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PTL Beauty Editor Lori Geiger

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― You've seen her segments on Pittsburgh Today Live... but if you missed any of Beauty Editor Lori Geiger's advice, you can find it online!

How to Wear Fragrance 

The holiday season is a great time to wear fragrance and to give and receive as gifts. But, one persons fragrance can be another persons health issue if it is worn too strong. Too much can trigger allergies or headaches in some people. 

Here are a few guide lines for wearing fragrance so everyone can enjoy the popular scents.

Fragrance comes in different strengths. The higher the percentage of fragrance, the longer it will last. 

Perfume contains 15-30% concentrate

Eau de Parfum 8-15%

Eau de Toilette 4-8%

Ean de Cologne 3-5%

Splash Cologne 1-3% 

Fragrance works with the oils of your skin, so one scent can smell differently on different people.

Dry skin does not retain fragrance so you can wear stronger scents. Or,try fragrance layering to help make your scent last, such as using a shower gel when you bathe, follow with a body lotion or powder in the same scent as your fragrance.

Oily skin holds onto fragrance so wear a light scent. Fragrant powder is a nice choice so you don't over do. 

Heat effects fragrance, so switch to a lighter scent in the summer.  

To help make sure you are not heavy handed when applying fragrance, pick one of the seven pulse points to wear it.

I.Behind ears

2.Temples

3.Wrists

4.Base of throat

5.Crook of arms

6.Behind knees

7.Behind ankles

Or, you can spray the air with fragrance and walk through it! 

Fragrance does not last forever so don't save it, wear it and enjoy! A sign that it is getting old and needs to be replaced is, it appears thicker, changes in color and does not smell the same.

This is the best time to shop for fragrance to get a great value and beautifully packed gifts. Here are some holiday gift suggestions; 

Elizabeth Arden's classic Red Door collections. A must have, NEW, Red Door Shimmer! Also, 5th Ave Day and 5th Ave. Night.

Juicy Couture Holiday gift set, a $126.00 value for just $90.00 contains, 3.4 spray, 4.2 body sorbet, 4.2. frothy shower gel. 

Mariah Carey scents, M by Mariah Carey set featuring 1.7 Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.3oz body lotion and .23 oz Eau de Parfum Rollerball. Receive a quilted shoulder bag with any Mariah Carey fragrance purchase of $65.00, while supplies last. 

White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor gift set has four favorites; 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette Spray Naturel, 3.3oz perfumed body lotion, 3.3oz gentle body wash amd .5 oz. Eau de Parfum. A gift for you with any $49.00 White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor purchase is a gold tone watch with shimmering faux diamonds! 

All products available at Macy's.

Elizabeth Arden's


How Not To Look Scary!

At one time or another just about everyone has noticed a bad make-up job or two. Alice Cooper, the legendary rock star whos music came to fame starting in the 70's noticed too. He invented his make-up look after watching Bette Davis play "Baby Jane" in the movie, "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" He explains in his book, Alice Cooper, Golf Monster,  "She looked horrific and creepy because she put on tradional make-up thickly and badly." Enough said. Here are some tips to keep you from becoming the next rock star's example! 

1. As with Baby Jane's look, her base was too thick and too light. Choose the correct shade for you by testing the shade on your jaw line so it matches your neck. A cosmetic rep can help you in the department store or if you are in a drug store, hold your inner arm up to the shade test strip. 

To prevent base from going on too thick, start in the middle of your face where your need coverage the most and work your way out. This will even out the skin tone without making a line of demarcation at our neck. 

2. Eyebrows drawn on too close together can make you look mean. To get the correct shape, hold a pencil and measure from the corner of your nose to the corner of your brow, move the pencil to the iris of your eye to get the arch and line up the corner of your eye with the end of your brow. 

3. Smeared eye liner will give you Alice's look! Love Alice, but he can get away wth it. Use an eye shadow base before you apply shadow and eyeliner to help it stay in place. You can top your eye liner with black eye shadow for extra staying power. 

4. Thick clumpy eye lashes not only look bad, the masacra can cause dry black flakes to fall on the face. To prevent this replace your mascara every three months to keep it fresh and bacteria free. Before you apply it, wipe the wand with a paper towel and apply one coat, let dry before your second coat.

5. Stripes for blush. Blush was meant to add a natural glow. If you are heavy handed use a lighter shade of blush or apply loose powder before you add blush and always use a blush brush for a smooth appliaction. 

6. Dark harsh lip liner makes the face look hard. A lip liner pencil is a wonderful tool for shaping the lips and helps keep lip stick from bleeding into tiny lines, but it should blend in. Choose a lip liner pencil in the same color family as the lip color you will be using or use a nude or invisible lip liner. 

7. Too much hair conditioner can weight the hair down and make it look greasy. Use just a few times a week and use it more towards the ends of you hair. That is where you really need it. 

8. Dark nail polish should be used on short nails, not long nails. 

Halloween Make-up

Wearing make-up to complete a Halloween costume is not only fun, but much safer than wearing a mask. A few choices are the grease paint kits sold this time of year, your regular make-up, homemade make-up and new this year, tattoos! 

Grease paint or crayons found in drug, discount or party stores are great for creating whole faces and drawing detail. They are thicker and the colors are brighter and will wear longer. Primary colors can be mixed to create special effects such as a bruise. Black or grey shades can be used with a stipple sponge or back of a pot scrubber to make beard stubble as on a Pirate face. 

Your regular make-up is fine for a little girl who wants to dress pretty, such as a princess. Make sure to wipe the surface of your make-up with a tissue before using on your child to remove any oils or bacteria, then use clean or new applicators. Skip mascara on a little girl. She can foregt she is wearing it and rub her eyes. Plus, removing mascara from a tired little trick or treater will be your Halloween nightmare! The excitment of wearing mom's eye shadow, blush and lip gloss will be enough. 

On a budget? Try a homemade recipe;

2 Tablespoons corn starch

1 Tablespoon solid Crisco

Food color 

Mix the corn starch and Crisco before you add color, you may have to use your fingers. Mix in color with a spoon. The color will not be as bold as store bought grease paint, but this will be perfect when you just need a touch on younger children such as a kitty nose. Food color boxes have color mixing charts right on the back so you can mix the color you want. 

Reds may leave a hint of left over color, it will fade or you can use regular make-up to cover if need be. 

Before using anything new always do a patch test a few days before. Apply what you will be using to the crook of the arm and let for 24 hours. If no reaction, you should be good to go. 

Before you make-up your face, get dressed. Cut a trash bag up the middle to use as a cape to cover your costume. Apply regular moisturizer to the face before make-up. This will make the make-up go on easier, lay well and easier to remove at the end of the night.

Halloween tattoos are the new thing this year. The box contains about 7 different looks. They are temporary and can be removed BY AN ADULT with rubbing alcohol. I found them at Target. To apply, follow the directions on the back of the box.

To remove make-up use a cleansing cream or make-up remover, then cleanse the face with a disposable wash cloth such as Dove wash cloths so you won't ruin your good towels. 

Have fun and be safe! 

Foam Products
 
Have you ever been stuck in a beauty routine rut or felt the need for a change but just could not put your finger on in? Alternating your products is a good idea once in a while any way because you can build an immunity to them, so they might not won't work as well as when you first started to use them. For a change, try foam products. Here are a few suggestions;
 
Facial cleaners:
Biore 4-in-1 self foaming cleanser, cuts oil and cleans the face without drying the surface.
Olay pore refining Mousse cleanser mildly ex foliates the skin as it cleanses.
 
Olay Definity deep penetrating foaming UV moisturizer w/ SPF 15 is excellent for day.
New Olay Regenerist reversal treatment foam is a great new anti-aging product to use at night.
 
Make-up:
Elizabeth Arden Mousse make-up is a light weight coverage that comes in several shades.
 
Dream Mousse blushes and eye shadows by Maybelline give natural color to your face with just a touch of your finger tips.
 
Body:
Olay Quench body mousse is gives nice moisture without a heavy feel.
 
Avon Skin So Soft foaming oil is a body moisturizer oil that does not feel sticky.
 
Neutrogena Sun Fresh sunless tanning foam is easy to apply and helps eliminate streaks.
 
Sally Hanson spray-on shower hair remover foam stays were you put it while you shower to remove unwanted hair. Just be careful of any over spray on the shower floor.
 
Hands:
Most important this time of year, washing your hands!
Dail foaming hand wash makes washing hands easy and there is no mess let on the sink!
 
Foam/mousse products give you a measured amount with one touch of the button and there is no waste at the end of the product.   


Make-up Pencils
 
You bought the kids pencils and other school supplies, now it is your turn! Make-up pencils are a great way to define the face. They are quick to use and easy to carry along for touch-ups.
 
Concealer Pencil
Concealer pencils are soft on the skin and great for spot touch-up, such as dark circles and blemishes. Laura Geller makes a fat concealer pencil with a sponge tip on the other end for blending. Comes with a sharpener. Clinique's anti-blemish pencil treats the blemish while it covers.
 
Eyes
Eye brow color is like a frame for the eyes. Choose a pencil one shade darker than your hair color. It should be firm enough to make quick strokes to fill in any bare places in the brow. Brush over where you used the pencil for a natural blend. Maybelline Define-a-Brow comes with a tiny comb on the end. Physicians Formula makes a three in one pencil, tweezer(on one end), brow pencil and tiny brush(one the other end), all you need for brows in one place!
 
Eye shadow pencils are a fast easy way to add color to your eyes and great for travel. The soft pencils come in many shades. Apply them to the eye lid area in layers and blend with your finger. Try Maybelline Cool Effects shadow/liner pencil and Jane Color Sticks.
 
Eye liner pencils should be soft so they glide over the delicate skin of the eye area. Elizabeth Arden makes a great powder pencil that can do solid lines or smudge a line with the sponge end of the pencil.
 
Styli-Style Flat pencil is a just that, a flat pencil that is perfect for the person who can't make a straight line. This takes a special sharpener that is sold where Styli-Style pencils are sold.
 
Eye enhancing pencils are a great accessory to your eye-make-up. Benefit Eye Bright is a pale pink pencil you can use in the inner corner of the eyes to add brightness. This can also make small eyes look larger. Almay's new bright eyes pencil comes in your shade and is a liner plus a high-lighter for the arch at your brow bone.
 
Lip Pencils
Lip pencils should be a bit stiff so they will help lip color from bleeding. You can choose a shade of lip liner the same shade or same color family as your lip color. If you don't want to bother with several pencils try an invisible lip liner that will go with any shade, like Sally Hanson Invisible Lip Liner. TO use a lip liner, start in the middle of the upper lip and use soft strokes, not a solid line around your lips then blend in lip color. Elizabeth Arden's Smooth Line lip pencils come with a lip brush at the end.
 
The look of full lips is still very popular. If you need some help creating full lips try Benefit Cupid's Bow pencil set. The lighter end of the pencil highlights the upper lip Cupid's Bow and the darker end contours the lower lip to give you the perfect pout!
 
