Stacia's Bad-ass Rockabilly Halloween Wedding

This past Halloween I was the lucky artist who got to help get Stacia and her rockin wedding party ready for the big day! As much as I love traditional weddings, it's exciting and invigorating to be a part of something really unique, not to mention showing off my awesome teasing skills. Stacia's killer orange dress looked exactly right with a pair of Converse kicks, and the attendants bouquets lit up thru the petals. It was like Cry Baby 2, Viva Vegas! Thanks Stacia for having me!

Tarte Spring 2010

Can you believe that while we are all still scrambling to purchase Christmas gifts AND make a Thanksgiving dinner, our favorite cosmetic lines are already done with next seasons collection? I think it's because they have a lot of assistants... I want an assistant...

I was checking out some previews and came across Tartes collection. The soft tones and brow-perfecting tools launching will mi mick the seasons hottest trend of nude nude nude! All across Spring 2010 Fashion Week we saw neutral eyes, matte and natural lips, and ultra-perfect skin and eyebrows. It seems to be the designers way of easing those eco-resistant beauty queens into a greener routine by starting with making natural fashionable. No, we aren't seeing arm-pit hair on the runways...yet?

If you aren't familiar with Tarte, it's definitely worth your while to check out. The lines mission is to nourish your inner diva with minimal impact on the environment. Earthy ingredients like coconut oil and minimal packaging make this line stand out even further. My favorite product of theirs right now is their refillable eye-shadow palette. I know how much it sucks to have emptied all of one color in your daily quad and then have to purchase a whole new quad to get your favorite back. It's a colossal waste of packaging and makeup, not to mention your precious beauty budget. With their palette, you can add your 9-5 eyeshadow before your weekend smokey eye has run out. This is a luxury that I don't see too much in retail lines. As a professional makeup artist, I use refillable palettes all the time because I can replace what I need only, customize, and add to. Once you start using a palette like this, you will never go back. If the price seems a bit steep to you, think about all the money you have thrown away in the past on almost-full palettes. Check them out at www.tartebeauty.com

Beauty.com Sale!

Just got another of those nifty emails from http://www.beauty.com/. Right now, there are giving $20 off your purchase of $100 or more! It looks like it's for members only, so sign up and get your discount. There's lots of holiday buying to do these days, so every $20 helps! http://www.beauty.com/ is also linked to http://www.drugstore.com/, so I think the discount is interchangeable... I mean to say, I think you can purchase $100 from both of those sites to receive the discount. And you know there is SOMEONE your getting that bubble-bath gift basket for this year. Check it!

Kitchen Beautician #3

This little gem of a facial scrub is a decadent treat for that tired skin. I had been sitting at the computer all day and just felt so "yuck" that all I wanted was something to get rid of the stale feeling on my face. I flipped thru some of my organic body care books and just didn't have the ingredients on hand that they called for, so I just opened the fridge and stared. Staring back was plain yogurt, the perfect base for a mask. I love sugar scrubs, and came up with a treatment better than I could have imagined. Mix one tablespoon of plain yogurt (make sure it's plain, and preferably organic) and two tablespoons brown sugar. You can thicken or thin this concoction to your liking. Mix well and apply with gentle pressure over face and neck. Be sure to put your hair back first, as it is sugary and therefore sticky. You don't want your hair to get stuck to your face that would ruin the experience! Massage into skin until the sugar is almost dissolved, then rinse thoroughly. The lactic acid in the yogurt acts as an exfoliant, as does the sugar granules. Your skin is left soft and smooth, ready for your favorite moisturizer. And, unlike those synthetic scrubs, this will taste quite pleasant should some you "accidentally" eat some.

Look Amazing in Holiday Photos

We have all had that experience. We spend a little extra time on our makeup and hair, go out of our way to make sure we look exceptionally good, only to see photo's later that just don't do our efforts justice. We look shiny, pale, or flat out un-made up. Even I, as a professional makeup artist, have fallen victim to this casual catastrophe from time to time. Our perception of our faces in the mirror is never reflected the same way in the camera, and while you may not be hiring a professional you can still look fabulous. This year, you are going to look amazing in those family-gathering photos, and here is how you are going to do it.

1. Bring your foundation ALL THE WAY down your neck. Many women are choosing to wear mineral foundations, or foundations with sunscreen, which are highly reflective. It's these reflective properties that cause your face to be so much paler than your body in flash-photography. By bringing it further down your neck, you're at least assuring that your face doesn't stand out so harshly in comparison to the rest of your natural, un-made up body.
   
2. Use a warm blush and don't get stingy with it. This isn't really a time for shimmer or overly bright colors, so use a warmer tone more on the neutral rose side as opposed to the coral tinged ones. You also want a matte blush, as the flush from all that holiday cheer-in-a-bottle can make slightly shimmery blushes go from subtle to sweaty. Also, our fair faces need a pick-me-up during the cold months were our precious sun is limited. It's safe to say most women do not apply enough blush in general, so if you're in doubt add a touch more. Don't worry, even if you give it a few more strokes you still won't be able to compete with Grandma.
   
