Chemical Peels You Can Do At Home

I've had so many emails about the post I did on chemical peels, many from ladies who either don't live near a  day spa, who's budget doesn't allow for it right now, or who's schedule doesn't permit frequenting one, but all of whom want to add the chemical peel into their skin care regime.

If you fall into that category, or if you just want to do them at home, here are a couple of fabulous options from my go to skin care website, BeautyatSkinDeep.com

Credentials Fruit Enzyme Peel ($25)

Utilizing a blend of fruit extracts and enzymes, this unique product exfoliates without using granules or abrasives. Salicylic acid, combined with papaya and bromelin enzymes, dissolves surface buildup for a purer finish. Naturally fragrant spearmint and camphor oils increase circulation, aiding the skin in the release of toxins, and reducing inflammation. Formulated with oil-free moisture, the skin is rendered soft, brightened and revived.

After cleansing the skin, apply and leave on for 10 -15 minutes, then rinse off. (easy peasy)

Dr Denese Firming Facial Resurfacing Peel $34.99

What is it: An innovative, creamy orange peel that delivers a brightened, refreshed complexion. It deeply exfoliates to reveal smooth, radiant skin that is firm, toned, and glowing, while improving skin's texture and elasticity in just five minutes.

Who is it for: Anyone with poor skin texture; uneven skin tone; dull, lackluster skin; skin lacking radiance and glow; lack of firmness to the skin; dry, rough skin; or tired, unhealthy looking skin.

Why is it different: Enriched with innovative Actizone Firming Factor, this new, ultra-light peel delivers superior visible benefits from using the treatment just a few times a week. It delivers an instant glow and smoothness to the skin, deeply exfoliates the skin, and helps revitalize skin texture and clarity.

How do I use it: Cleanse face. Apply peel to the entire face, avoiding the eye area. Leave peel on for five minutes, then rinse off with warm water to reveal a smooth, glowing, firm complexion.

Most peels can be used weekly to keep your skin in glowing, luminous condition, and are definitely preferable to facial scrub exfoliants, in my opinion anyway!

If you go to BeautyatSkinDeep check out their sample program. You can build your skin care wardrobe one step at a time with products they let you sample first.
They have great Help and Advice sections, and beauty experts to help you choose the correct products for your skin type and needs.

Camilla BelleFrom Prada To Nada Premiere

Had it not been for the lowefactor, I would have completely missed this slice of fabulous, due to the red carpet-fest that was the Golden Globes.
Check out actress Camilla Belle on the red carpet for the January 18th Los Angeles premier of her new movie From Prada To Nada

Doesn't she look fantastic??
Normally an arbiter of safer red carpet choices, Belle absolutely shone in this divinely cut black tuxedo and nude ruffled bandeau, both by one of my favorite designers, Jason Wu.
Oh how I adore Jason Wu!!
And check out her wickedly toned, bronzed abs! Not a carb in sight!

Here she is two nights prior at the InStyle/WarnerBrothers Golden Globes party looking decidedly fab in a Georgio Armani metallic silver jersey gown.

 

I love the plunging neckline and the fitted capped shoulders. I'm thinking that she must have a new stylist on board? Either that, or 2011 is her year to rock super sexy!

Michael Kors Large Tote

Are you feeling it???
I am loving this large tote from Michael Kors in Zinnia.

He has it in all kinds of bright shades, but this is by far my favorite.
Perfect for running around town, kinda cute for beachy climes too!
Find it here Michael Kors Brights

Stressed Skin Super Remedy

I'm always talking about taking care of your skin, and how makeup will never look fantastic if the skin underneath it isn't looking fantastic.
So what's a girl to do if her skin is completely stressed out?

image courtesy of Parents.com

If your post holiday, mid-winter skin is stressing, or if you are stressed out and fall into the "does my skin look as freaked out as I feel" category, you need to know about skyn ICELAND.

This entire line is devoted to correcting stressed skin. Its brilliant.