Eraser pencils are a wax based type pencil designed to erase make-up mistakes. I like Revlon's Make-up Eraser stick, more like a magic marker and works really well.
 
A note about pencil sharpeners:
Have a separate sharpener for eye pencils and one just for lips. This helps keeps bacteria at bay. 
 
When ever you can, buy the sharpener that goes with the pencil to make sure it fits.
 
Sharpen pencils by inserting them into the sharpener but tilt the pencil on an angle so the wood or plastic is cut from the pencil, this helps the color portion not to crumble.
 
Some pencil sharpeners can sharpen several sizes of pencils by having a small and large opening, plus a removal-able part from the large hole for another size. The stick found in a sharpener is to dig out any color that goes into the very tip of the sharpener. Your won't get a point to your pencil if the end is clogged.
 
To sanitize a sharpener, drop it in a disposable cup of  rubbing alcohol for a few minutes. Remove and lay on a paper towel until completely dry.

Recover from Summer
 
The summer was grand, but the fun(or chores) in the sun you had might be starting to show such as, dull skin, dry hair, cracked heels and a fading tan. Here is some help!
 
HAIR
Hot weather, swimming and being out in the sun for sports or chores can dry out hair and fade hair color. Get your hair back into shape by getting a trim and asking your hair dresser about glazing. Glazing is a great way to boost your hair color until you can get your next root touch-up or condition your natural hair color back to health. Or, you can buy glazing kits at the drug store to use at home. You can choose the kit by your hair color or if you are unsure of what color to buy, there is now a glaze for all hair shades by the John Frieda Collection, found at drug stores. Color enhancing shampoos are good too to help restore shine and hair color.  Dry hair or spilt ends can benefit from leave in conditioners or weekly treatments.
 
FACE
Whitehead build-up from use of sun screen or black heads in the oily T-Zone of the face can get some help by using a scrub a few times a week. Hyper-pigmentation from being outside may be darker so return to using your anti-aging creams to help fade the spots(my fav, Elizabeth Arden's Prevage). Use a concealer in the same shade as your skin tone to cover dark spots until they fade(will take 6-8weeks) Make sure your day time moisturizer has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin from the sun all year long.
 
Switch to a creamier foundation, this will add moisture to your face and even skin tone. A great base to use this time of year is Revlon Custom Creations foundation. It is one bottle of several shades of your skin tone, as your tan fades just use the lighter shades.
 
After your tan fades and you still want a golden glow, use bronzer as blush.
 
FADING TAN
That once golden glow is taking on an odd shade all of it's own, that is dead skin sitting on a dark back ground. Use a body scrub once or twice a week but be careful not to over use a scrub because your skin is actually repairing itself by shedding skin to return to it's regular self! If you feel you need for more exfoliation try Suave Daily Exfoliating Body Wash to gently buff your skin.
 
After a shower replace moisture by using a body lotion. Some times dry skin can be itchy, if that is your problem try Aveeno Daily body lotion with an SPF 15. If you want to hang onto your tan for a while longer, try Jergen's natural glow body lotion, it contains a bit of self tanner. To brighten your skin without adding color try Clarins new Bright Plus Body Veil with SPF 20(found at Macy's).
 
FEET
Wearing sandals or running around bare foot in the summer really dries out your feet. Remove dead skin from the back of heels, sides of big toes and balls of feet gently with a large emery board. Soak feet or after a shower, push back cuticles around your toes. Try La Cross Cuticle sticks, they exfoliate crusty cuticle build-up on toe nails or The Body Shop Almond Oil cuticle treatment with rubber pusher.  Apply lotion or apply Vaseline heal and repair balm to heels or other dry areas. If you are a diabetic, check with your doctor before you do anything to your feet or hands.
 
HANDS
Exfoliate your hands by washing them with a scrub, rinse and apply hand lotion. If you have age spots on the backs of your hands, apply your anti-aging treatment here too.

Double Duty
 
Wrapping up summer and getting the kids ready for back to school is one of the busiest times of the year. So, if you need a short cut to beauty or just plain ran out of something, here a few products that can do double duty until you have time to breath or get to the store!
 
1. Lip stick as blush, just take a bit of color with your fingers from your lip stick and rub it onto your cheeks.
 
2. Blush as lip stick, brick or plum shades of blush can work well as lip color, apply with your finger and top with clear gloss or Vaseline.
 
3. Chap Stick temporarily soothes a paper cut, coats spilt ends of your hair, use as a cuticle cream to "paste" down a hang nail until you can trim it properly. When you wear sandals and the back of your heals look dry you can apply Chap Stick to "fill in" the cracks until you can moisturize(use a separate Chap Stick for this purpose!)
 
4. Mascara the same shade as your hair, can cover grey hair on your head(if you just have a few hairs to cover). It will dry just as it does on your lashes.
 
5. Clear mascara works also as a eye brow fix, can calm stray hairs on your head if hair spray is not handy. If you are out and about and already have hair spray in your hair, but need a touch-up and you don't have hair spray with you, go to the bathroom, wet your hands and put your hair back in place, the water will re-set the hair spray.
 
6. Out of nail polish remover? Use any other nail polish. Just apply to the nail(one finger at a time) and wipe off right away with a tissue. Clear polish is best so you don't create another problem!
 
7. Hair conditioner makes a great substitute shave cream.
 
8. Add salt or sugar to any cream to get an instant scrub, you have to rinse it off any way.
 
9. Baby powder makes a good dry shampoo. If your out of shampoo(or don't have time) to wash and style your hair just apply baby powder to the oil around the hair line, the powder will absorb the oil and tide you over until you can shampoo your hair.
 
10. Baby shampoo can work as eye make-up remover, no tears!
 
11. Hand lotion calms static cling in your hair. Rub the hand cream into your hands and right before the last of the moisture sinks in, lightly smooth over your hair.
 
12. Eye cream can sub as lip cream, cuticle cream and even eye brow fix!   


Teens
 
Learning how to wear make-up is fun, but, skin care must come first!
 
Developing a daily skin care routine not only cleanses the skin, it helps control excess oil and blemish break-outs. A quick, easy way to start your day is with a cleanser made for oily skin, then follow with an oil-free moisturizer. At night, remove make-up with a make-up remover or cleanse your skin twice. Once to remove the make-up, once to cleanse the skin.
 
A few times a week use a scrub or a clay mask to remove dead skin and dry excess oil.
 
Taking care of your skin will make your make-up lay well. Teens do not need a lot of foundation, just some concealer to cover possible dark circles and blemishes. If you do want more coverage mineral make-up is the perfect answer. Mineral make-up sits on top of the skin and will not clog pores. It gives just the right amount of coverage.
 
To cover a blemish, start by using Clean & Clear Advantage Invisible Acne Patch. This product treats the blemish with salicylic acid and makes a base so the blemish will cover smoothly. If the blemish is really red try a color corrector in green, right after the "patch" then top the corrector with a concealer that is the same shade as your skin tone. Or use Clinique's anti-blemish acne solutions concealing stick. It covers and treats the blemish as well.
 
If you have all over redness from blemishes, try Physicians Formula Multi-color corrector powder in green.
 
Clinique's "pore minimizer t-zone shine control" is a good way to cut the shine by using it alone or under make-up or powder.
 
For the eyes, use only one or two eye shadows. A sweep of neutral eye shadow from lid to brow bone with a colored eye liner and matching mascara can give just enough color to complement your eyes. Try Almay "intense i-color" eye liner and coordinating mascara. Stay away from black liner and mascara, it is too harsh for a young face, use a soft black or brown with the same shade liner if you don't want color on your lashes. If you do want a second eye shadow, use it from the corner of your eye to the corner of your brow for a hint of color. Use the brush from your blush for a smooth eye shadow application(it is the perfect fit for your eye lid) and buy a blush brush to use with your blush.
 
Stay away from pink blush if you have blemishes, pink will only draw attention to the red of blemishes. Use a brick or apricot shade, even a shimmer-free bronzer will work.
 
Lip color can be what ever shade you are comfortable with but a soft shade one shade darker than your natural lip tone really looks nice. If you wear braces on your teeth, stay away from bright lip shades and high shine gloss. Wear a shade that is more matte and your natural lip tone.
 
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets are great to carry along for touch-ups. If you do want to use a powder for touch-up, use a blotting sheet first.
 
Oily skin can cause make-up brushes to collect oil, so wash them once a week with baby shampoo and let them dry over night to keep bacteria at bay so they won't be the cause of more blemishes.  

How to Wear Nude Make-up
 
The nude or neutral look is not as colorless as it used to be. It has a hint of color, such as pink or peach. It is a more natural look. When you don't have color in your face it lends the opportunity for any imperfections to show because they become the focus. Lines, puffiness around the eyes, dark spots, blemishes will show because they are the only color or contrast on the face.
 
Good skin care is a must to keep the skin in good shape so you don't have to wear much foundation. Also, exfoliate dead skin off the lips so lighter shades of lip color will lay well. Use a concealer to cover any dark circles and a foundation to even skin tone just where you need it.
 
For your eyes, use a cream to powder eye shadow in the same shade as your skin tone from lid to brow to even out skin tone. Use a second shade one or two shades darker than your skin tone from the corner of your eye to the corner of your brow.
 
Eye brow pencil or powder is a must to frame your eyes to make then stand out. Use a brow color one shade darker than your hair color.
 
Line your eyes on both the top and bottom with a powder pencil so it does not look too harsh. Use plenty of mascara.
 
Apply a blush with peach or pink in it with a blush brush to add a hint of color to your face. Also bring a bit of blush around your hair line. Peach for warmer skin tones, pink for cooler skin tones.
 
Line your lips with the side(to get a smooth line) of the pencil that is near, but one step darker than your natural lip shade. Add a little extra liner to the middle of your lower lip to add contour. Use a lip brush to apply a nude lip color to make sure you fill in the lines of the lips.
 
Matte beige all over the face can make the face look flat. Add  highlight with a champagne eye shadow or shimmer to your brow bone and apply gloss to your lips. The shine will help define your face.
 
Wear naked at night? Add gold shimmer. A bronzer with gold shimmer is perfect to apply to the tops of cheek bones and eye brow bone.
 
Keep some natural shine, don't powder to touch-up, use oil blotting sheets.   


A Day at the Beach
 
We just returned from a wonderful week at the beach. Here are a few tips to keep you safe in the sun.
 
My husband thought the self tanner we apply to him a few days before we leave for our trip to even out his "golfers tan", was a base tan! So for anyone else who thinks this do know self tanned skin is NOT a base tan! You are as vulnerable to sun burn as you would be in the middle of winter. A real sun base tan is only the equivalent to an SPF 4 so lay on the sun screen! By the way, Tee shirts only give an SPF 7 protection so apply a 1 oz. shot glass full of sun screen from your head to your toes 30 minutes BEFORE going into the sun. Re-apply every two hours, if you swim, more often.
 
Make sure you apply sun screen to ears, hands, tops of feet and the part in your hair(use a spray here). Wear a hat for even more head protection.
 