3. Deepen your shadow, even if it's only one color. I prefer to spend my morning routine on my body care versus a complex make-up routine, and usually stick with one great eye-shadow. During the winter, I darken up my eyes a bit by either moving to a darker shadow or applying it a bit more intensely. Smokey blacks and purples look particularly alluring in dimly lit dinner parties. (Note: Not vibrant, spring purple. Go for the more muted shades that are just a hint of color.)
   

   
   

Kitchen Beautician #2

I think that what we put in our bodies should be just as attractive as what we put on our bodies. Lovers of life can all ascertain that food can fuel the senses and the soul the way no other daily activity can. This recipe was developed when I had an extra half pound of feta after making my Grandma's spanikopeta. I add some of my favorite pantry staples and this was the result. Food should be like your beauty routine- elegant, easy, and beautiful. This dish fits that bill.

Shrimp with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Feta

1 lb medium shrimp (21-25 count)

½ lb high quality feta

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil

2 garlic cloves

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

2 tbs butter

2 roma tomatoes

1 pound penne

Rinse shrimp and remove tail and shell. Remove vein and allow drip-drying in strainer. Chop sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, toss with shrimp in bowl and season with salt. Allow shrimp to marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator. In the meantime, get a pot of salted water boiling for your penne and cook pasta to al dente. Seed and chop roma tomatoes. Add butter to a large skillet and sauté roma tomatoes for a minute, then add shrimp with marinade. Sauté shrimp until just pink and cooked through. Cut feta into small chunks. Drain pasta and toss with shrimp mixture and feta. Serve in large pasta bowls.

His Fantasy Present

You've heard me say it and I'll say it again… a boudoir portrait from Altenburg Studios is the absolutely best Christmas gift you can give him this year. This time of year we bring out the tree and presents for our special Christmas set that is only available during the winter months. Santa's little helper can make sure he is very holly-jolly indeed when he spies her helping him decorate the tree, deliver presents, or tending the fire. Of course, this is a gift he can enjoy year round because your session includes 4-6 different looks of your choice. Detailed sets and in-person consultations mean that you can truly personalize your portraits to suite yours and his tastes. Unlike last year's overpriced tie, this is a gift he will love not just months but years from now. And, looking so sexy and stunning is kind of a gift to you, too! Visit http://www.altenburgstudio.com/ or call 702.610.8699 to book your consultation. Time is running out for delivery by Christmas!

Winter Wedding Beauty

One of the greatest things about Las Vegas is that the weather is almost always perfect for a wedding! And even if those of us natives are shivering in our boots come December, pretty much everyone else from other parts of the world think it's pretty damn nice outside!

Regardless of your personal feelings regarding the temperature, it's no secret that the hard air and cold temps of winter and wreck havoc on your skin. If your a winter bride and coming up on that special day, here's some idea's to make sure your flawless no matter what the meteorologist says:

1) Keep hydrated. Ok, this one is a gimme, you should always keep hydrated, but water is especially important during those cold winter months when the wind smacks against your tender lips and face. The cold air wants to practically air-dry your skin out so don't let the lack of sun fool you into getting lazy with your skin care.

2) Exfoliate. Again, those pesky dry temperatures threaten to get the best of you and your skin. Exfoliating at least once a week helps remove all those scaly cells that have built up on the surface from your last ski trip. With the wind-warriors gone, your moisturizer can then penetrate full force and really get down to where you need it the most. Also, a build up of dry skin can make putting on makeup a rolling, flaking, cracking nightmare. Help your artist out. Exfoliate.

3) Accept the fact that you are going to be pale and stop trying to overcompensate for it. It's completely natural for us to lose our hard-earned tan during the colder months. If you wanted to be a beachy tan bride you would have planned a summer wedding, right? Instead of glooping on the self-tanner, embrace you porcelain skin and show it off with a rich, ruby lipstick and a dark winged eye. Use this as a time to play up your key features, something that is usually forgotten in the sweltering months where natural is sexy.

Winter weddings are so wonderful and special. The world is just a big prettier when every business and home is decked out, and in general people can be a bit nicer when they are in the holiday spirit. Congratulations on your winter wedding and here's to a very Happy New Year!

Free Smashbox Blush!

Just got one of those fabulous email promos's from www.beauty.com. They are giving away a full size blush in Famous with any purchase! I was scoping out their Glam Eyes Beauty kit, and it's got all the good stuff I"m just loving for this fall. The metallic brown shadow quad alone is worth the $39 purchase! But they also include a mascara, pencil, and eye brightener in the kit. So, for $39 bucks plus shipping you've got your fall look covered. That will leave you some funds leftover for martini's to show off your new look!

