines. Vitamins A, C and E will fight the ageing process by neutralizing free radicals making this skin appear more firm, youthful and bright. And calibrated fruit acids (AHA’s) will smooth the skin by maintaining its own natural renewal process. AHA’s repair cellular damage while easing fine lines and improving the overall clarity of the skin.

If lines are not whay you see but darkening of the skin is, then your solutions must reflect. Hyperpigmention, dark undereye circles, age and liver spots, uneven tone and sun damage……are all conditions that can be effectively treated with committment and dedication. The most important thing to remember is that once you start a mission to even out a skin tone, you must continue as it is a progressive lightening process. Eye creams or serums that contain horse chestnut, bilberry extract, AHA’s, hydroquinone, and vitamins A & C are ingredients that assist with fading uneven tone. Products of this nature must be used faithfully, usually twice a day for best results.

What if you see broken capillaries…….those little red “spidery” veins frequently found around the nose and cheeks. They are the result when blood no longer pumps through the tiny capillaries. This weakens the capillary walls which causes a loss of elasticity, with a final collapse into what we see as a broken blood vessel. The primary causes are environmental damage, lfestyle choices, age and hormones.

With this condition, an ounce of prevention certainly is worth a pound of cure by using sunscreen and making healthy lifestyle choices to begin with. But cosmetically speaking, you can treat broken capillaries with serums containing anti- flammatories like chamomile, horse chestnut, lavender and zinc. All of these components will help reduce the redness and visibility of broken capillaries.

Regardless of what your skins challenges are when you look in the mirror, rest assured there’s something on the market for every woe you face. Look at your skin frequently and thoroughly, know how it functions at it’s optimal, and use items that will treat your concerns specifically. And if you’d like an opinion or some guidance, book a consultation with a skincare expert to get you on the road to healthy, beautiful complexion.

With all the attention that you pay in selecting the perfect wedding dress, you must pay equal attention to finishing the look with a flawless face and hair.

That’s why hair and makeup trials are essential. Perfect if they can be scheduled on the same day, but even better, if you’re attending a special event that will allow you give them a good workout and see them transition from day to evening.

Trials are the time to develop a relationship with your hair & makeup artists especially if you’ve never worked with them before. You will see if your styles and personalities match, and determine whether or not you are a good fit.

If you have a certain vision, this is your opportunity to be very clear, and provide your suppliers with as much information you can to help them help you. Some brides bring photos from magazines, color swatches or headpieces along for the trial, while others prefer a before and after shot that they can save and refer to.

Whatever helps you nail down your bridal hair and makeup never hurts to bring along or do at your trial. After all, it’s a trial. No better time to try those false eyelashes you think you want on your wedding day or go for the half up half down do that’s so popular these days.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that your makeup artist is working with your uniqueness…the color of your eyes and tone of your skin, as well as the size, shape and placement of your features.

While your hairdresser is working with the color, texture, tone, length and condition of your hair.

And no matter what each one does, you will never look exactly like the girl in the magazine. You can’t….you’re not her, you’re you.

Trials also ensure there are no reactions to any products used in the process, whether it be cosmetics for the face or fixatives for the hair.

You also have the chance to assess any special needs like introducing skincare or facials before the wedding to prepare or correct the skin. And since makeup is only as good as the skin it’s over top, having the healthiest complexion possible allows your makeup to “stick” making it a smoother application that wears longer on the day of.

And with women being women, there’s always something with our hair. Whether you decide to color, highlight, trim or grow out, the trial is a good time to make some those important decisions to work towards the final hair style.

Regardless of whether your hair and makeup trials are done together or separately, there is an important message to be gained. Seeing your vision in the flesh before walking down the aisle, will not only de-stress you on your wedding day, it guarantees that you get the look you want and that feel and look your best. But most of all……..that you feel like you.

Last article in Part 1 of our 4-part series, I armed you with what to look for when selecting your daily cleanser and toner. This time I’ll cover moisturizers and give you some tips on sorting through the confusion to find the best one.

In today’s cosmetic-pharmaceutical world, commonly referred to as Cosmeceutical, there are hybrid moisturizers for every skin challenge. Cosmeceutical companies say that In contrast to cosmetic skin care products, which work to beautify the skin, cosmeceuticals will alter the structure of your skin and how it functions.

A basic cosmetic skin care moisturizer will hydrate, come with a built-in sunscreen or a hint of color if that’s all you need. While other, more advanced cosmeceuticals will exfoliate, smooth fine lines, or reverse the signs of aging. Some contain lightening ingredients that fade age spots, and even out skin tone. Others firm the skin, promote cellular renewal, or contain the same natural extracts, vitamins and minerals that we put in our bodies.

With so many formulas addressing so many issues, where do you start?

First and foremost, select your moisturizer (s) based on your skin’s type…..dry or dehydrated, normal, combination, or oily. As mentioned last month, texture is key to comfort so pay particular attention to the consistency of your moisturizer. And remember, the oilier the skin,choose more lightweight and fluid formulas , and the dryer the skin, opt for more rich and creamy textures.