Pay attention to any hyper-pigmentation(dark spots) such as the top of the lip or cheek bones. What is already dark will become darker. Use a lip balm, not a gloss, with SPF 15 to protect your lips. It has been found that the shine of lip gloss attracts the sun and can burn the lips faster. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip balm with SPF 15 is perfect and gives you a little color.
 
The sun can dry out your hair and dull hair color. Wear a hat or wet and comb in some leave in conditioner with UV shield, such as Neutrogena Triple Moisture leave-in conditioner. The heat of the sun can help the conditioner work plus it will protect your hair from the salt water when you take a swim.
 
Don't wear fragrance on the beach! Where you apply it could cause a photosensitive reaction and cause a rash or sun burn. The bugs will also love you.
 
What to take in your beach bag:
1. Sunscreen for touch-ups. Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Block is  perfect for re-applying.
2. Hand Sanitizer, when you or the kids are ready for a snack you can wash hands!
3. Large tooth comb and conditioner for before or after you swim.
4. Small baby powder to help remove sand from bathing suits or legs before you get back in the car.
5.Band-Aid Blister Block in case your shoes or flip flops start to rub your feet the wrong way.
6. Kleenx
7. Lip balm w/ SPF 15
8. Sunglasses and eye glass cleaner. When the sea mist starts to fog up your glasses and make everything damp, you will be glad you have something dry to clean them. Keep eye glass tissues or the cleaner you need for any special glass in a plastic bag to keep it dry because even your beach towels will get moist if the spray starts to come onto the beach.
9. Hat
 
After a day at the beach:
Shower in luke warm water, use a body wash to cleanse. If you are prone to break-outs use a body wash w/ Salicylic acid.
Apply body lotion after your shower while the skin is still moist.
 
Reminder...........the longer you spend time in the sun, the higher the sunscreen.

Self Tanning
 
Every year self tanning products improve such as smell, length of drying time and choice of shade, but still problems arise. Here are a few questions I have been asked lately about self tanning problems. Maybe the answers will help you too.
 
Q: Why do I get dark patches of color on my legs after the tanner dries?
A: Dead skin. Skin is constantly replacing itself so to speed up natures process of "shedding" you need to exfoliate. A scrub removes the dead skin at the same time so you get an even "tan".
 
Q: Why do I get uneven color? This lady went on to tell me she puts her self tanner on right after her shower.
A: That is the problem, too much moisture still in the skin. When you apply body lotion right out of the shower it is good to put lotion on right away so the moisture helps absorb the lotion into the skin. BUT, self tanner should not sink in as body lotion does, it needs to sit on top of the skin to "tan".
 
Q: Why does self tanner get dark around the hairs on my legs?
A: This can happen when you apply self tanner right after you shave. The pores are still open from the shave and the self tanner gets into the pores and dries at the base of each hair. To prevent this, apply self tanner at night and shave the next morning. Apply body lotion to replace moisture, this will also enhance the color of your new "tan".

Q: Will self tanning make my freckles and dark spots look darker?
A: Yes, the tanner tans everything so what is dark already will appear darker. Avoid that area or use Chap Stick for the lips over any age or dark spots to dilute the tanner on that spot when you are applying it. If you have a lot of spots, freckles or blood vessels on your legs you might want to consider a leg make-up in a tan shade to cover cover them such as Derma Blend Leg Cover.
 
Q: It never fails, I always end up with dirty looking elbows, knees and or ankles. How can I prevent this?
A: Apply body lotion to these areas before applying a self tanner, it will dilute the product in that area. Other problem areas are between toes, fingers and your belly button!
 
If you should still find yourself with excess tanner that has dried, try using a scrub on the area or nail polish remover.
 
Self tanning for the face;
Use a self tanning product for the face(will say on the tube) on your face, neck and chest. These areas dry faster because of the extra oil in the skin, a tanner made for the face has less tanning ingredients in it so you won't get too dark. Use a scrub made for the face before your self tan.
 
As with any self tanner:
1. Wash your hands immediately after using a self tanner so your hands won't be stained. A true sign your tan is fake!
2. Wait at least 20 minutes before getting dressed or going to bed. Self tanning products tan everything it comes in contact with until it dries.
3. For a real looking tan, apply where the sun would naturally tan you.
4. The best results are one thin coat at a time over a few days. Applying a lot will not make you darker, it can cause streaks.
5. Self tanners fade away just like a real tan, in about 3-5 days.
6. Self tanning only adds color, it does not cover imperfections. Use Dermablend Leg Cover in a tan shade if you need coverage and color.
 
Types of tanners:
Lotion formulas are good for dry skin, it just takes longer to dry.
 
Foam is easy to apply and you get a more even tan.
 
Gel is good for oily skin and dries fast.
 
Look for tinted formulas that let you know where you have applied the product.
 
New this year, a self tanner with SPF 30! Try new Neutragena Color Boosting Sun Block. A mild self tanner while you protect your skin when outside.
 
Not all self tanning products contain an SPF so check the label and always use an SPF when you are out in the sun.

Types of Hair Removal

Summer has arrived and that means removing unwanted hair may be necessary. From the choices listed below, choose the best one for you.
 
Waxing last the longest, 3-4 weeks, but it hurts to remove the hair because it is pulled out by the roots. To maintain it, you have to wait for at least half the hair to grow out to wax again. If you do wax at home, use cold wax on your face, such as Surgi Wax kit and hot or cold wax on your body. Try Nair Microwavable Body Wax Kit at home. Follow the directions exactly as they read to get an easy nice wax.
 
Before you use any wax, make sure to remove any oils with an astringent such as Sea Breeze. Also make sure the area is free from moisture such as just out of the shower or perspiration. Sprinkle the area with baby powder before you apply wax to protect the skin. Apply wax in the direction of growth and remove in the opposite direction of the growth. Sooth newly waxed skin with baby oil or baby oil gel.
 
Avoid the week before your period when you wax. The skin is very sensitive during this time of the month and the pain will be more intense. For areas like the bikini line make sure you hold any extra skin tight with one hand before removing the wax with the other hand.
 
When waxing your eye brows, be careful not to put the wax too close to your eye brow, you just want to remove the stray hairs from below the brow. Leave a little room for the wax to spread. If the wax moves into your eye brow that hair will come out too!
 
When using any medication for the skin such as Renova or Accutane the skin can be extra sensitive, so check with your doctor before you do any type of hair removal. 
 
Depilation are chemicals that dissolve the hair right below the skins surface, lasts 3-5 days and is painless. This method also needs to have some re-growth to use it again. The courser the hair, the longer it takes to work just don't exceed the time limit stated on the product. For the face, use a depilatory made for the face, it will say right on the package. When using "in the shower" type products that you apply before you shower and they work while you bathe, make sure you wash your hands before you shampoo the hair on your head. Wipe, don't rub depilatories off the skin.
 
Shaving is the least expensive and you can do it more often. Always shave skin in the opposite direction of the growth wet and use a shave cream or lotion. Using the bar soap in the shower can clog the razor. Don't exfoliate where you shave. Don't sit in the sun or use self tanner after your shave, wait until the next day or shave the night before.
 
Shave slowly around shins, knees and ankles to avoid cuts. Prone to ingrown hairs? Shave in the direction of the hair growth.
 
Any method of hair removal can sometimes cause ingrown hairs. 24 hours after you remove the hair and up until the next time you remove it again you can use a mild exfoliant to take away dead skin that also attributes to ingrown hair. Try new Suave Daily Exfoliating body wash.
 
Soothing the itch and bumps from hair removal such as in the bikini area use an anti itch cream( found in first aide isles) or diaper rash cream. Butt Paste for babies works really well! 

Make-up That is Good for You
 
Cosmetic companies are starting to add some of the ingredients that are in skin care products to make-up so it can further treat the skin during the day. Aside from any allergies you may have to a certain ingredient, make-up can now be good for you.
 
The best example and now most common is the SPF, Sun Protection Factor. Several  years ago this number system was developed by the FDA(Food and Drug Administration) for suntan lotions so the consumer would know how much protection they were getting. The higher the number, the more protection. Gradually SPF was included in make-up bases, lipsticks and other products.
 
Plant and fruit extracts such as aloe and olive are added to make-up bases to provide moisture. Clinique's new supermoist make-up base is an excellent hydrator and can protect the skin from the elements in cold weather. Touch-up during the day with Clinique's new pressed powder with SPF 15 and Antioxidents for more protection.
 
Antioxidents are added to make-up to protect the skin from free radicals in the air. Vitamins A,C,E, B and soy can be found in Neutragena nourishing eye shadow duo, the base shade conditions and the accent shade will add brightness. Neutragena healthy volume mascara has a touch of olive oil to add fullness to lashes without clumping. Their Healthy Blends blush also has multi-vitamins and botanical conditioners.
 
Elizabeth Ardens Ceramide skin care line for the body, face, lip and eye contains Argeline to plump up fine lines. Now, Ceramide Plump Perfect make-up has Argeline too. Elizabeth Arden's newest skin care line, Intervene, is infused with Biodormin. This ingredient firms, tones, and improves skin radiance and texture and is also found in Intervene make-up SPF 15.
 
Anti-aging ingredients in foundations are not as strong as in skin care, so you still need your treatment creams at night. Also, your night creams penetrate the skin and work all night while make-up can wear away during the course of the day. Still, a little extra dose of treatment is a good thing!
 
Clinique Acne Solutions concealing stick treats blemishes with salicylic acid while it covers. Made for all skin types. Stop by your favorite Clinique counter to pick your shade.
 
For the lips, Clinique's full potential lips plump and shine lip gloss is like a built in lip cream. The shine of the gloss adds fullness and the botanical  ingredients plump lines. Wear alone for greatest plumping benefits or wear over lip stick for great shine. This gloss has staying power too!
 
As with any make-up, removing your make-up at the end of the day and cleansing your skin with products suited for your skin type also is good for your skin.

Mineral Make-up
 
Mineral make-up used to be a rare gem of a make-up but now it is showing up in a lot of available and affordable brands.
 
Mineral make-up is made from minerals scraped from rocks and sifted over and over into a fine powder. The powder is free of ingredients that cause irritation that regular make-up can cause, such as talc,oils and alcohol. It sits in top of the skin so oily skin prone to break-outs won't get clogged pores. It is fragrance free so is good for sensitive skin. Due to minimal ingredients it is excellent for chemo or post-surgical patients or anyone with rosaca.
 
Some new brands do come in a pressed version so it may not be pure minerals as the loose products but still, some minerals are better than none.
 
This make-up gives an excellent light weight cover and has staying power due to ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc and mica. These ingredients also act as a natural sun screen(check the amount on the label). But, if you are spending a lot of time in the sun use a regular sunscreen for better protection.
 
The loose form can be tricky to apply. For foundation, dip a powder brush into the powder, then tap the brush in the lid of the container it came in to remove any excess. Apply to the face in a circular motion.
 