The Ultimate Gift this Christmas

This is the year you will give that perfect guy the perfect gift… a boudoir portrait from Altenburg Studio. Boudoir portraits are intimate, sexy, tasteful, and timeless. They are classic and sensual, and always well received. He would never guess that you would give him such an amazing gift. Sue Altenburg and Amelia C have been working together for over five years perfect the art of boudoir portraiture. Photography so revealing requires a very special set of skills to make sure the end result is sexy enough for him, yet flattering enough for her. In the comforts of our private studio, our all female staff has worked diligently perfecting the art of boudoir photography. Our sets are designed to appeal to any tastes, and personalization from our clients is welcomed and encouraged. Imagine sitting by your tree on Christmas morning as he opens a stunning portrait of you sprawled by a romantic fireplace, your hair spilling over a fur rug and firelight glinting on the outline of your perfect legs. Concerned about those legs? Had a child and worried about your tummy? Leave your fears behind. Real women are given the same advantage as professional models by having the benefit of full post-production retouching. Every square inch of your chosen portraits are retouched and refined for and incredibly smooth and sexy finish. The result is a flawless photo that leaves both of you in awe. If it's your figure your concerned about, Master Photographer Sue Altenburg has years of experience posing and lighting women's bodies to slim and thin. Our rule is that we show what's flattering and hide what isn't. Hair and Makeup artist Amelia C (yours truly) provides services within the studio and accompanies you throughout your shoot to make sure your perfect from start to finish. Ladies will be stunned when they see themselves as their men do; beautiful, sexy, amazing. This is the year. Wow him with the ultimate gift of a lifetime- a portrait from Altenburg Studio. Visit http://www.altenburgstudio.com/ for more information, or contact Sue directly at 702.252.7557. Don't wait, book your consult now so you can have your photo's ready by Christmas!

The Cost of Beauty

I'm sure makeup artists and hairdressers alike are cringing as they read this… it's commonly known in our industry that what we charge for our services can be a very sensitive subject! I'm going to spill the beauty beans on why we charge what we charge. It's usually the first question I get asked, so obviously it's something that needs to be talked about… "What are your rates?"

I have to charge enough to cover my cost of doing business. If you have ever spent more than 10 bucks on an eye shadow, you can certainly understand how the cost of doing business for a makeup artist can quickly add up. It's taken me over 5 years to get my kit where I want it to be, and yet I still have items I would like to add. Now, great products do not a makeup artist make, however, bad products can make my job a living nightmare. It's in both my clients and mine best interest to stock my kit with the best products available to me with the widest variety to accommodate any race, ethnicity, style, or whims of my clients. I add to my kit at least on a monthly, if not weekly basis and I'm constantly searching for better primers, smoother lipsticks, and softer blushes. There's also all my disposables; mascara wands, tissue, lip brushes, q-tips…All this adds up and I need to take that in account when I figure out what a job is worth.

I also need to consider the extra things about my business that help me run my business. I could be the perfect makeup artist for a job, but how would that client ever find me if I didn't advertise? I do myself and my clients a disservice by not making my presence known. Most of my work takes me on-location and I not only need the ability to transport my kit without breaking anything, but I also need to take with me other things to insure my job is done correctly. That usually involves a professional portable light kit I've invested in and a director's chair so my chiropractor doesn't yell at me. Transportation is important, too!

But the biggest impact on how I price my services is the going rate for similar services in my area. Pricing out the same service for one geographical area, in particular Las Vegas can yield such a wide range of pricing that it's staggering. Some artists charge on the really low end of the scale to earn the business of the budget client. Other artists charge sky-high rates just because they can. So what do you lose with a lower-priced artist and what's to be gained from paying more? It depends on your perspective. As a professional, I want to be contracted not for my price, but for my talent, and I don't really believe that I'm worth a certain dollar amount per hour because the feeling a client has when she feels her most beautiful is absolutely priceless. I want my clients to book me because they feel I can achieve whatever it is they are looking for. Having a happy medium pricing for my area is the answer because it eliminates the questions of more or less.

So what's your beauty worth to you? Of course, the budget is a factor and must not be thrown out of the window, but I encourage you when you are shopping around for your artist to look more at the value of the artist and what they are bringing to the table as opposed to their rate. If an artist fits within your budget but artistically doesn't jive with your style, is that really a smart buy? The same could be said for the priciest artist in the area. The cost of your beauty is first priceless, and secondly valuable. Find your own style and the price will always match.

Acne Part III B

With the green movement taking off, everyone is starting to realize that maybe there is something to living a natural (or at least as natural as you can get) lifestyle. Acne solutions are no exception to the rule.

A few years back in the midst of my acne plight, I tried several earthy methods of ridding myself of this embarrassing affliction. I don't know if they would have worked or not, because I never stuck with them to find out. I think that's the problem people will run into- the body doesn't just magically heal itself overnight, it takes consistency and time. Two things people with acne are short on. But, if you think you have stamina to see this thru before resorting to harsh chemicals and liver damage, try these out.