Stress does not discriminate. It's an equal opportunity epidemic, affecting everyone in this high-octane, 24/7 world. You're familiar with how stress feels within — the palpitations, the nervous energy, the chronic worry. But how does it affect you on the outside?
What happens to your skin when it's subjected to stress day in and day out? When stress is unrelenting, your hormone and chemical levels can spike, disrupting your body's natural, healthy balance. Plus, skin's natural immune function is impaired, so it's less able to heal itself.
 
skyn ICELAND skincare products are specifically formulated to counteract the detrimental effects of stress on skin. Since stressed skin is damaged skin, what it needs most is to be soothed, healed and replenished to regain its natural health and radiance. In Iceland's pure, untouched environment they discovered new beneficial botanicals and pristine Icelandic glacial waters, which helped to create the perfect antidote for stressed skin.

When you think about Iceland it's peaceful, unspoiled, totally pure and pristine. Its clean air and water, mineral-rich hot springs, deep fjords, untouched glacial rivers, health and harmony. Now, think about what all of our lives are actually like. Do the words "overscheduled," "overextended," "non-stop" and sometimes just "totally overwhelming" sound more familiar?

Here are my 4 favorite skyn ICELAND products, that I use both in my makeup kit and at home on my own skin:









Pure Cloud Cleanser.
Pure Cloud Cleanser is the ultimate in cream cleansers.

It cleanses, dissolves makeup, hydrates
and nourishes, and is super gentle on both
stressed out, and non stressed skin.

 

 Arctic Face Mist

This beautiful facial mist instantly

soothes and calms irritated, stressed out

skin, with natural icelandic mineral water,

antioxidents and multivitamins fortifying

and replenishing the skin, bringing

back its natural healthy glow.

When skin needs an instant boost and repair, 

whether its a client who's had a long night out on the town,

or whether its me looking a little sleep deprived and 

worse for wear, I use 

skyn Iceland Antioxidant Calming Serum. 

It soothes away redness and irritation while boosting 

the skin's immune function and giving some 

super intense hydration. 

The formulation is super lightweight,

doesn't leave any film on the surface of the skin, 

and you see an immediate result.

Invariably if I'm using the Antioxidant Calming Serum

I'm also using the skyn ICELAND 

Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels.

When we're stressed out or tired, the delicate skin

under the eyes really takes a beating.

These gels firm, de-puff, reduce wrinkling,

and hydrate in 10 minutes.

They are fantastic to use when you are traveling, 

and are a favorite

of  flight attendants world wide.

skyn ICELAND products are all paraben free, Petroleum free, Sulfate free, Cruelty free and 100% vegetarian.

You can find skyn ICELAND at Sephora, QVC, Saks, Henri Bendel, Beauty.com, Skinstore.com and skynICELAND.com

Nars Spring Collection 2011

Do you just love it??
I am all kinds of loving the Nars Spring 2011 makeup collection.

The palette of jeweled earth tones is accented with shots of unexpectedly bright color. The NARS Spring 2011 Collection is the epitome of minimalism, reaching a sensual peak with fresh, forward color. Deep hues for eyes and nails are infused with a metallic finish that lends a subtly sleek finish. Cool compliments of sheer and sparkling lips pair with unexpected accents of parrot green and vivid blue. It all adds up to a look that’s indisputably modern.

Here's the scoop:

CALANQUE TRIO EYESHADOW, $45
A trio of gold infused platinum with silver flecks, light matte caramel and rich antique bronze steeped with gold
BATEAU IVRE DUO EYESHADOW, $33
Rich sky blue and a deep denim hue
NOUVEAU MONDE DUO EYESHADOW, $33
Metallic silver lilac and rich olive gold
HOLLYWOODLAND SOFT TOUCH SHADOW PENCIL, $24
Versatile pale gold
CELEBRATE SOFT TOUCH SHADOW PENCIL, $24
Parrot green
NANA LIP GLOSS, $24
Deep black grape
SUPER ORGASM LIP GLOSS, $24
Shiny, peachy-pink, laced with gold glitter
ANGELIKA LIP GLOSS, $24
Bright cotton candy pink infused with gold and silver sparkle
TZIGANE LIPSTICK, $24
Sheer, pink brandy
MADÈRE PURE MATTE LIPSTICK, $25
Nude-pink
DESPERADO NAIL POLISH, $17
Antique brass

The great thing about this muted eye is that it not only looks sensational with a soft lip, but it looks amazing with a slammin' bold lip too.
And whats not to love about that?

How To Look Like You - But Better!