Now there is a loose mineral form of concealer, L'Oreal mineral concealer is great to cover dark circles and add brightness to the eye area. For more coverage, such as a blemish, you will need to use a regular concealer.
 
Mineral eye shadow is great for itchy, watery eyes due to allergies or contact lens wearers. Use this product from the lid of the container, turn it upside down, open the container and use a sponge applicator to pick up the eye shadow, then apply to the eye lid.This prevents the powder from falling on your face. If you do get particles on your face don't wipe, use a powder brush to "sweep" it away.
 
Blush goes on smooth and natural, dip the brush into the powder, then tap excess away in the lid. This also prevents wasting the product.
 
Lip color has a low mineral content because it takes wax or other ingredients to make it stick together. Still, a nice natural look for the lips.
 
Look for the new mineral choices by Maybelline, Revlon, Jane, Neutragena and Physicians Formula where ever these products are sold. 

Gifts For Mom From Macy's
 
Shopping for mom this year is quick and easy in the cosmetics department at Macy's. Check out some of the wonderful choices.
 
Origins Ginger Essence gift set, available only at Macy's, includes a roll on Ginger fragrance, body wash, scrub and whipped body cream in a beautiful gift box. This set is perfect for fragrance layering which makes the fragrance last.
 
Origins reintroduced Gloom Away, a wonderful combination of grapefruit, field mint and sweet orange. This gift box comes with a bath bar, bubble bath, cleanser plus body souffle and is an excellent start to the summer!
 
Ask about a free facial appointment at Macy's Ross Park Mall Origins counter, call 412-366-1400 X-326.
 
Lancome offers pretty packaged gift sets in Miracle that includes fragrance, shower gel and body lotion. Also, Tre'sor fragrance in two sizes, bath gel and body lotion. As a gift, receive a fantastic white tote trimmed with gold with any Lancome fragrance spray purchase.
 
Estee Lauder offers Beautiful, Americas #1 fragrance, in a gift set of spray, shower gel, body lotion and powder.Also, with any Beautiful purchase receive a gift of mini spray, body lotion and double lip gloss in a pretty cosmetic bag.
 
Estee Lauder also offers a bonus buy when you purchase any Estee Lauder fragrance. This $140.00 value is only $27.50 and includes 6 pure color eye shadows, 2 blushes, 1 mascara, 1 eye liner, 2 lip sticks, a make-up brush set, cosmetic bag and matching tote. This collection is great for travel.
 
The fragrance counter at Macy's offers many top scents such as, Angel by Thierry Mugler, Euphoria by Calvin Klein, Light Blue and The One by Dolce&Gabbana. Plus, with any womens fragrance large spray purchase get an exclusive white bag with gold trim as a gift.
 
Many thanks to Macy's Ross Park Mall for allowing me to feature this wonderful selection of gifts from their cosmetic and fragrance departments for mom.
 
Happy Mother's Day!!!
 

Classic Cosmetics
 
Pittsburgh is a city that is rich in history and is celebrating it's 250th birthday this year. So to join in on some history, here are fun facts about cosmetics with a past that are still sold today.
 
Clinique's 3 Step Skin Care System turns 40 this year! In 1968 the cleanser, freshner, moisturizer system was born as the first dermatologist guided, allergy tested, 100% fragrance free brand. The Estee Lauder Company along with Vogue Editor Carol Phillips and dermatologist Norman Orentreich, M.D.developed this unique way for a client to custom fit their skin care. Dr. Orentreich found when asked to assess their own skin type, most people would guess wrong. That is when he came up with the "Clinique Computer" to make the choices that is best for the skin type.Over the years Clinique would add to this excellent skin care system such as Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel and Clarifying Lotion Mild. Since 2000, Clinique has sold enough pieces of the 3 Step System, that if placed side by side they would circle the globe! A bottle of Dramatically Different Lotion sells somewhere in the world every three seconds.
 
Almay hypoallergenic mascara celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. In 1930 the Almay company started when Fanny May Woitiz needed cosmetics more gentle for her skin. Her husband, Alfred and a dermatologist he hired came up with products that did work for Fanny May to use every day. Combining their names, Alfred and Fanny May, the company, Almay, was formed to sell their new products to everyone.
 
In 1913 Chemist T.L. Williams created the first mascara for his sister Mable so she could look good for her beau. He mixed Vaseline and coal dust to put on her eye lashes. It must have worked because Mable married her beau in 1914 and in 1915 her brother came up with a formula he could sell and named the new company Maybelline after Mable and Vaseline.Over the years the formula was improved and in 1971 Great Lash mascara was a hit and continues to be America's number one selling mascara. It sells at a rate of one every 1.9 seconds.   
 
Vaseline was born in 1859 when Robert Augustus Chesebrough noticed oil field workers using rod wax to sooth cuts and burns. He was inspired by the petroleum by product to make his product, Vaseline, and sold it door to door. Today you can purchase it in drug, grocery and discount stores.
 
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Protectant Skin Cream was invented by Miss Arden herself in her home in 1930. While still in development, she had a jar at home when her friend with a child visited and the child hurt himself. She put her cream on the injury and it is said the child was "cured" in eight hours, hence the name. This same formula has been sold ever since. Available where Elizabeth Arden cosmetics are sold.
 
In 1937 Max Factor, make-up artist to the stars, created a pan cake foundation to meet the requirements of the new color films. In 1948 he added a cream pan stick. Both products are still sold today. Max Factors great grandsons grew up to create a new make-up line, Smash Box ,so the cosmetic industry must be in the blood line!
 
Coty Airspun Loose Powder still comes in the original box designed by a famous stage and costume designer in 1920. It now comes in a fragrance free version.
 
Since 1907 Pond's Cold Cream still continues to be a popular all purpose skin care choice. The creams formula is basically unchanged since then.
 
For the lips: 
Chapstick, formulated in 1880 by Dr. C.D. Fleet to sooth dry lips at first was not a success, so he sold the company for $5.00. Maybe he should have given it more time!
 
Carmex was invented in 1956 by a husband and wife in their Wisconsin kitchen by mixing it in a 12qt kettle. Its intention was to not only sooth dry lips but to treat cold sores.
 
In 1973 Bonnie Bell introduces Strawberry Lip Smacker, the first flavored lip gloss. It now comes in over 30 shades.
 
One more, for the nails this time, in 1950 Sally Hanson comes out with the first clear nail polish that also strengthen the nails.
 
Some beauty products come and go, but I think it is safe to say after reading these short bios that sometimes tried and true can be better than new and improved.

Driver License Photo
 
Every four years we have to get a picture taken for our drivers licenses. Due to the lack of proper lightening for a photo, this is not the best picture we will ever take! Since we have to use it for awhile, here is how to make it better.
 
Cutting the shine and using foundation to even out the skin tone is best for any picture. Also, after adding concealer, with your finger, apply some pressed powder right under your eyes where dark circles can be to better hide those circles.
 
Because of the blue background, fluorescent lightening and day light coming thru the window there is a lot of blue in the picture. Avoid plum and pink shades because they will cancel out in blue light. These cool tones will wash you out and look like your not wearing make-up at all.
 
Wear warm tones, such as brownish gold eye shadow and a brick hue of blush and lip stick. Darken your eye brows a shade darker than your hair color, use eye liner and extra mascara to make your eyes stand out. If you have a fair skin tone and light hair, add a bit of blush around your hair line to make a contrast between your hair and face.
 
Anti shine cream is good to use if your don't wear foundation but it will not cover imperfections. Do not wear mineral make-up, it will reflect the light and cause shine. Do not wear shimmer products or shiny lip gloss. Matte is better for this photo.
 
Remember, the key to looking good in any photo is to even skin tone and cut the shine.
 

Organize Your Beauty Products
 
Last fall my husband and I started a renovation project to our home. That made me have to move out of my bathroom. I know, I was a bit spoiled having my own bathroom, but I knew while we shared the same space I would have to get organized. What I came up with has worked out so well I thought I would share it for the many folks who have to share a bathroom. I will continue to use this system when I move into the new one because it saves time and, my husband will be moving in too!
 
I separated the beauty products I use every day into three baskets. Shower, morning and night.
 
The shower basket contains:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Body scrub
Razor
Shave cream
Styling gel
Large tooth comb(best for combing out wet hair)
Body lotion
Deodorant
 
The morning basket contains:
A.M. cleanser
Moisturizer and eye cream w/ SPF
Day make-up
Make-up brushes
Tweezers
Hair spray and brush
 
Night basket contains:
Coets or cotton balls and Q-Tips
Make-up remover
Skin cleanser
Baby wash cloths
Treatment, night and eye cream
Night time body lotion
Dental floss
 
I  store the baskets in the closet and just take out the one I need. I keep a fourth basket with things I don't use on a regular basis like evening make-up, out of season make-up, manicure products, hair color and extra Coets and Q-Tips. 
 
Hand soap, tooth paste and tooth brushes I leave on the counter.
 
This system "keeps the peace" and also makes the bathroom very easy to clean by not having a lot of stuff to move.

Spring Shades
 
Make-up for Spring 2008 is a healthy, dewy look. Also, lipstick is back in such a big way it is out selling lip gloss!
 
The best way to get a real healthy glow is by taking care of your skin. Spring is the best time to switch from your winter products to something lighter. New, Origins Organics, will really get you in the mood for Spring. The whole skin care line is light weight but still hydrates with a very mild, fresh, clean scent.
 
Enhance your eye brows with pencil to frame your eyes to get ready to wear eye shadows one of three ways;
Bold shades on the lids, pastel shades from lid to brow or dove grey shadow from lid to brow with a highlight of bold.
 
Blush, eye shadow and lip gloss have a marbleized or floral pattern to the product in the compact that is the built in dewy glow.
 
Pink or rosy shades of blush will give you a healthy look. To update a shade you may already have, apply Clinique's Illuminator to the top of your cheek bones.
 
Bold lip sticks accent the face and the new bold colors of fashion. Not comfortable wearing bold? For cherry lips, use a lip stain and for other shades use a lip gloss in that shade for just a hint of color.
 
Remember, bold lips, pastel eyes. Bold eyes, light lips.
 
A guide to help you choose bold shades;
Fair skin tone- Pinks
Medium skin- Corals and brown golds
Dark skin- Plums
 
Nail polish can be bold or pastel and does not have to match lip color. Try Sally Hanson, "Quick Color" Fast Dry Nail Pen.  

Best of Beauty Tips
 
This week marks three years of my Beauty Editor segments. Through this segment I was able share beauty advice to a wide range of age groups and income levels AND have fun doing it! Here is a list of tips that stand out the most according to the viewers and friends who have mentioned them to me.
 
#1 My first sponsor was Elizabeth Arden. They are known for their Eight Hour Cream, a great product for everyone, even men to care for everything from dry chapped skin to cuts and razor burns.
 
#2 Baby wash cloths. I started to use these after I went to a few baby showers and noticed the mother-to-be getting these as gifts. You can buy regular wash cloths by the dozen to cleanse your skin but I think they are too harsh. I liked the perfect texture and size of the baby cloths for grown-ups to use too.     
 