Internal Cleanse- There are several different brands of this, but ultimately they all involve some sort of strong fiber packed with vitamins that is intended to clean out your colon and intestines. The vitamins and supplements also help draw toxin out of the body to be flushed away. The way of going about it varies from brand to brand, but the whole overall point is that you are getting rid of toxic sludge in your body. It is thought that build up of toxins and feces (the average human has up to 40 pounds of excess excrement in their intestines) impedes healthy and vital body functions, and produces bad bacteria. It's then reasonable to assume that when you clean house, everything is more healthy. Usually a 30-90 day program. Be sure to use an all natural method and follow the directions carefully.

Omega 3,6,9- Fish oil! To be honest, I'm not sure why or how this works, but many people have experienced success by increasing their intake of the essential omega fatty acids. While I don't know WHY it works, I can tell you this: The American diet is over flowing with too much Omega 3 and not enough of Omega 6, which in turn is causing all sorts of cardiovascular and weight problems. Our ratio is so out of whack, it's now being discussed that lack of Omega 6 may be named a disease in itself and have subsequent specialized treatment programs for it. Incidentally, it's also been known to work wonders to promote healthy skin. You can get these oils in capsule or liquid, just make sure you take enough. If anything, you should have some sort of supplement of omega 6 added to your diet anyways unless you are a serious fish eater.

Zinc- A few years ago I was in the line at the grocery store, without a stitch of makeup on. An old man who was behind me scooted up to me and bent down to whisper "would you be offended if I gave you some advice on your skin?" Zinc. Zinc is the answer. Take it in high doses. I went home and did some research online, and come to find out, the old man was right. Unfortunately, for me it goes back to the same thing... not enough consistency or time. Before you go swallowing a bottle-full, do some research and make sure you don't get into that scary toxic level, because any vitamin in too much quantity can be bad.

Calcium Bentonite Clay: I discovered this at an aesthetics conference I annually attend. Up until recently, I would spend at least the first half of these industry professional conferences eagerly looking for some new and untold acne resolution. Supposedly, this particular clay was from only one canyon in the whole world, and completely natural. The only thing you had to add when you got home was water. My experience of the clay was this: yup, it will dry out your skin all right. It supposed to draw out all the impurities of your skin. This is one of the few methods that I truly don't think will work for someone with chronic severe acne. I think it is a great thing to have on-hand for the occasional breakout and oil problems, but I would fore go this option for those with more intense skin problems.

Allergies: Allergies? Allergies cause acne? Well- maybe. Here's what I figure. We all KNOW how screwed up the American diet is. Natural products are minimum and premium, because synthetic foods are much cheaper to manufacture. Not to mention, most Americans have not been eating the same thing for generations like other countries will long-established heritages do. So how do we know if our genetic makeup causes us to break out when we have milk, wheat, or some sort of tongue-numbing flavor preserving phyto-chemical? This is the longest, most tedious process of them all. But, I would be amazed if you didn't find yourself living an overall more healthy lifestyle. There are as many ways of going about the allergy issue as there are Italian mothers to lecture you. The important part about doing this is to really do it- don't cop out, get a few "allergy tests" from your Dr, and call it good. (Hives isn't the only way to have an allergic reaction.) I think that this is an excellent, albeit lengthy, method of getting yourself in great skin and overall health.

Green Beauty

If the thought of "Green Beauty" reminds you of that at-home highlight you did in yourself in high school, be consoled by the fact that even the most meticulous beauty queen is going "Green" these days. We are following the emotionally charged country on a bandwagon of contemporary hippies pleading with our candidates to "Go Green". Oh sure, it's easy enough to recycle, watch your watering schedule, and buy your veggies locally, but one aspect of our existence that is perpetually there yet fallen to the "green" wayside is our beauty routine. A few steps, and your on your way to Beauty Nirvana.

Buy products NOT tested on animals: We all know that we would never want to be part of a bunny torturing contest, but do you know how important even the smallest animal can be to preserving our eco system? (Not to mention the gas and resources spent chasing them around to catch)

Know your fragrance: Take a few minutes to read your fragrance; if you see the word

"-butane" attached to some other long word, you might want to reconsider.

Let your locks go: Go "red-carpet" and follow the beach wave trend. Save energy on letting your hair air-dry into those waves, the work a polishing product in to de-frizz.

Help your Hair Out: Or in, rather- the best conditioning we can do for our hair is to let our hair take care of itself. The natural oils produced by our scalp really is the best thing for healthy hair, so skip that daily shampoo and go two or even three days. Throw your hair up in that scrunchi you kept long after middle school when you shower. You'll save water, and your hair will thank you for it. Feeling greasy? Comb you hair from scalp to ends to spread out that oil, and use a light hair spray at the roots, which will dry it out a bit.