Then factor in your chronological age PLUS your skin’s estimated age. The oilier the skin, the slower the natural aging process and the drier the skin, the faster the natural aging process. Minus a few years if you’re oily and add a few if you’re dry. And, if you’ve had considerable sun exposure over the years, add much more since the suns harmful rays are responsible for 90% of our skins pre-mature aging process.

Once you determine skin type and age, you can then begin to look more closely at what you really want to address. A skin 25 years and under with no sun damage may focus on a regime with anti-bacterial ingredients and opt for moisturizers that regulate oil and water. While a more mature skin 45 years + with sun exposure may find herself on a layering program with products to fade broken capillaries, age spots or hyper pigmentation.

Look closely to assess things like your skin’s all over tone. How even is it…..is there sun damage, redness or discoloration? Is the texture of the skin thick and rough or is it soft and spongy? Are there new or existing fine lines…..where are they located and how deep are they? And visually, does the skin look translucent or transparent? These factors and more play a major role in your buying decision so it’s important to determine your challenges in advance.

Other issues women face are budget, time they have to spend on themselves and getting the best bang for their buck in terms of simplicity and functionality. For this you want to seek the advice of a skin care expert or retail beauty consultant. They have extensive product knowledge and can save you time, money and energy with their recommendations. Help them help you by being prepared with a wish list of what YOUR particular concerns are. The more aware and educated you are about your skin and it’s condition, the more the consultant can assist.

And finally, whenever possible, touch, smell and try the moisturizer before you buy it. I am a firm believer that all beauty products really are kinesthetic and must be experienced

Visit YouTube and see our Glamour Video.

With the many decisions you’ll make planning your wedding, it’s important to recognize that seasonality plays a major role in all aspects of your special day.  That includes your skin and makeup.  Whether you are a winter, spring, summer or fall Bride, or if your nuptials will be held in a warm weather resort, make sure you attend to your skin and makeup needs long in advance.  Plan ahead, consult an expert and work towards that unique radiance that every Bride wishes for on her wedding day.

Spring Brides are coming off a long cold winter and need to pay particular attention to exfoliating from head to toe.  Shed that winter layer of skin and prepare your face and body for the lighter, more revealing fashions that warm weather brings.  Manicures, pedicures and facials are a must for every Bride regardless of season, but many of us resume a more aggressive skin and makeup regime once spring hits.  At this time of year, pinky beige and rosy browns in sheer shimmers really do give that “glowing bride” look especially when accented with a light dusting of bronzer on the cheeks, forehead and nose.

Summer Brides can often be challenged by the season’s beautiful weather.  Longer days and sunnier skies can damage the skin if not properly protected.  Use a sunscreen daily to reflect the harmful rays of the sun and remember that excessive heat and humidity can trigger dryness, rashes, and breakouts.  Not to mention the melting of your makeup on those really hot days.  Use oil free foundations or tinted moisturizers containing sunscreen to avoid “makeup meltdowns”.  Always set with powder.  Dual powders and blotting papers are ideal for absorbing oil and perspiration and are a great quick fix to banish shine.  Have these items close at hand for any summer wedding.

Fall Brides can expect a color change.  The falling leaves and cooler weather inspire us to go a little darker and richer to reflect the warmth of the season.  Burgundy, plum, and brown eye and lip shades come back, and the tendency is to go a little smokier with shadows and liners.  Many Brides begin to lose their summer glow and find that the foundations and powders great during the summer months need to be replaced with lighter shades for fall.  Highlighting the hair is popular during this season to compensate for the loss of warmth to the skin as summer tans fade.  This is also the time to step moisturizing up to a richer lotion and incorporate regular use of moisturizing masks.

Winter Brides can often overlap with the holiday season.   A light, shimmering accent on the eyes or lips perks up a pale winter skin.  Warm, glowing, makeup hues are preferred and many Brides invest in self tanners for the face and the body.  Pay close attention to the skin and increase your exfoliating and moisturizing facials either at home or at the spa.  And always protect and insulate your skin from the harsh winter weather by using foundation daily.

Regardless of what season a Bride chooses for her wedding day, there are certain things that every Bride should remember.

Two coats of waterproof mascara is key for keeping the lashes in tact from tears of joy.  No Bride wants train tracks running down her cheeks.  Combined with waterproof eyeliner for definition, your eye makeup will remain intact much longer than with regular formulas.

False eyelashes are a great option for Brides who want fuller lashes, and wear quite nicely when applied securely.  Do a trial run first to make sure you are comfortable wearing them.

Lips should always be lined, filled in and lipstick applied over top for maximum staying power.  Top off with minimal gloss for shine and moisture, but avoid over glossing for your photos.  And, always, always, always, have a lip moisturizer on your lips when you’re not wearing lipstick.  Keep them soft, supple and protected at all times and avoid products containing camphor as they tend to dry out the lips.