#3 Recycle, using baby wash cloths for the baby and yourself is a great way to go "Green". The pre treated w/ soap disposable wash cloths are perfect for the gym or travel, but for every day use, use cloth and wash!  Since my recycle segment last year, ladies continue to tell me they have started to recycle beauty product containers. Just look for the #1 or #2 in a triangle on the bottom of plastics, also all glass can go in your household recycle bin.
 
#4 Organic seems to go along with recycle. Since my segment last year several more pure organic products have come on the market. Look for the USDA Organic or ECO-CERT seal on the product to make sure it is all organic. A new one to try, "Orgins Organics", a full line of skin, body and hair care line.
 
#5 New mom beauty tips. A year after I did suggestions for new mom's with changing skin and hair problems, a new mom walked up to me and gave me her tip to share. She was told she looked tired(gee thanks) so she started to use Benefit's Eye Bright in the corner of her eyes and the comments stopped! Dry skin looks dull and can also be a concern so exfoliate your skin and apply a moisturizer so  your skin looks fresh, another way not to look tired.
 
#6 Menopause. After interviewing new moms and women going through menopause I discovered they have some of the same problems. One of the them, dark circles. Also menopause causes hot flashes so the perfect product for dark circles is Dermablend because it is water proof. This segment sent women all over the viewing area looking for Dermablend! When you cover dark circles you look and feel a bit brighter.
 
#7 Quick French manicure.Use a nail white pencil(available in drug stores) under the free edge of your finger nails. Top with a clear quick dry nail polish.
 
#8 Kohl's has the easiest way to shop for cosmetics. Their information is excellent for helping you choose your skin care and a new make-up look. Your shopping list is right on the back of the cards! Check out the cosmetics department at a Kohl's near you.
 
#9 Easy eye liner. If you have trouble making a straight line, apply three dots of eye liner(pencil or liquid) on your lids, one at each end and one in the middle, then connect the dots. Try Cover Girl's new Line Exact Liner. The short size of the liner helps you control the line also.
 
#10 Gift baskets. One of the most mentioned tips I ever did was the suggestion of what to take to someone in the hospital when you can't take flowers or food. Well, everyone is bathed so take them a body wash and a sponge(maybe even a package of baby wash cloths!) with a body lotion in a small gift basket. Hand cream and lip balm are also good gifts to take. A little extra pampering during this time will be greatly appreciated.
 
The best new products in the past three years, in my opinion, is Elizabeth Arden's Prevage, Jergen's Natural Glow Body Lotion and Revlon's Make-up Mistake Eraser pen!!

Make-up for Red Heads
 
Natural red hair is beautiful but along with that comes fair skin and freckles. Fair skin tends to be sensitive, possibly dry and very susceptible to sun damage. Freckles may be sprinkled about especially over the nose and cheeks so every day apply an SPF of at least 15.
 
It is very important to choose the correct shade for your skin tone(test on your jaw line to match your neck or compare the under side of your arm if you have only a color chart) and keep foundation sheer. Don't try to cover freckles with heavy make-up. Look for foundations with pale or ivory in the name.
 
Dark circles appear to look blue so use a yellow based concealer to counter the blue. Sometime veins around the forehead can look blue, you can use the yellow here too. Benefits Lemon Aid concealer is a good one.
 
Sometimes fair skin can have a red flushed look. Try a green powder color corrector after foundation on that area to tone it down. Physicians Formula has a good one that also adds a glow to your face.
 
Blush can be a cinnamon or coral shade to add warmth to the face without adding any more red. If you don't have the red "flush" and need some color, try Neutrogena's new sheer highlighting blush in Pure 22.
 
Eyes look beautiful in gold brown shades of eye shadow. Brown eye liners and mascara are good to use because they have a bit of red in them. Chestnut or expresso eye liners and black/brown mascaras are more brown and work if you are a darker red head.
 
Eye brow color can be a bit tricky so check with your favorite department store line for red head shades or use brown. JUST FOR REDHEADS Beauty Products catalog is the perfect place to find the exact shade of red for you at www.justforedheads.com <http://www.justforedheads.com/>  or call 1-800-831-8240 to request a catalog.
 
For lips, use a sheer reddish brown shade to finish your look.
 
Natural red hair color is unique and hard to copy so care for it by using a shampoo made for red heads. Try Pantene Pro-V red expressions color enhancing shampoo. 

Red Lips for Valentine's Day
 
This Valentine's Day wear the current trend of matching red lipstick and nail polish.
 
New formulas of lip color make it easy for everyone to wear red lips and nails. Wear a red tint, stain or gloss by day, matte or cream reds at night.
 
Not comfortable wearing red? Start with something sheer, such as Cover Girl Wetslicks fruit spritzer lip gloss in strawberry splash, and work your way up.
 
Choose your red;
Fair skin tone- blue or pink based reds
Medium-orange based
Olive-wine reds
Dark- brownish reds
 
Red nail polish can be chosen the same way, by skin tone. Try the new Color Quick Fast Dry nail color pen by Sally Hanson in Red. Easy to apply and dries fast!
 
Prepare lips for red lip color;
#1 Apply lip primer or if using a lip plumper, let it dry a few minutes before step #2.
#2 Cover lips with a foundation or use a sponge applicator to apply concealer around your lip line. This will help make your lip color last longer.
 
There are two ways to wear red;
#1 For an up-dated look, use your finger to apply the color. I recommend using an invisible lip liner first.
#2 The classic way, line lips with a neutral or red lip pencil the same shade as your lipstick. Follow with a lip color.
 
Need practice lining your lips? Apply lip stick to your lips, kiss the back of your hand then use a pencil to trace your lip print.
 
To enhance your Cupid's bow(the V in the middle of your top lip) try Benefits new Cupid's Bow kit. Apply the end of the pencil that high lights the cupids bow, use the other end of the pencil under your bottom lip to enhance your pout. Then line or apply lip color to your lips. Great for people with a small cupid's bow or thin lips.
 
After applying lip color, keep lip stick off your teeth by putting your index finger in your mouth and slowly pull it out to remove any excess color. Sounds odd but it really works!
 
To prevent lip prints on your wine glass, discreetly wet the rim of the glass with your tongue before the first sip.
 
Lip prints are said to be like finger prints, no two are the same.
 
Happy Valentine's Day! 

Scrubs
 
A scrub is an important accessory to your skin care routine that speeds up natures process to remove dead skin. The use of scrubs will make your skin look healthy and fresh, creams will penetrate better and make-up will lay well.
 
Scrubs are made for your face to your feet. Be sure to use the scrub made for that part of the body you want to remove dead skin. Basicly, the thicker the skin(hands and feet), the coarser the scrub.
 
There are two types of scrubs for your face. A daily scrub to use daily such as Clinique's 7 Day scrub cream, will have finer granules. A scrub to be used once or twice a week such as Booth's Green Apple scrub, has granules similar to sugar.
 
Dry chapped lips are a problem this time of year and can benefit by a very fine scrub just for lips by Crabtree&Evelyn, use according to directions. Or, you can apply Vaseline to your lips and gently rub with a wash cloth.
 
Granules in body scrubs also vary in size. Clinique Body Exfoliating Cream has a texture similar to table salt while Dr. Weil's for Orgins granules are like kosher salt(actually sea salt). These scrubs are to be used once or twice a week and just like the face, daily body scrubs have finer granules.
 
Scrubs for the hands and feet also have larger granules, but due to the thickness of the skin can be used more often.
 
After using any scrub, always rinse with water and apply moisturizer made for that part of the body.

Your Make-up's Underwear
 
This expression was used by a former supervisor of mine to describe primers. Using a primer before make-up makes an excellent canvas for foundation to lay well and help it last all day.
 
First step, cleanse skin. Clean and Clear Morning Burst shine control facial cleanser is the perfect way to cut any oil on your face to prep your skin for primer. Step two, apply moisturizer. Step three, apply a primer. A primer will fill in large pores and lines so your foundation will lay smoothly. A primer can also say "anti-shine cream" or "shine control" on the package, such as Clinique Pore Minimizer line. Maybelline Superstay Silky foundation has the primer in one package so you apply them both in one application.
 
Primer for the eye lid is a very light in consistency cream to help prevent your eye shadow from creasing. You can also use a cream or powder neutral shade of eye shadow as an eye shadow primer.
 
Primer for the lips is also a very light cream to prepare for lip stick and keep it from bleeding into the tiny lines around the lips. As with eye and lip cream for moisture, lip and eye primers need to be lighter in consistency than the face primer to work on the thinner skin in these areas.
 
Just like base coat to nail polish it may take a few extra seconds to apply but your make-up will last a lot longer with the help of primers. Touch up with a blotting sheet and powder if need be.
 

Update Your Make-up Bag
 
The beginning of the year is a great time to take out the old and bring in the new beauty items you carry with you everyday. Cleaning out your make-up bag is the perfect time to update your make-up and keep germs away.
 
The most used product in your bag is most likely a pressed powder compact. If a crust has developed  on top it is oil from your face that has been transfered to the powder when not in use. You can scrape it off with an old tooth brush and replace the puff. To prevent this in the future, keep the cellophane circle the compact comes with as long as you can to separate the puff from the powder. If you buy a new compact, get one that has a separate compartment for the puff, such as L'Oreal true match compact.
 
To help keep make-up fresh and germs at bay keep this in mind:
Powdered products, such as powder, eye shadows and blush have a life of about 3 years.
Liquids and concealer around 2 years.
Eye pencils 6 months.
Mascara 3 months.
 
If your lip stick or gloss smells like an old crayon, throw it away. If any thing smells different or has separated, throw it away.
 
To prevent eye shadows and blush from cracking, don't carry them with you on a daily basis. Use primers when you first apply your make-up and you won't have to touch up these areas during the day.
 
The items to carry in a make-up bag for daily touch-ups:
Pressed powder
Concealer
Lip stick you are wearing that day.
Mascara
Emery board
Oil blotting sheets
Revlon make-up eraser pen
 
Benefit has a great new product perfect to carry for touch-ups called "Just in Case" It contains a tiny lip gloss, tiny cheek and lip stain, eye bright and foundation. Just take your powder, mascara, blotting sheets and your set for the day! 

Skin care at Bed Time
 
After a busy holiday season it is time to get back into regular habits. A good New Year's resolution to make is to develop a skin care routine at night. When you take care of your skin at night it will not only look better, it will feel better and make-up will lay well the next day.
 
#1 If you wear make-up cleanse twice. Once to remove the make-up and then again to cleanse the skin. Use a make-up remover or cold cream and you will see the make-up lift off your face when the cream changes color. Not wearing make-up? Move to step #2.
 
#2 To cleanse your skin use a cleanser for your skin type. The product will clearly state oily, dry, normal or combination. Dove pre treated wash cloths or Aveeno face pads are excellent for a busy life style.
 