Make a Fashion Statement: Find a really cute, really amazing bag to use for your shopping. A reusable tote is one of the best things you can do for your environment. If you don't like the ones you can buy at your local grocery store, use this as an opportunity to buy that oversized bag you thought was way cute but didn't know what to use it for. Just make sure you get a few- one bag may not be enough always. Keep them in your car for last minute shopping!

Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle: Not just a friendly mantra, this simple theory is tested and true. Donate your old blow-dryer, actually use a whole can of hairspray, and see if that shampoo bottle can be recycled.

Buy Better Quality: If you spent the extra on a better disposable razor, you wouldn't need to replace it as often. Same goes for hair care- the higher the quality, the less you typically need to use. Less product-Less Waste.

Take Better Care of Yourself: Ultimately, the best way to be beautiful AND take care of your environment is to take care of yourself. Not using sunscreen will cost you in wrinkles you'll spend money and resources on to fix. Eating the right foods helps you stay healthy and keep you out of energy-high hospitals. Look for skin and hair care that is organic, or better yet, find a company who supports the environment by reducing or eliminating harmful products that damage the earth and it's resources. The better you take care of yourself, the better you take care of our earth. Be beautiful for it.

Article featured in Roxanne Magazine.

Acne Part II

Everyone who doesn't have acne seems to know why you have acne. Have you ever noticed that? It's like all those clear-faced people around you seem to have some advice to pass around. It's a catch-22 tho- On one hand, if they had acne then you would know whatever it is that they did wasn't working, but on the other hand, if they had clear skin, who knows if it was because what the did was working or if they wouldn't have had it in the first place regardless of their skin regimen? As they say, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions...

So here you are, loathing the smooth skinned person in front of you who is lecturing you on Omega 3s or milk cleansers or light therapy...

(WHY IS IT THAT THEY ALWAYS ASK "HAVE YOU TRIED PROACTIVE?" Of course we have tried Proactive! You think that we have avoided the most heavily advertised acne product? You think we live in a shell in which the Proactive propaganda doesn't reach? You think that we would willingly avoid a "miracle" product that is actually affordable?)

(...to that end, yes, I know you meant well. It's not your fault anymore than it is mine. We know your trying to help. And we do appreciate it. Which is why I smile and say "yes" instead of bellow at you.)

... and you still can't figure out why you and not them. Well, doc's haven't figured that out yet either- they know the ingredients to the acne recipe, but they don't know where those ingredients come from.

Three things occur to create a zit- All three of these things happen in abundance when you have chronic acne. They are: bacteria, sebum (oil), and un-shed dead skin cells.

Almost all the acne treatments you will find on the market, regardless of their form, treats one of these three things. The product is either designed to be something of an anti-bacterial, to dry up the sebaceous glands, or to shed the buildup of skin cells.

That's it. That's what all those products do in one way or another. If it's clever, like Proactive, it does two of those things- three if you buy their sulfur mask.

For example: The cleanser of Proactive is an exfoliant of sorts (shedding skin cells). Then you follow up with a toner (useless and damaging). You finish off with their Repair Lotion (which is a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial of sorts). If you use their sulfur mask, then your treating the hyper-activity of your sebaceous glands (sulfur reduces oil production).

I'm starting to sound like an infomercial, so let me clarify by saying I am not telling you to go buy Proactive. I'm using this product as an example because it's widely known and contains treatments for all three parts of a pimple, therefore is an example of what logic should tell us would work. Unfortunately, that isn't so.

If we know the pieces of the acne puzzle, then why is it so hard to treat? There are, literally, only three parts to a zit and we know what they are. Mystery gone, right? Here's the kicker: those things have to be caused by something. Therein lies the problem- you can treat the bacteria, oil, and cell shedding, but all your really doing is treating the symptoms. It's as effective as taking a cough syrup for a cold. The cold will still be there, the cough syrup just makes is bearable. It certainly does not make the cold go away. And if that cough is caused by something more severe, like a respiratory infection, then even the highest quality cough suppressant isn't going to make the hacking go away.

And that's when it gets really frustrating. What is the problem that is causing the symptoms? And that's something no one has been able to figure out.

So let's recap:

Three main components that create a zit:

a) Bacteria

b) Excess Oil

c) Excess Dead Skin Cells

What do most products do, Rx or OTC? Treat the symptoms, but not the problem.

Why can't we treat the problem causing the symptoms? Because we don't know what the problem is.

Why me? Who knows? But, they haven't figured out a cure for the common cold yet so it's not like we are the only thing science is missing. Next time I'll talk about the different products available to treat the symptoms.

Acne Part I

In January, I entertained the thought of blogging about the Accutane journey I was about to start. I took photos of my face without makeup- the plan was to take photo's every month to see how I was progressing and have a documentation of it. I chickened out when I saw the original photos- it was bad. I couldn't bring myself to post them or talk about it.