You may have noticed on the 2011 Golden Globes red carpet that many of the actresses were sporting a more neutral look this year. Not so much of the big, bold makeup, but more of an "au naturel" visage. But you and I both know there was nothing natural about it.

Beautiful Anne Hathaway wore neutral makeup at the 2011 Golden Globes

Frequently I hear women saying they want to look natural, but what they really mean is neutral. Natural is how you look after 3 hours of gardening, neutral is polished and fresh, but without much color.
So here is how to get a look that is neutral (not natural) in 8 easy steps:

1.) It always starts with skin care. No look will be really fabulous without great skin underneath.
Make sure your skin is well cleansed and very hydrated. Slightly oily skin is fine, but dried out skin never looks good. Use a moisturizer that is right for your skin type.

2.) Make sure that the moisturizer, foundation and luminizer that you are using are lightweight formulations.

3.) Use a color correcting concealer under the eyes, the corners of the nose and under the lip to balance out any colors we don't want to see. Pat concealer in with your fingers, so that it is super sheer. Use small amounts of concealer to balance out any blemishes, and run a narrow line of it down the bridge of the nose, blending it well, to create the illusion of light.

Golden Globes 2011 Olivia Wilde looked flawless in neutral makeup. And a little bit scary.

4.) The key to a neutral look is to really blend your foundation well. It needs to look like skin, so work small amounts in with a foundation brush or your fingers, until it almost disappears. Make sure your application is even.

5.) Use a cream blush. Cream blushes melt into the skin and create a flushed, rosy look, instead of sitting on the surface of the skin like powder blushes do. Use your foundation brush and blend the cream blush through the cheekbones and slightly into the apples of the cheeks. It will give you a fresh, dewy finish.

 Halle Berry's smudgy chocolate eyeshadow at 2011 Golden Globes

6.) Smudge neutral eye shadows onto the lid. Try beiges, champagnes and chocolates to create a little dimension, without looking fiercely made up. use a neutral brown liner along the upper lash line, and create definition by running a little chocolate shadow through the lower lashline with a liner brush instead of traditional liner.
Add some neutral beige or champagne liner to the inner corner to waken the eye.

7.) Use a soft mascara. Don't build giant, thick lashes, instead go for sleek, separated, lengthened lashes.
 False lashes on the outer corners of the eye were everywhere on the red carpet at the Golden Globes., providing a little accent and dimension to the eye, without overwhelming or dominating it.

Angelina Jolie in soft, neutral lipgloss at the 2011 Golden Globes

8.) Use a soft, kissable gloss with just a hint of color to flesh out the lip.

Golden Globes Red Carpet Fashion

This year's Golden Globes Red Carpet was one of the more interesting red carpet outings for quite some time.
My two favorite dresses were the chocolate Marchesa gown worn by Olivia Wilde and the amber Armani Prive worn by Anne Hathaway who was styled by Rachel Zoe.
Both girls shimmered and sparkled down the red carpet

Olivia Wilde

Anne Hathaway

The noticeable themes were classic black, seen here on Eva Longoria, Julieanne Hough, Piper Perabo and Halle Berry.
I wonder if Tony Parker was sitting at home watching how hot his wife ex wife was looking without him?

Eva Longoria looking beautiful in black Philip Berk at the 2011 Golden Globes

 Long, black and elegant with minimal jewelry

Piper Perabo in Oscar de la Renta Golden Globes 2011

Halle Berry in Nina Ricci Golden Globes

I loved Halle's hair and makeup, but wasn't so sure about the dress

Julieanne Hough

emerald green, seen on Angelina Jolie in Versace, Mila Kunis in Vera Wang, and Catherine Zeta Jones in Monique Lhuillier

Angelina Jolie with Brad Pitt Golden Globes Red Carpet

Mila Kunis Golden Globes 2011

showstopping hot, sexy red, worn by January Jones in Versace  and Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang (who she kept calling Vera Wong!)

January Jones in red Versace on the Golden Globes red carpet

Sofia Vergara Golden Globes

and bright corals and pinks seen here on Claire Danes, Emma Stone and Natalie Portman (who won for Black Swan!! Soooo thrilled!)

Claire Danes in Calvin Kline, Golden Globes 2011

Emma Stone in peach Calvin Kline, Golden Globes

Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf, Golden Globes 2011