#3 Pat skin dry with a wash cloth. Baby wash cloths are the best. They are the perfect size and more gentle on the skin. They are less expensive than regular wash cloths and come in packs of 6 or 8. Perfect for a week's worth of cleansing.
 
#4 Use eye and lip cream. Apply them first so you will automaticly avoid putting anything else in that area. The eye and lip skin are very thin and use thinner creams. Treatment or night creams are too heavy and could cause puffiness if used there.
 
#5 Apply treatment, this would be your anti aging type products or blemish treatments. Next your night cream(according to your skin type). Also, use treatment and night cream on your neck and chest.
 
#6 Brush your hair, leaving you hair stiff from hair care products can cause hair breakage.
 
#7 Using body lotion or cream is a relaxing way to end your day. Don't forget your hands and feet.
 
#8 Sleep on a satin pillow case, it will help prevent creasing on your face.

Top Beauty Products of 2007
 
Often I am asked my opinion on what is the best product to buy before someone invests in beauty products. So in order to give the best answer I can, over the past few months I kept track of products that were mentioned the most in assorted popular magazines. This list is a guide to help you make the best choice for you and your money.
 
Body; Jergens Natural Glow Dailey Moisturizer
           Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Body Treatment
 
Face; Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer
          Olay Foam Moisturizer w/ SPF 15
 
           Smash Box Primer
           Revlon Color Stay foundation w/ SPF 15
           L'Oreal True Match Blendable Powder
 
Eyes; Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
          Cover Girl Exact Liquid Pen eye liner
 
Blush; Revlon Cream or gel
 
Lips; Elizabeth Arden Plump Perfect lipsticks
         Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant w/ SPF 15
 
Nails; OPI nail polish
          Sally Hanson Diamond base coat
          Cutex Nail Polish Remover pads
 
SPF; Neutragena Ultra Dry Block SPF 55 w/helioplex
 
Cleanse; Cetaphil
              Aveeno Dailey Cleansing Pads
              Almay Eye make-up remover pads
 
Anti-aging; Elizabeth Arden Prevage 


Last Minute Gift Ideas and Stocking Stuffers
 
Christmas is right around the corner so here are some suggestions for fast and easy gifts to give.
 
Kohl's "American Beauty" line offers gifts sets of their new fragrance, "Wonderful" in two choices. Perfume and body lotion set for $42.50 and a limited edition set of fragrance that also includes American Beauty skin care products for $100.00 in a beautiful silver zippered case. Look for plenty of stocking stuffers too in the cosmetic department such as assorted make-up brushes and Flirt Lip Wishes lip gloss set. Get a free red gift box with ribbon with any $35.00 Kohl's cosmetic department purchase.
 
Sephora "Supermodel Kit" straight from the runways of Fashion Week Live, gives you the opportunity to try several different products they sell in this special set with a black clutch bag for $59.00. Makes a great gift. Get one for yourself and you will be ready for New Year's Eve!  Always a big hit, Sephora Block buster Palette, $48.00. Perfect for the stocking, Sephora Enchanted Eye Palettes in Plum and Bronze, $26.00 each. Enjoy complimentary gift wrap or a satin silver draw string bag with your purchase.
 
Elizabeth Arden offers two Block Busters every year with any $22.50 purchase. The red box Block Buster is $36.00 and the Block Buster with the red bag is $42.50. Available at Macy's or any other Elizabeth Arden counter.
 
Bath and Body has a great assortment of gifts and stocking stuffers for all ages. Moonlight Path Shimmer Bubble bath in a tree ornament bottle. Peppermint Shimmer Body Powder and Twisted Peppermint lip gloss just to name a few.
 
Crabtree&Evelyn bath foam ornaments are perfect stocking stuffers or use them to dress up a gift package instead of a bow.
 
From the drug, discount or grocery store; "Jane" Be Pure Mineral make-up in a box, Peppermint Bath Confetti, Cell phone bling lip gloss(set of three), Chap Stick "Me & Mom" lip balm.
 
To give these gift ideas in unique ways such as, Mrs. Santa's skirt bag or felt and fabric gifts bags instead of  paper visit "The Curtain Call" at 526 Penn Ave. Pgh, Pa, 412-392-3313. Shop the rest of the store for excellent gifts for that hard to buy for person on your gift list. Pick up a pretty stocking too!
 
This time of year is the perfect time to try products for yourself too! Gift sets are always an excellent value.
 
Happy Holidays!!!

Holiday Make-up
 
Evening make-up is just a dressed up version of your day make-up with bolder color. The current rule for application is strong eyes, pale or neutral lips or strong lips, pale or neutral eyes. I like to balance the face so with a strong eye I like to add a bit of color with Benefit Lip Balm or stain.
 
Jewel tones of eye shadow make up the holiday eye this season. Jewel tones are purple, blue or green. If you prefer a softer eye look just choose a pastel version of the color. What ever shade you choose for eye shadow always apply an eye shadow primer or a neutral shade first to prevent blotches. Use a brush for a smooth application also.
 
When wearing a dark shadow use a metallic pencil in the inner corner of the eyes to add brightness. Also, don't use too much eye liner, it will make the eyes look too dark. For a pale eye, if you use a neutral shade of shadow, line the eye with a jewel toned liner.
 
Shimmer is a great accent to holiday make-up. Here are a few suggestions for wearing shimmer;
1. Pick only two areas on the face to apply shimmer. Such as highlight the eye brow bone OR tops of cheeks with a hint of shimmer on the lips.
 
2. If you have oily skin apply shimmer to lips or eyes only and always avoid the "T-Zone"(forehead, nose, chin).
 
3. If you wear an eye shadow that has shimmer already in it, don't add more.
 
4. Don't put shimmer under the eyes or near "crows feet"(lines around the eyes), it will only magnify them.
 
5. Stick to smaller particles, they blend better.
 
6. Gold or bronze shimmer adds a warm glow to the skin and is best for medium to dark skin. Silver or white is best for light skin tones and adds a cool glow.
 
7. Shimmer on the lips can make them look fuller so apply it to the Cupid bow of your upper lip or the middle of your bottom lip for what works best on you.
 
8. When using body shimmer apply body lotion first, it will make it stick.
 
9. When using shimmer on your shoulders or collar bones blend a bit onto your neck.
 
10. Apply SOME shimmer to the tips of your eye lashes with a disposable mascara brush dipped into your mascara then into some shimmer, apply to the lashes. The disposable wands(available at Sally Beauty Supply) keeps the shimmer out of the rest of your tube.

Make-up Bloopers
 
During the holidays when there is a million things to do, there maybe little time left to apply make-up well. Here are a few common mistakes and how to prevent them.
 
#1 Using the wrong shade of concealer.
The wrong shade can make the problem you are trying to cover look worse. Choose a concealer for under your eyes one shade lighter than your skin tone and for the face, the same shade as your skin tone.  Best bet, buy your concealers when you buy your foundation to make sure all the shades are correct for you. 
 
#2 Too much foundation.
Too much base can settle into lines and end up not matching your neck as you go through the day or evening. Too keep base from changing color let your moisturizer soak in, maybe brush your teeth while you wait. A primer is a great way to help foundation lay well and use less. A foundation brush is also helpful to get a smooth, light application. Apply base starting at your nose and work your way out to put the coverage right where you need it.
 
#3 Too much eye brow color.
Eye brows drawn too dark can take attention away from your eyes. To make sure you shape your brows correctly measure them with a pencil. The ends of your brows by your nose should line up with the sides of your nose. The arch with the middle of your eye and the ends of the brow the outer corner of the eye. Then use a brow color with quick light strokes to fill in and brush out with a brow brush or child's tooth brush. This will give your brows a bit of color with a softer look.
 
#4 Eye liner all around the eye.
This too draws attention away from your eyes. Apply eye liner from the corner of your eye by your nose at the iris of your eye and continue to the end of the lash line. Use a powder pencil or wet eye shadow to have better control of the line. You can also use the dot method, apply three dots one at each end of the eye lid and one on the middle then correct the dots. Use eye liner on just the outer corner of the lower lash.
 
#5 Stripes for blush.
Blush is meant to add a natural glow so if you are heavy handed, use a blush brush with a lighter shade. Gel blush applied with your fingers works well too for a more natural look.
 
#6 Thick clumped eye lashes.
To prevent dry flakes replace your mascara every three months to keep it fresh and safe from bacteria. Wipe the wand w/ a paper towel before application and apply one coat, let dry, and apply a second coat to the tops of your lashes, that way you will have coverage when you look down. 
 
#7 Dark line around the lips.
Lip liner helps lip stick last and prevents bleeding into fine lines but it should be blended in with your lip color. Choose a lip liner the same color as your lip stick or use a nude or clear lip pencil. Line the lips and fill in the whole lip for staying power with a smooth finish.


Small Shops of Beauty
 
Some of the best shopping for hidden beauty treasures is right in the middle of the mall. The kiosks offer great products for yourself and make great gifts. Here are a few to check out when you shop for the holidays.
 
Piurre'
This affordable line of mineral make-up offers many shades and unique ways to use it in addition to regular application. Due to the small size of the grains Piurre' suggest you can;
1-Add water to make eye liner or liquid eye shadow.
2-Add petroleum jelly to get lip gloss.
3-Add clear nail polish to get nail color.
4-Mix with body lotion to get body shimmer.
5-Create temporary hair highlights by using the powder with a hair brush.
 
Be Jeweled
This kiosk not only has wonderful selection of hair accessories but the representative can show you how to wear them. Beautiful for your hair for the holidays and a great gift idea.
 
Sea Spa Skin Care
This line of skin care from the sea makes your skin instantly feel soft and smooth. Their nail kit is the greatest. Use the special four sided buff as directed and your nails will not only look smooth but look as if they are wearing clear polish! So easy, fast and no waiting for polish to dry. Follow with the cuticle oil, hand lotion and your hands will look great. Let the representative buff your nails and ask about their other wonderful products. Also makes great gifts.
 
Find these wonderful stores in the middle of Ross Park Mall and South Hills Village.
Special thanks to the management office at Ross Park Mall for all their help.     

Beauty Myths
 
 #1 Shaving will make your hair grow in thicker. False. It is just the new hair pushing out the old hair that has been cut in half.
 
#2 If you wax, fewer hairs will grow back. Possibly, but this can take time. Wax rips the hair out at the roots, repeating injury to the follicles over time can damage them to the point of not growing back.
 
#3 Brush your hair 100 strokes every night. False. 100 is too much but brushing does distribute natural oils from scalp to ends. Also, brushing out any hair products to remove the stiffness helps to keep the hair from breaking while you sleep.
 
#4 Beer to thicken hair? True, but you will smell like beer! Use a thickening shampoo instead, it will say thickening right on the bottle.
 
#5 Pluck a gray air and you will get more. False. There is only one hair per follicle. Use hair color to cover gray and tinted eye brow gel to cover grays in the brows.
 
#6 Apply coco butter to rid or prevent stretch marks. False. Stretch marks are formed below the top layer of the skin where coco butter can't reach. But it can stop the itching as skin expands.
 