But now, I'm nearing the end of the treatment. Accutane is recommended to run a 6 month course, and this past week I got my 5th month Rx. Just in the past few weeks have I started to notice a significant difference in my skin. There was a while there that I was so frustrated because it wasn't clearing up fast enough, for all the hoops I had to jump thru to get it. (And trust me, there are A LOT of hoops!)

The reason I'm writing now is because I feel as if I'm finally, over a decade later, coming to the end of my acne journey. Like anyone who has acne, the longer it lasts, the more the desperation builds. For me, the sheer fact that I am in the beauty industry seemed to make it so much worse- the more successful I became in my career, the more ashamed I was of my skin. I have even been known to avoid jobs because I was too embarrassed about my face. When I would do clients makeup, my face would always be close to theirs and I felt like I had to explain myself. I could cover up color, sure- but if I had a lot of bumps, it was obvious. Some days, all I wanted to do was scream "It's not my fault! I can't help it!" I could go on about the humiliation, but that's not why I'm blogging...

There is SO MUCH information out there on acne; it can be hard to sort thru. And again, desperate people do desperate things. So I'm going to lay out, very simply, what I have learned. I've had the added benefit of having access to professional products as well as retail products. I've also devoured any industry literature on acne that I could find... I think it's only fair that I pass it along.
I'm going to divide this up into sections- I will do my best to do one a week. I'm going to start with the basics of acne. Again, the purpose of this is to simplify the options- sometimes there's just too much information; I'm going to streamline it for you. I will chronicle what I know, as a professional and as acne patient. If I'm feeling especially brave, I'll post pictures, but I make no promises...

If you have acne, subscribe to this blog. I may not tell you anything you don't already know, but if anything, you'll know that you're not the only one out there who feels like this. Just knowing you have company may make you feel better.

Acne Part III

The main reason why I started blogging on this is so that I could clearly and effectively stream-line information about acne. The purpose of this is so that when you set out to help yourself, you don't go in circles trying the same method in different ways. That's where a lot of us got stuck... and you won't really know your options until you try every avenue. I got on Accutane as the very last resort. I had two dermatologists try to convince me for over three years to go on it, but I wasn't going to subject myself to such an intense and potentially damaging medication unless there were truly no other options. I'll talk more about the Accutane process at the very end. It really does need to be your last resort.

OK- the So-Called Solutions. The title is self-explanatory, I'm sure. So with no further introduction, let's jump right in.

Anti-Bacterial: Treats one of the three causes of a pimple. Can be both OTC and Rx. Key words to look for that indicates it is an antibacterial: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, oral antibiotics. Milder, more natural options may include aloe vera and witch hazel (not a proven antibacterial, but may be indicated as such.) All of these are topical (you put them on your skin, not in your body) with the exception of oral antibiotics.

Where you will find them: In cleansers, moisturizers, masks, spot-treatments, toners. The key to getting this type of treatment to work is finding the right strength and application. How much patience do you have? (PS- the repair lotion in Proactive is what makes the system work. It's a 2.5 benzoyl peroxide, the "just the right amount" strength that has worked with a majority of people.)

Products that serve as antibacterial: way too many to list. Peruse your local drugstore looking for the keywords listed above. I highly recommend skipping the oral antibiotics. I have never seen them work, on me or anyone else. I have had some success with the acne regimen found at www.acne.org, a systematic anti-bacterial way of clearing your skin.

Exfoliants: Treats one of the three main causes of a pimple. Can be OTC or Rx. Key words to look for that indicates it is an exfoliant: AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), scrub, exfoliant (duh), fruit acids, and any reference to retinol.

Where you will find them: Occasionally in cleansers, mostly in extra step options (steps outside of a normal skin care regimen of cleans, tone, moisturize). You can find some effective products at your local drugstore, but most of them worth anything will be found from your friendly local esthetician. There are some strict regulations on chemicals with highly exfoliating properties (and with good reason, they remove skin, literally!) so she will tend to have the concoctions in high enough concentrations to make a difference. Your dermatologist has highly exfoliating products too... but you're going to get info from him, not me, should the time come.

Sebum Reducers: Treats one of the three main causes of a pimple. Almost always Rx or at the least from a licensed esthetician. Key words: light therapy, sulfur, isotretinoin. Plain English... they reduce the activity from your oil glands, therefore you produce more oil.

NOTE: A TONER IS NOT A SEBUM REDUCER!!! I am sorry to say that more people than not try to fight acne by drying out their skin. Wrong! Stop! Do not try and dry out your skin on your own! I know only of effective products that help reduce the appearance of oily skin, but I know of no OTC products that actually stem the flow of oil. And wrecking havoc on your skin because you think that surface oil is the culprit is just wrong on so many levels. If this is what it comes down to, go see a dermatologist. Using Sea Breeze is not going to help, and your skin will suffer for it. The bottom line is, this is the hardest way to approach an acne issue.