Just as water is important for the body, it’s equally important for the skin.  Dehydration is a major issue for many people, and drinking plenty of water all year round will plump your skin and minimize fine, crêpey dehydration lines.  Scrubs will rid the skin of the flakiness and dead skin cells, plus provide a smooth surface for creams to penetrate and makeup to be applied.

Bronzers and finishing powders are great for all seasons – they add a subtle glow to the face regardless of the time of year.  Don’t forget to take your bronzer down the neck and décolleté to avoid a demarcation line in the jaw area.

Eyebrows should always be shaped and tidy.  After all, they are the picture frame to the eye.  Waxing is an inexpensive, quick service that gives you an instant eye lift.

Choose a dual powder in place of a loose powder.  Dual powders are the most versatile of makeup items and can be used wet or dry, with a sponge or a brush depending on the coverage needed.  And being in compact form, they are perfect for traveling especially to your honeymoon destination.

So while you’re planning all the details of your special day, remember to plan your skin and makeup needs too.  Prep your skin in advance, select the bridal look that’s right for you by doing a pre-trial, and don’t leave your most important item to last…..you.

Makeup is only as good as the skin that’s underneath.  A bold statement yet so true.  Whenever a client sits in front of me the first thing I look at is their skin.  More often than not, I discover that they aren’t caring enough for their skin or aren’t using the most beneficial items based on their skin’s needs at the time.

There are a multitude of skin care lines and manufacturers on the market today, and a treatment for everything your face can possibly ever encounter.  With so much selection, how do you go about choosing what’s right for you?

First, start with the basics.  Cleansing, toning and moisturizing.  Since the skin works on a 28 – 33 day cycle, use this trio for 2 months, twice a day before seeing your maximum result.  After that, you can begin to introduce special needs items which are more targeted to your specific concerns.  But that’s another issue.  Actually, since there’s so much information to absorb, I’ve broken skin care down into a 4-part series covering:

• Cleansing & Toning
• Moisturizing
• Serums & Eye Care
• Masks & Scrubs

Although you should cleanse, tone AND moisturize twice a day, this article begins with just cleansing and toning.

The purpose of the cleanser is to clean the skin.  Whether you wear makeup or not, throughout the course of the day, your skin encounters pollutants, irritants, bacteria and whatever else floats in the air. Invisible particles stick to your skin, especially if you are an oily skin or a woman who “flushes in the face”.

This has to come off and since water is not enough to clean, pair it with a cleanser formulated for your skin type.  Remember that the water should be luke warm, too hot or too cold is a shock to your skin.  Whether you’re oily, combination, dry or sensitive, the most important tip is to avoid soap. It’s harsh and strips the skin of its’ NMF (Natural Moisture Factor).  Opt for a foaming gel or mousse cleanser if your skin is oily and a gentle milky or creamy cleanser if your skin is dry or sensitive.  Combination skins can flip either way depending on season and personal preference.

Since the texture of a product is formulated to feel good on the skin it’s going on, choose products that feel comfortable.  For example, oily skins generally prefer a “squeaky clean” after cleansing so they would not feel comfortable washing their faces with a rich product that leaves a filmy residue behind.  They would prefer a foaming or lathering product that cleanses well and rinses thoroughly.  Conversely, a dry skin would enjoy a cleanser that leaves the filmy residue behind. It “cushions the skin” and comforts a skin lacking oil.  So always remember, texture should be key in selecting your skin care. The more oily you are, think lightweight and more fluid formulas, and the more drier you are, think more rich and creamy formulas.

Now that you’ve cleaned your skin, your next step is to tone it.  A toner will remove any residue left behind, but more importantly, it restores the pH balance back into the skin.  The pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of something.  When they are equal, the substance is said to have a pH of 7.0.  When the skin is below 7.0, it is acidic and when it’s above 7.0 it’s alkaline. The toner restores the skin to a pH of 7.0.

Toners come in liquid form, are applied with a quilted cotton pad, and can be used as an instant freshener anytime.  For best results, choose the toner that matches your cleanser as they are formulated to work together as a pair. Avoid toners containing alcohol or benzyl peroxide.  Instead, opt for products that contain more natural, purifying ingredients like camphor, grapefruit and basil extract.

And finally. don’t forget your eyes.  As far as skin care goes, your eyes are a completely different entity.  Treat eyes with specific eye care products only, NOT the products you use on your face. The skin around the eyes is very thin, easily stretched and more sensitive.  Eye care products are specifically formulated for this area, being opthamoligically tested, non irritating, and rapidly absorbing.

You will want to cleanse your eyes and remove any eye makeup with a regular or waterproof formula depending on what you’re wearing.  Eye makeup removers come in liquid, gel or cream formulas and applied with a quilted cotton pad.  Or, opt for convenient pre- soaked cotton disks in a jar that not only remove your eyes, but your stubborn lipstick too.  Whatever product you choose, the most important thing to remember about the eyes is to be gentle with them.  Don’t tug, stretch or rub this area….doing so stretches the thinner skin and causes pre-mature wrinkling. And who needs that!