20 New Year's Beauty Resolutions

As a rule I'm not a big fan of New Years's resolutions.

But there is no time like the start of a new year 

to get some really good beauty habits happening.

Here is a list of 20 Beauty Resolutions

to see you gloriously through the upcoming year:

* You will never go to bed without cleansing your skin
* You will never brush your hair when its wet.
* You will exfoliate your lips before wearing bright lipstick
* You will wear facial SPF every day
* You will exfoliate your body once per week

* You will put on body lotion after the shower every single time
*  You will drink lots and lots and lots of water
* You will at least try to get 7 hours of sleep per night
* You will floss your teeth every day
* You will brush your teeth after lunch every day

* You will reduce your carbon footprint by recycling your old beauty products thru Terra Cycle
*  You will get your foundation shade color matched
* You will not abuse bronzer
* You will only wear waterproof mascara if you are going to be           swimming or sobbing
* You will invest in a decent eye makeup remover
* You will eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables

* You will take a multivitamin every day
* You will give yourself a monthly breast exam
* You will stop smoking
* You will clean out your makeup bag

La Perla Spring 2014 Campaign

Check out the new La Perla Spring 2014 Campaign

starring the incredible Cara Delevingne, 

Liu wen and Malgosia Bela.

Shot in the studio by Mert and Marcus.

New Year New You ~ What Is Microneedling?

What Is Micro-needling?

There is no time like the beginning of a new year to start making some drastic improvements to your complexion.
Its a great time to implement a new skin care regime, as well as take on some bigger challenges to resurface the skin and to improve texture and skin tone.

I have been wanting to try Fractional laser treatments for ages, but my lifestyle really doesn't allow for the down time required to heal them. Most resurfacing laser treatments leave you looking like you've had your face in a waffle iron, and can involve pain, intense redness, intense shedding.
The results are spectacular, but the healing process can be brutal.

post Fraxel acne treatment

Because of this, my skin guru steered me towards Microneedling instead.

Both laser resurfacing treatments and Microneedling utlize collagen induction therapy by creating a wound, which stimulates the body to create new collagen.
Laser energy burns microchannels through the skin, leaving intense redness and discomfort.

Microneedling uses a disposable cartridge with 11 small needles that are propelled by a motorized stylus.

Microneedling with EraseCIT  stylus

 The technician uses a numbing cream first to ensure zero discomfort (I have no tolerance whatsoever to pain) and then moves the stylus in a manner similar to a microderm machine.

The depth of the needle penetration and the vibration speed is adjusted to suit the client's comfort and the desired result.
I had the benefit of having EraseCIT! Microneedling, which adds in another component. With EraseCIT! the technician does a small area, then during the 2 minute window before the needle holes close, she uses an airstylus to infuse a treatment specific to your skin's needs, prior to continuing microneedling. In my case she used a special concoction of hyaluronic acid for intense moisturization, mixed with some skin vitamins.
The added benefit of using an HA infusion was that it filled my nasolabial lines, giving me some instant youth!

Microneedling has the huge benefit of having essentially no downtime. 
In my case I was able to leave the EstheticAdvisor clinic and go directly to a meeting, with no redness, no swelling and no discomfort. My skin looked spectacular! Due to the needles being so micro fine, there were no puncture wounds or visable signs of ruptured skin. 

Before microneedling with EraseCIT. Notice hyperpigmentation and fine lines

After microneedling with EraseCIT see the even color, smooth texture and youthfulness.
Also note how plumped up and luscious the skin looks after the treatment.

So who should use microneedling?

Microneedling with EraseCIT! is an ideal correction procedure for the following conditions:

* Fine lines and other skin aging concerns
*Acne scarring
*Scars from traumas or incisions
*Skin tone and texture improvement
*Hyperpigmentation.

One of my close friends has been having Microneedling with EraseCIT! for scar revision from a hideous, big surgical scar running the length of her tummy. The scar has gone from being a giant, angry, raised scar, to a fine, bikini worthy line.

Although EraseCIT! is based in Scottsdale, it is available everywhere. Technicians come to the Scottsdale facility to train in the procedure.

To find an EraseCIT! technician near you, contact the EstheticAdvisor Laser Academy

New Year New You Fat Busters - What Is Coolsculpting?

Do you have any areas of stubborn fat that just won't budge - no matter how hard you diet and exercise?
Like maybe love handles, inner thighs, or even back fat - rolls of fat that stop your back from looking smooth, or even worse roll over the top of your strapless dress or your bra?

The past few months I have been learning all about non surgical ways to remove stubborn fat. I've been with many clients, from celebs to socialites to brides, to see the amazing Dr Blume and Sandra Caldwell of the Blume Skin Centre in Scottsdale AZ.
Sandra is an expert in the art of Coolsculpting (among many things), and has literally been trimming the fat off ladies.

Coolsculpting is a fantastic alternative to liposuction. Most frequently used to eliminate muffin tops, love handles, belly pooches and stubborn back rolls, it is a non surgical, non invasive, needle free way to slim you down.

Coolsculpting isolates fat cells, freezes them (without damaging any neighboring tissue and without hurting your skin), and eliminates them. Once that fat cell is gone, it is gone for good.

Many of the laser treatments, sonic wave treatments and of course lipo treatments available actually damage other tissue around the fat cells, which leave you with considerable downtime while your body has to heal.

How It Works:

The Coolsculpting machine uses a vacuum type system to suck in the area of fat you want to lose, then freezes it.