So let's recap.

Three ways to treat acne: Anti-bacterial, Exfoliants, Sebum Reducers.

Antibacterials are common, easy to find and use.

Exfoliants are an extra step, and the good stuff comes from your aesthetician.

Sebum reduces are a tough route to go, and can be both dangerous and effective so don't use without professional guidance. Stop trying to dry out your skin.

What a mouthful! Next time, I'm going to chat about some alternative methods to treating acne-

In case you're starting to feel overwhelmed, despite my best efforts to keep things simple, I will offer an all-over recap at the end of this series.

Kitchen Beautician #1

The dry and cold weather of winter can be brutal to lips. Flaking, chapping, and wind burned puckers are anything but attractive and can be quite painful! Head to your pantry for some comfort food for your mouth… mix up a couple tablespoons of organic cane sugar with a few tablespoons of organic extra virgin olive oil. (I usually have enough for two or three applications per batch.) The goal is to have a paste. Apply it with your fingers over your bathroom sink to your lips, rubbing gently to scrap away flakes and allowing your lips to absorb the super hydrating effect of the oil. Rinse well and polish off your treatment with a great lip balm… I love, love, love Aquaphor! Exfoliating is important when you want to rehydrate your lips because it allows the moisturizing elements to penetrate past the scaly skin and down to where it matters. The granules of the sugar provide just the right amount of sweet scrub to let the oil and lip balm do its job.

Beauty.com Sale!

I opened my email this morning to find a promo email from PayPal... November 2nd and 3rd, recieve 20% off your beauty.com purchase when you check out usuing PayPal. YEA! I'm all about the discounts. For those of you who haven't ordered from beauty.com before, they are an excellent site for all those random things you have to run around town to buy. They have top lines, like Smashbox and one of my personal favorites, Origins. You can also hit up drugstore.com and checkout just once for both stores! Do some lunch-time online shopping and don't forget to use PayPal to check out today so you can get your discount!

Makeup Comparison: Airbrush vs. Mineral vs. Traditional

Authors Note: While the following is an excellent synopsis of each system of makeup and its results, bear in mind that all makeup is only as good or bad as the artist applying it. Application and skill will always be the more significant factor regarding any makeup service. As neutral as this article attempts to be, other makeup artists may agree or disagree with it depending on their own personal experience. The actual makeup product does not make or break the look, regardless of what makeup medium is used. It is the artist and their method alone that truly create long-lasting, flawless and impeccable beauty, and therefore should be considered with more care than the product used.

Makeup: Airbrush vs. Mineral vs. Traditional

Makeup today has evolved so far from even 20 years ago, where a slick and oily foundation dominated the main market and therefore, by lack of option, determined what women wore. Today, we have a wide range of products at our disposal, from oil-free, non-transferable, medicated, and even makeup that touts claims to make skin look younger. When it comes to a big event, be it photo, wedding, or just plain fun, the claims makeup lines can make to prove their product worthy of your hard earned dollar can be somewhat contradicting. Here's the real scoop on the three main stream and most requested types of makeup.

Airbrush:

What it is: A light-weight makeup applied through an air gun machine that produces a thin, even layer of makeup and creates a very matte finish.

How it's used: A small amount of a very thin makeup designed for air brush use is put into a chamber of a gun. When the machine is turned on and the gun trigger pulled, a light spray of makeup comes out of the gun in a fine mist.

Airbrush makeup has become extremely popular in the past few years. This is largely due to perfect complexion models that are "airbrushed" to give every part of their body a flawless finish. Most women confuse "airbrush" with makeup, when it is actually a technique used in PhotoShop, a picture alteration program, to make the models look flawless. Airbrush makeup is non-transferable, meaning that slight rubbing or brushing against something or someone will not cause the makeup to come off of the face. Black clothes will remain black after hugging someone wearing airbrush makeup.

Airbrush makeup, like any other makeup, has it's ups and downs. On the upside, once it's on, dry rubbing won't make it transfer, and unless it gets wet, it won't go anywhere until you wash it off. On the other hand, if it does become wet thru crying or sweating, you run the risk of it streaking. Imagine a dusty table, if you ran your finger across it, you could clearly see a line from the surface underneath, even if the colors are the same. And like a dusty table, once that line is there, you can do nothing to blend it back. The table must be wiped entirely clean. Same thing with airbrush makeup, if the makeup for any reason gets wet and leaves a streak, there is nothing than can be done to blend it. Even airbrushing over the area will not blend the streak. The solution to this problem is to constantly be aware of any wetness and to maintain it throughout the day by dabbing your tear ducts and remaining cool so you don't sweat heavily. If you're attending an event where you're positive you will stay and remain dry, airbrush makeup can offer that red-carpet finish you have always wanted.

Mineral:

What it is: Several minerals are treated through various oxidizing processes to create different shades, and then crushed together to form fine powders that can be applied to the face and used as makeup.

