Alek Alexeyeva For ELLE Russia

Sometimes simplicity is so incredibly refreshing.

Alek Alexeyeva for ELLE Russia

I just love this shoot in the October 2013 

issue of ELLE Russia.

Model Alek Alexeyeva is taken through

a variety of beautiful yet simple looks

courtesy of makeup artist Marina Keri.

After all the bold lips and bold brows that

we have seen so far this season, these looks

all stand out as being fresh and new.

And so very pretty.

Shot by Nikolay Biryukov.

Girl Meets Boy ~ Sam Rayner For Red UK

Autumn takes on a monochromatic,

tomboy tailored, androgynous theme

in this fashion spread shot by Max Abadian

for Red UK magazine.

Boy Meets Girl, Red UK Magazine

Makeup artist Charlotte Day gives

model Sam Rayner a flawless complexion,

soft cheeks and a neutral mouth,

but pulls an androgynous vibe with the bold brow. 

Madonna Covers Harpers Bazaar November 2013

Madonna covers the November 2013 issue of Harpers Bazaar,

shot by Terry Richardson.

Apparently wearing a golden grill.

Madonna covers Harpers Bazaar November 2013

In the accompanying article she has some interesting things to say, and some catchy quotes

 "If you aren't willing to fight for what you believe in, then don't even enter the ring."

Ten years later, here I am, divorced and living in New York. I have been blessed with four amazing children. I try to teach them to think outside the box. To be daring. To choose to do things because they are the right thing to do, not because everybody else is doing them. I have started making films, which is probably the most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done. I am building schools for girls in Islamic countries and studying the Qur'an. I think it is important to study all the holy books. As my friend Yaman always tells me, a good Muslim is a good Jew, and a good Jew is a good Christian, and so forth. I couldn't agree more. To some people this is a very daring thought.

Read the full story and see all the images in Harpers Bazaar,
 or click here

I still don't get the grill ....

Edita Vilkeviciute Gets Her First Vogue Paris Cover

Its hard to believe that it has taken so long,

but Lithuanian beauty Edita Vilkeviciute finally  

has her first Vogue Paris cover,

for the magazine's October 2013 issue.

Edita Vilkeviciute covers Vogue Pars October 2013

After appearing in the magazine numerous times,

and having covered Vogue Germany, Vogue Spain 

and Vogue China in the past,

this month sees her on the cover of the prestigious Vogue Paris,

 photographed by Mario Testino,

wearing Balmain.

Miley Cyrus Covers Fashion Magazine

Just one week after her controversial VMAs performance,

Miley Cyrus shot this story with photographer Chris Nicholls,

for Canada's Fashion Magazine.

Miley Cyrus, Fashion Magazine

Far from her image at the VMAs, Miley looks beautiful and elegant.

Love the makeup by Denika Bedrossian

Miley Cyrus Cover Fashion Magazine

Eugenia Volodina for ELLE Spain

Russian model Eugenia Volodina covers the October 2013 issue of ELLE Spain.

Eugenia Volodina for ELLE Spain October 2013

Shot by Xavi Gordo

Con Vistas Al Otono

How To Use Retin-A With Sensitive Skin

Retinoids are the baseline products 

for achieving truly beautiful skin.

They are Vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, speed up cell turnover to even out skin tone and refine the texture of the skin.

Essentially they create softer, smoother, brighter, more luminous skin.

They are amazing.

I recently wrote about Retinoids and Retin-A,

and received many inquiries from around the world about how to work with Retin-A if your skin is sensitive. 

Here are six tips for using Retin-A if you have sensitive skin.

1. Start With A Very Gentle Formula

Typically the prescription formulas are stronger and feel more abrasive, so try starting with an over the counter formula. Look for one that says "For Sensitive Skin". There are plenty of retinoids on the market that are combined with calming, anti inflammatory ingredients such as green tea extract, and humectants such as hyaluronic acids, which will hold moisture to the skin, making it less vulnerable to irritation.

(I use Nytamin-A from Estheceuticals it's super effective but also super gentle.)

2. Use A Gentle Cleanser

When you start using retinoids you need to be extra gentle with your skin, starting with your cleanser.

Instead of a foaming cleanser or a cleanser with glycolic acid/salicylic acid/AHAs/BHAs etc, opt for a very gentle cleanser. I love cleansing oils and milk cleansers, both of which will dissolve makeup and really clean the skin without stripping it.

3. Get There Slowly.

Introduce your retinoid slowly and allow your skin to build up a tolerance to it. 

If you have a sensitive skin, or if you are experiencing any burning/stinging/flaking while using a retinoid, start by only using it every 4th day for a couple of weeks. Slowly work your way up to every 3rd day, then every 2nd day. The goal is to eventally be using it every night.

Typically prescription formulas are more abrasive than over the counter formulas.

4. Try Moisturizing First

This is for prescription formulas. If they still feel abrasive apply a thin layer of moisturizer first, but again make sure it is a simple moisturizer, with no salicylics/glycolics/AHAs/BHAs. 

Over the counter formulas typically have moisturizers already in them, so can skip this step.

5. Keep It Sheer.

Particularly if you are using a prescription Retin-A cream, use a light hand. 

Ideally start with a pea sized amount for the entire face. Normally that's all you need anyway, but regardless, start with a very thin layer and give your skin a chance to get used to it.

6. Don't Combine

When you are first starting a retinoid, or if you are experiencing any irritation, don't use any other highly active products. This means no vitamin C serums, no glycolics or salicylics, no scrubs or peels until your skin has completely acclimated itself to the retinoid. You can add everything back in product by product once your skin has built up it's tolerance to the retinoid.