The technician identifies the area to be worked on, chooses the correct sized attachment, preps your skin so it doesn't get burned, and then the Coolsculpting machine literally sucks in that area of fat, holds it, and freezes it for 60 minutes.



During that time the client sits back, relaxes, watches movies, reads, sleeps, does emails - basically stays comfortable. When the 60 minutes is up, the technician removes the attachment, massages the frozen fat so that the skin feels smooth, and you're done! Simple, painless, secret. 

Over the next 2 months your body will eliminate the frozen fat cells through your urine. Typically you will start seeing a drastic change in the area worked on in as little as 4 weeks!

I work with many brides who are dieting and working out like crazy to slim down for a strapless wedding dress, and are not getting the results they want - as in there is still a roll of fat oozing over the top of the dress. 
If we have a 2 month lead time, Coolsculpting is the most amazing, super effective way to trim that fat away.
The results are staggering.


Are You A Candidate For Coolsculpting?

The Top 10 Reasons to Have CoolSculpting

1	I don’t love my love handles
2	Two words: summer vacation
3	Make my time at the gym look like I’ve been to the gym
4	Show up at the reunion in the same jeans I wore then
5	Hate wearing breath-defying body shaper undergarments
6	Put my bag in overhead without hesitation
7	Wear spandex without embarrassment
8	I eat right, so I deserve to look right
9	Make my birthday suit my best outfit
10	I want my body back

The most crucial element when choosing to have Coolsculpting is making the decision of where to go.
I don't advise getting a deal on groupon or looking for cut-price treatments. Generally you will get what you pay for.
I recommend going to a technician who not only specializes in Coolsculpting, but who has an eye for aesthetics. You don't want great gaping holes in your body because an inexperienced $10 per hour employee is making the Groupon cost effective for the business!
If you are anywhere near Arizona, make the trek to the
 Blume Skin Centre and see Sandra. She has been taking care of my client's complexions, laser services etc for years. She has an incredible eye for perfection and completely understands the beauty aesthetic. 

30 Things Every Woman Should Have And Should Know

My New Year has started with a cup of Italian coffee and my laptop, reading my favorite blogs.
I had to repost this one by Roxy from My Cup Of Te.
The timing is perfect.

Get on board with 30 Things That Every Woman Should Have And Know
(and follow My Cup Of Te...)

By 30, you should have:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. How to take control of your own birthday.
9. That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.

An excerpt from this by the editors of Glamour

New Years Eve Makeup Tips

Ready for New Year's Eve??

Got the outfit, hairdo and makeup planned?

When that ball drops at midnight you want to be looking devastatingly fabulous, so here are some key tips to getting (and keeping!) the glam

Primer use a really good primer to create an even base for your foundation and to help your foundation both stay smooth and last.

Color Correct ~ don't just slap concealer under your eyes, wake them up with a color corrector to cancel out the dark rings and leave them looking revitalized and fresh.

Fluid Foundation ~ rather than a heavy, thick base, opt for a fresh, dewy complexion with a sheer, fluid foundation. Makeup Forever Face and Body is exceptional.

Limit Powder to the areas that need it. So long as you're not leaving your complexion looking gooey, keep a fresh face by not over powdering.

Power Brow ~ tell your story with a firm, sculpted brow. Start with a pencil to help define the shape and keep it crisp, then fill in the brow with a shadow. Set your brow and keep it in place with a brow wax.



Simple Eye ~ with a strong brow, keep your eye simple. Shimmer shadows in soft tones or a winged liner look super sharp.

Lashes or Bust ~ use tons of really good mascara to really build volume, then finish it all off with a cool strip lash. Find false lashes that angle outward rather than straight ahead to give you a sleeker, more alluring look.



Jewel Toned Lip ~ balance that firm brow out with the season's bold jewel toned lip. Line the lip to get a crisp shape, apply your lipstick with a brush to really firmly press it in to the lip, blot, and reapply.
Make your lip the focus of your look!

Winter Skin Rescue Product ~ Wild Rose Beauty Balm

The harsh effects of winter weather can really take their toll on your skin.
Whether you are braving the icy winds or extreme cold, or whether you are hunkering down in a warm house or by the fire, your skin can get stripped of its moisture and become anything from dehydrated to chapped and raw.

My favorite winter skin rescue is by Neals' Yard, and is a 99% organic treatment product called 

Wild Rose Beauty Balm.

This wonder product can be used in 3 different ways.

*You can gently exfoliate the skin with it by using it in conjunction with the muslin cloth that comes with it.

*You can use it as a hydration balancing mask by applying it to the skin and then using a the hot, wet muslin cloth to cover your face.

*You can use it as a nourishing rescue balm to super hydrate and return radiance to your complexion.

The ingredient list is super impressive:

Rosehip Oil which is one of the richest sources of the antioxidant Vitamin C, helping to firm, smooth, reduce wrinkle formation and keeping skin looking radiant and healthy

Shea Butter which is easily absorbed, deeply moisturizing, incredibly soothing and nourishing.

Jojoba Oil and Beeswax which combined make a conditioning, moisturizing mask, allowing essential oils to penetrate the skin.

Borage and Hemp Seed Oils which are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids that nourish and sooth the skin.

Geranium and Rosemary Essential Oils to sooth, balance and decongest the skin.

Frankincense and Patchouli Essential Oils to sooth and tone the skin.

Palmarosa Oil which is an effective, naturally oil balancing and purifying oil

You can order Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm on amazon.com