How it's used: Mineral makeup is usually applied with a brush, although it can be used with a sponge for thicker and more precise applications. Some lines offer different steps to wearing their mineral makeup, including primers that are applied to the face before the foundation to provide holding power, create an even porosity on the skins surface, and a smoother, more matte finish all around.

Mineral makeup is another makeup that has taken the nation by storm over the past few years. With science and research looking into the effect we have had on our planet over the past hundreds of thousands of years, we are starting to become more aware of our environment, and therefore, more aware of our own health and well being. The organic industry has soared to new heights, as we search to become a healthier nation filled with natural living options as opposed to chemically enhanced lifestyles. Makeup is no exception. When the chemicals that were used to manufacture makeup were exploited in a whirlwind of propaganda, mineral makeup became popular and the chemicals in our every day makeup caught some flak for why our skin is too dry, too oily, too acne, too wrinkled, so on and so forth. Using mineral makeup creates a feeling of good health, both on the inside and out.

As wonderful as mineral makeup is, it's not suitable for everyone in every situation. Women suffering from acne, or getting at any time facial treatments that compromise the integrity of their skin, will greatly benefit from the use of mineral makeup as their daily main stay. Its minimal ingredients assure that no unnecessary chemicals are being added to their already sensitive skin, and create a minimal reaction to any treatments they may be undergoing. It is not appropriate, though, to use mineral makeup in any situation where photographs are an important part of the event. Its natural composition includes minerals with reflective properties, creating an almost pearly finish. When worn while taking a picture, the light from the camera and any surrounding light will reflect off those minerals, creating a bright and distinctly lighter face than any other body part. This makeup, while a great choice for daily wear, is simply not camera ready.

Traditional:

What it is: Pancake, liquid, cream, or pressed powder that is usually applied with a sponge or finger tips. Traditional makeup comes in the widest variety of any other makeup, with every shade available. It's also the most versatile of all the makeup; it can be as basic as a sheer tint of coverage, or combined with other properties to create a makeup that targets specific problems.

How it's used: This particular makeup is the only makeup that, given the appropriate formula is chosen, can be used in any situation at any given time. It can be applied many different ways, from brush methods used with thicker foundations, to finger tips used for light and well blended applications.

Ah, the days as kids when we would sneak into our mother's vanity to smear that thick, gooey substance across our faces and prance around as if we were going to a party. This is probably the makeup that is sitting in your case right now. It can be liquid, it can be pressed, and it may even come in a stick form that you have to twist up. Whatever form it takes, the right formula can do wonders for your look. Women with dry or mature skin benefit from the thicker of the traditional foundations. As their skin typically needs large amounts of hydration, the oils that compose of a cream based foundation lend kindly to their skin, creating a smoother finish. Young adult women tend to prefer a more liquid, oil free foundation or a pressed powder with good coverage. The formula that suites you best would be based on your skin type, and with many more options to be listed than could possible fit into this article. Nothing but good research and trial error can lead you to the formula that's right for you. Then the teenagers have their makeup too. Usually a cheap, watery substance to make them "look" and "feel" like they are wearing makeup and to cover the occasional pimple, investing large amounts of money is not usually needed. However, if the teen as severe acne or other skin problems, you will want to talk to a dermatologist and find the best solution for their skin, as their makeup may be part of the problem. If you or your teen is fair and the skin in good condition, the best bet is a tinted moisturizer with a high SPF or sunscreen underneath.

Traditional makeup, put simply, can be amazing or disastrous depending on what the formula is and how it's applied. This is the one makeup that it totally dependent on the person applying it- even a good, high quality product can look awful if applied in a sloppy fashion. And a low quality, inappropriate formula can sometimes be adjusted with an experienced hand to create the right look. And although, like its main competitor airbrush, it typically does rub off slightly or fade a little over the course of the day, it is highly bendable therefore anything can be fixed within seconds. It's my personal belief, off the record, that this is the most versatile, therefore the best option, for wedding makeup.

Every makeup has its own virtues, and its own sins. Ultimately, your personal preferences will be the biggest factor in choosing what you wear on what occasions. However, if you take nothing else from this, understand: The best kind of makeup you can wear is the makeup that is customized to fit YOU. Don't buy into the propaganda about how this versus that is oh so much better. In reality, that foundation may be great for their skin, but your skin has different properties, different assets, and different problems of its own. A great makeup artist won't have a set way of doing makeup; she'll have a variety of styles to choose from so she can create the best look for you and your event. So what if your beautiful sister-in-law had her makeup done with the fancy airbrush machine? So what if your organic-yet-so-cool co-worker ONLY wears mineral makeup? And if your rich Grandma swears by that $400 bottle of liquid foundation? Who cares? Trust me when I say this, no one is going to look at your makeup and know if it's one of those three, or how much you spent on it. They are only going to see how beautiful you are.