#7 Tanning or tooth paste to heal blemishes. False. Tanning can dry the skin so the body protects itself by producing more oil glands to "fix it". But 10-15 minutes(only) of sun daily does give you a dose of Vitamin D.
 
#8 Preparation H for puffy eyes. False. The ingredient used to reduce puffiness is no longer found in the USA version. Use Preperation H only where it is meant to be used.
 
#9 Oily complextions age more slowly than dry skin. False. Wrinkles occur in the second layer of skin. Oil is in the top layer so one has nothing to do with the other. Choose skin care according to your skin type to care for your skin.
 
#10 Only women over 30 need to use moisturizer. False. Skin needs both oil and water, oily skin already has oils and just needs to add the water, use an oil free moisturizer until you see less oil in your skin regardless of your age. You may also need to adjust your products with the change of the seasons.
 
#11 Nail polish can stain nails. True. The darker the polish and the longer you wear it will cause stains because nails absorb pigment. Prevent this by always using a base coat. The stain will grow out when you stop wearing dark shades or you can try lemon juice, denture cleaner or teeth whitening products to help fade the stains until your nail grows out.
 
#12 Gelatin hardens nails. False. Both are made of protein but the way your body absorbs gelatin when you eat it has nothing to do with nails.
 
#13 White spots under your nail bed are calcium deposits. False. It is from trauma to the nail, such as slamming your finger in a door.
 
#14 Blowing on your nails helps them dry faster. False. Moisture from your breath interferes with drying agents and dulls the shine.  Use a quick dry nail polish or a top coat dryer.

A Little Help from Mother Nature
 
Fruits and vegetables have been used for years and years as home beauty remedies. Now you can buy products containing the same beneficial ingredients. To get full nutritional value from foods you must eat them, but you can also benefit from the moisturizing, exfoliating and anti-oxidant properties by using food on the surface of the skin.
 
Products with avocado and olive oil are made to hydrate the skin, best for dry skin. Oatmeal relieves itching and soothes dry skin. An oatmeal bath can sooth the itch of poison ivy or chicken pox. Aveeno products use oatmeal as one of their staple ingredients.
 
Free radicals in the air, such as pollution, dirt, cigarette smoke and the sun can make the skin look dull and older. To help protect your skin you need an anti-oxidant. The perfect example of how free radicals effect the skin is an apple. When you cut an apple in half the air causes the apple to turn brown, to prevent this, lemon juice is usually applied to stop the brown from appearing. The lemon juice is a type of anti oxidant for the apple. An anti-oxidant is what we can use to help protect the skin. Pumpkin, carrots, apples and grapes are good choices as a natural anti-oxidant. You can mash pumpkin w/ a bit of milk and apply to the skin, let it on for 10 minutes and rinse or use a mask you can buy containing pumpkin. Cut a grape in half, remove the seed and rub the grapes over your skin, leave on for 10 minutes and rinse or try Almay daily moisturizer with grape seed and  SPF 15. Peel and Reveal mask with grape seed oil by Elizabeth Arden is an excellent mask. Try "Yes To Carrots" skin care line available at Walgreens to benefit from carrot seed oil.
 
Pumpkin and apple are also good to use to exfoliate. They both can instantly brighten the face by removing dead skin. Products with sea kelp or sea salt are good for oily completions because of their anti-bacterial qualities to help aid the healing of blemishes. Cucumber cuts oil without drying the skin or hair. Try a cucumber shampoo for oily hair.
 
Citrus is great aromatherapy because citrus is said to lift your spirits, use a citrus after shower spray to help wake you in the morning.
 
Lavender helps you relax, so use a product with lavender before going to bed to help you sleep.
 
Remember, if you are allergic to foods when you eat them you will be allergic if you use them on your skin.

Beauty Solutions for Chemotherapy Patients
 
The effects of chemotherapy on the skin can be as devastating as the illness itself. The use of cosmetics not only help a cancer patient look better, they boost confidence as well.
 
In addition to hair loss the skin becomes dry. Cleanse the face with a soap free cleansing product and use a body wash for the body. Right after you cleanse, apply a moisturizer to your skin and a body lotion to the body. Use a moisture cream and stay away from scrubs, masks and alpha-hydroxy type products while under going treatments. However, you can use Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules.This product puts back what the skin has lost and adds much needed brightness. Twist open the capsule and apply to the face and throat at night and before moisture cream with SPF in the morning. 
 
The skin thins and looses elasticity so be very careful in the sun. Cover your body w/ clothing and apply an SPF 15 to any place on your body you can't cover.
 
The change in the skin also causes the skin to lighten or darken so you will need to choose a new shade of foundation. Don't try to keep your skin tone the same as it was before the treatments. Use a concealer to cover dark circles. Skin can also appear dull so finish your make-up with a dusting of anti-aging powder, the light reflecting particles can add a brightness to your skin.
 
Mineral make-up for eye shadow and blush is a good choice because it works well on sensitive skin. Use a neutral shade for your eye area to help cover darkness and a pink shade of blush to add color to your skin. A touch of blush on the forehead between the eyes can restore a healthy glow. 
 
Eyebrows can also be part of hair loss so use a powder brush-on-brow for a natural looking replacement. Use mascara on any remaining lashes or use a powder liner pencil and lightly stroke a fine line along the lash line to make the appearance of lashes.
 
Chapping could lead to infection since immunity is low so always use a lip balm. It is best to use a non-pigmented lipstick but if you would like a little color on your lips try Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick. It comes in four shades, also one without color and has an SPF 15.   
 
Stick to brands you know, if you do try a new product only try one at a time to make sure it works with your skin. Use new products, a cream you are half way through may contain bacteria that normally would not be a problem, but with the delicate condition of the skin during chemo could cause an infection.
 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so buy products that wear the pink ribbon, some of the proceeds from these products go toward Breast Cancer Research. Two of my favorites are Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Pink lip gloss and Philosophy shampoo bath and shower gel.
 
National City joins the fight against breast cancer in October by offering Diamond Edition Personal Checking and Small Business Checking Packages. Also, a Diamond Edition Visa. Receive a pink ribbon gift of your choice when you open an account. For more information on these excellent programs visit any National City branch location   

The Classic Make-up Look

The shades of a classic make-up are brown eye shadows, natural cheeks and red lipstick. This color combination works well for almost everyone because there are many shades of brown and red to choose from. These shades work with any outfit, especially with this falls plaids and tweed.

You can choose these shades not only for your skin tone but your comfort level. Also you can darken them for evening.

The classic eye shape is when the bridge of the nose is the same width as the eye. This is like the oval face, it is just a guide to use for applying make-up.

Fair skin tones can wear beige brown eye shadows highlighted by a champagne shade eye shadow.

Medium and darker skin tones look best in caramel hues of eye shadow highlighted with a soft gold.

The darker the shade of brown shadow, use less amounts of eye liner so you don't make the eye area too dark.

Natural pink or a rosy brown blush works well with brown and red. Apply your lip stick first then your blush so you can judge the amount you need. You only want to see a hint of color on the cheeks.

To make red lip shades lay well, exfoliate! Use Crabtree&Evelyn exfoliating lip smoother a few times a week, rinse, then apply a clear lip balm such as Chap Stick. Avon has an exfoliator and lip balm in their Beyond Color lip collection.

Use a nude or clear lip pencil to line lips before red lip stick. Sally Hansen Invisible lip liner works well to prevent red lip stick from bleeding. For a more natural look you can apply red lip stick with your finger tip.

Choose your red: Fair skin tone-orange red
Medium-blue reds
Dark- brown reds
Olive-wine reds

Thin lips? Dark recedes and makes lips look smaller so use red lip gloss, the shade won't be as dark and the shine will make the lips look larger.

Not comfortable with red on your lips? Use a lip stain, such as Benefit lip stain or sheer red lip gloss.



How to Deal with a Fading Tan

As your tan fades, your skin can become an odd in between shade because of flaking dry skin. Here is some help to blend back into your natural skin tone.

Exfoliate! Speeding up natures process with a scrub will give your skin a glow and make up will lay well. Use a body scrub for the body and a scrub or mask designed for the face for the face. Next, use plenty of moisturizer, the glow body lotions can prolong your tan as well as replace moisture.

Since the face fades faster than the body, use a regular moisturizer with SPF 15 for the day then start to use half of your lighter, winter foundation. Blend on the back of your hand and keep adding more of your winter shade with your summer shade as the tan fades.

As you gradually ease into your winter foundation, use bronzer as blush. Cargo Bronzing Kit, comes with a bronzer and brush, gold eye shadow and neutral lip gloss, available at Sephora.

During this process, wear warm shades of brown eye shadow highlighted with one of the new gold or orange shades for fall. Use more mascara and eye liner to draw attention to your eyes rather than your skin. Also,wear one of the new rich shades of lip stick to get a head start on your fall/winter make-up.

The sun that gave you the tan might also have increased hyper-pigmentation, such as freckles, pregnancy mask or age spots, so start using an anti aging cream such as Prevage, by Elizabeth Arden to help fade the spots. The fading creams need at least 6-8 weeks to see results, so use a concealer to cover them until they fade.



Finding Beauty Products From the Past

Have you ever wondered if they still make your favorite product from the past? The Vermont Country Store Catalogue has fragrance, skin and nail care plus make-up you will remember and may have used. Here are some of the products that are still alive and well.

Tangee, a popular lipstick from the 1940's is still making their classic red lip sticks, now with SPF 15. A new twist to the old favorite is Tangee lip stick and rouge that changes to your natural shade. Even though the lipstick looks orange and the rouge a dusty rose, after application the shades will change to become uniquely your own.

Another great lipstick is Tabu, first introduced in the 1950's is the original smear proof lip stick because of the higher wax content. Comes in four great shades.

All-Purpose Indian Earth Powder from the 1980's still comes in the little clay pot and still looks good as blush, eye shadow, lip color(top w/ a gloss for shine) and nails(rub on then top w/ clear polish). Comes with a brush.

Frownies and Wrinkies, line smoothers used by old and new Hollywood stars are still recommended by dermatologists and make-up artists. Frownies, for the forehead and between the eyes, Wrinkies for the corners of the eyes and mouth help keep skin smooth and muscles relaxed.

Psssssst Instant Shampoo from the 1970's is great to have on hand in case you can't shampoo. I find this dry shampoo also adds body to my hair.

Dippity-do, the green hair gel we all remember is alcohol free and works any way you choose to dry or style your hair. Apply to wet hair, after a shampoo.

Flicker, the Original No Nick Disposable Safety Razor with five blades from 1971 not only gives you a safe close shave, but can be used on dry legs as well. Just turn the dail when you need a new blade, counter window keeps track of how many blades you have left to use.

Wood Sticks cotton swabs, the best for any use because the stick won't bend or break.

When I was in high school I loved my long-handled powder puff because I could choose what powder I used in it. The long handle helps you powder your back and other hard to reach places. Now you can have one or it makes a unique gift!

While shopping the catalogue I had to laugh out loud when I saw the description for "Aging Hippie Bath Oil Fizz". Quote from the VCS catalogue, "If the 1960's was the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, some 40 years later it's the dawning of age.....period." I for one, will be soaking in this relaxing, moisturizing bath product.

The Vermont Country Store Catalogue is not only a walk down memory lane, but a great place to find over 6,000 hard to find practical products. See for yourself at vermontcountrystore.com or call 1-802-362-8470.



How to Choose an Eye Cream

The eye area is the first place we show age because the skin is thinner and has fewer oil glands than the rest of the face. Dailey use of contact lenses, make-up application and removal, smoking or allergies can cause further aggravation that can result in lines and puffiness. Dark circles are a factor too.

Lines around your eyes start in your 20's so develop the habit of using an eye cream early. Olay eye gel is the perfect consistency for young skin because it will not contribute to oily skin. Origins, Dr. Weil eye serum is also a good choice.

More pronounced lines and /or hyper-pigmentation should choose an eye cream that says "anti aging" on the package. Alpha-hydroxy acid in products help reduce the look of lines and fade spots. Prevage anti-aging eye treatment with Idebenone, available at any Elizabeth Arden counter is an excellent choice.

When using a product with Alpha-hydroxy acid always use a moisturizer during the day with an SPF of 15 or 30. Try Shiseido SPF 32 eye cream for day. Never wear a cream with SPF during the night, no need for the extra chemical to sit on the skin when you don't need it. It could also be irritating.

Dealing with puffiness? This problem is caused by heredity or water retention. The skin stretches to make room for the fluid,so when the fluid flows away the deflated skin is left with a crepiness. Now you have two problems so try Pond's age defEYE eye therapy for puffiness, fine lines and dark circles.

Dark circles are caused by heredity, hyper-pigmentation or blood vessels showing through thin skin. Look for an eye cream with "eye brightening" on the label, such as Aveeno Positively Radiant eye cream. The light diffusers mixed in the cream add brightness, the moisture will let the concealer you use to cover dark circles lay smoothly.

Sagging or crepy skin can benefit by using Avon's Anew Clinical eye lift serum eye cream. It has both upper and lower lower eye treatments in one jar. Also, Avon liquid eye lifting eye shadow diminishes wrinkles and crepiness and comes in nine great shades.

When applying products around the eyes use your ring or little finger, they apply the least amount of pressure.

Care for your eyes by getting regular eye exams to keep your prescription up to date to avoid squinting. Wear sunglasses and a hat or visor when in the sun. Remove make-up with eye make-up remover, not soap or facial cleanser.



Foot Comfort Solutions for Fall Shoes

Soon we will be trading comfortable summer footwear for winter shoes and boots. New shoes are fun to buy and wear but sometimes adjusting to new shoes can take time. Some say pain is beauty, but not when it comes to your feet! Try these assorted inserts by Dr. Scholl's according to your individual needs and enjoy wearing the new fall shoe styles.

Flat shoes lack arch support so try massaging gel arch supports.

Wedge or high heeled shoes effect the balls of the feet so use ball of foot cushions.

Slides or clogs are made more comfortable by using heel inserts to keep the foot from slipping and sliding when you walk.

Shoes rubbing the back of your heel? Use heel liners in the back of the shoe to prevent shoes from moving.

A whole foot insert can add cushion to any shoe and they come in a few shades to match the color of the shoe.

Carry along BAND-AID Blister Block Stick in case you feel rubbing occur so you can treat the area before you get a blister. If you don't catch a blister in time use BAND-AID Blister, Fingers and Toes cushion bandages. Also, Footworks by Avon Blister Solution helps protect and treat a blister.

Also, take care of your shoes. Advice from Ullrich's Shoe Repair Shop at 206 6th St in downtown Pittsburgh suggests replacing heels when they wear down or get uneven. Have them hammer out or file any seems that might dig into your foot. Keep leathers polished so the boots or shoes move when you do and not remain stiff. Stiff shoes can cause blisters. For more information or repairs call at 412-391-6338.

For the new falls shoes used in this segment shop Kohl's Department Stores


Back to School Beauty Buys Under $10.00

Back to school is a great time to find "buy one get one free" and other bonus products. Drug, discount and groceries stores all have the special buys. The products may vary per store but, that makes "the hunt" more fun!

If your sending a student to college buy "double use" products where you can. Like a body wash, it can also be used as a shave cream. A conditioning shampoo has a built in conditioner so no need for the extra bottle. Chap stick is great for the lips but can also be used as a cuticle cream and to sooth cuts, such as a paper cut on a finger, until proper care can be taken. Maybelline New Super Stay foundation comes with it's own moisturizer, one application does both. Max Factor Pan Stick base can double as a concealer. Bronzer can double as a blush and eye shadow. Daily facial cloths can remove make-up, then flip over the cloth to cleanse the skin. No extra laundry either!

Speaking of laundry, send with your student Downy Wrinkle Releaser, found in the detergent section of your favorite store. Follow directions per fabric, spray it on the wrinkles then pull the fabric one way then the other and let dry. No iron needed. The boys may even use this!

Buy a shower caddy to carry products for dorm use since showers most likely are not in the room. Prevent cuts by storing a used razor in a small draw string bag, you can find the bags at the craft store where you buy favor supplies. They are inexpensive and will let air get to the razor so it can dry.

The shower caddy can also work in a household where many people use the same bathroom and if they use different products. This will also keep the bathroom neat if there is limited space.



Make-up for Senior Pictures

Photography for senior pictures sure has changed since my head and shoulders shot when I was in high school. Seniors now have many poses to choose from, inside, outside, close up, long shoot, formal and casual. Different situations call for different make-up.

The one thing all poses have in common is to even the skin tone. Young skin has blemishes and oily skin to deal with so start by using an anti shine treatment. Clinique's pore minimizer t-zone control is perfect to prep your skin. It is clear so it will not interfere with your base shade or you can wear it alone. Prepare to cover any blemish with Clean & Clear Invisible acne patch. It forms an invisible layer over the blemish so make-up goes on easier.

You can also use a green color corrector(by Clinique) to counter the red of a blemish. Apply the invisible patch, a touch of corrector, blend with a concealer or your foundation.

If you have a lot of red to your skin due to break-outs, powder your face with Physicians Formula Green powder color corrector and follow with a loose powder close to your skin tone. This will make a more even coverage without a heavy make-up look.

Don't use shimmer any where except for gloss on the lips. Also, don't wear mineral make-up. To get enough coverage to cover blemishes requires a heavier application of the mineral powder. Mineral make-up is a wonderful product for oily and blemished skin, but the ingredients they are made of have reflective particles that can make your skin look shiny when too much is applied. Save them for every day use.

The base I recommend for photography is Elizabeth Arden's Flawless Finish Dual Perfection Make-up. You can use it wet(w/ water) then carry it use dry as a touch up.

If you are wearing glasses apply concealer under your eyes on your dark circles.

Groom your brows the day before your photo session. Mauve eye shadow shades are perfect for indoor
photography but NOT for outdoor. The blue of day light will cancel the blue in mauve shades and make them disappear.

Natural pink/brown shade of blush is great for indoors, a bronzer without shimmer would be great for an outdoor shot.

Lip color can be what ever you are comfortable in or your "signature shade", just watch mauve tones outside, if the shade has too much blue in it, it will look like you have nothing on.

If you are wearing casual clothing or your sports/cheer leading uniform you can wear a casual make-up. A more formal sitting looks best with a bit more color, such as what you would wear in the evening.

Right before your sitting, blot your skin with a Clear & Clear oil blotting sheet and powder your T-Zone, the forehead, nose and chin.



Look Like You Have Been on Vacation!

If you did not get away yet, don't worry! You can fake it with these tips and great products.

For the body:
Use Dr.Weil's sea salt based Matcha Tea Body scrub once or twice a week to remove dead skin. Cleanse daily with Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Cleanser. Follow with Elizabeth Arden's Mediterranean body lotion to replace moisture and add a soft summer fragrance.

For your hair:
Get beach waves by spraying your hair with Mark(by Avon) Sea Salt Styling spray, then use a curling iron to add the waves and body.

For your face:
Salt water pulls toxins out of the skin to make it look healthy, so try Olay deep cleaning mask with kaolin clay and marine extracts to make your skin glow! For day, follow with an SPF of at least 15 or before bed apply your favorite night cream.

Make-up:
Instant Island Glow Daily Moisturizer by Hawaiian Tropic will gradually add a soft looking tan to your face. The lid of the tube comes with the perfect summer shade of lip gloss.

If you want an instant tan that washes off try Elizabeth Arden's Flawless Finish Mousse Make-up. It adds a bronze glow to your face with or without foundation.

Just want a wash of color? Try Clinique's up-lighting liquid illuminator and apply it where the sun would shine. Comes in four shades.

When wearing a bronze base, use a natural pink blush to add color such as Revlon's Pinch Me Sheer gel blush.

For eyes and lips:
Apply Maybelline Seashell eye shadow from lash to brow bone. High light to add color with a shade from Mabelline's seashore frosts collection.

Add mascara and liner. For an extra brightening effect add Bad Gal Blue mascara(by Benefit) to the tips of the lashes. If you dare...............use the sea shell eye shadow(applied w/ the sponge applicator for a stronger look) alone and the full lash with the blue mascara!

Lips should look soft so use Benefit lip stain and top with California kissin' blue lip gloss to make your smile look brighter!

Wear navy and white clothing. Nothing says summer like navy and white!!



Great Legs!

This summers mini skirts, shorts and skorts show a lot of leg! Here is how to make your legs look great when you wear them.

Great looking legs start with a smooth shave. Always use a shave cream and wet the razor before you shave. Never use bar soap, it will clog the razor. Try Sally Hansen's new Spray-on-Shower-Off hair remover, it prevents nicks and cuts!

Next, apply body lotion within three minutes of getting out of the shower to get the most out of the lotion. However, if you are using a body lotion with self tanner in it or self tanner, wait until your skin dries to prevent an uneven application.

Self tanner is a wonderful moisturizer and the color it gives makes legs look great. Tan legs look thinner and disguises cellulite. For best results use a body scrub before you apply a self tanner. Do not use a scrub if you shave. Shaving removes dead skin also. Wait a day after shaving to use a self tanner but you can use the body lotion with some self tanner in it. The lotion delutes the tanning ingredient and you don't have to be as careful with it as a full strength tanner.With either product wash your hands after application.

If you do have any bumps or ingrown hairs from shaving, try Avon's Skin So Soft Bump Minimizing Pads, apply over the effected area.

To use self tanner to contour the legs, such as the upper part of the leg, use a second application of self tanner the next day or WAIT until the tanner has dried. Using a thicker coat on the area will not work, it will only appear blotchy. The secret to a real looking tan with self tanner is a thin even application. More product at the same time will not the tan darker.

Self tanner adds color but it does not cover. If you have veins or age spots that bother you, try Derma Blend Leg Cover. This product is waterproof and with a light application you can feel comfortable showing some leg! A touch regular bo