My Top 5 FAQ About Beauty

1. What is the best acne spot treatment?- Kate Somerville Eradicate is the best spot treatment for a zit. I personally like Sulfur based spot treatments, and this product contains that. I also apply a dab of Neosporin on any zits, because it is an antibiotic and scar preventer. It works wonders!!

2. How can you make hair grow faster?- On average, hair grows at a rate of 6 inches per year, if you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Besides that, you can take supplements like Biotin, Niacin, or basic hair supplements available at most health food stores. Also, I do a scalp treatment on occasion, 6-9 drop of eucalyptus oil massaged into the scalp and left on over night. You can feel it tingle, and the Australian women believe it stimulates hair growth!

3. Whats your favorite foundation?- I typically don't wear foundation, but occasionally I will. I really love Stila One Step Makeup (primer, foundation and powder in one.) I also really love Chanel Vitalumiere foundation, which gives my skin flawless coverage and a beautiful glow.

4. How can I get rid of acne scars?- It depends on whether they are pitted scars or hyperpigmentation. If they are pitted scars, you will need to get regular peels and microdermabrasion treatments from your dermatologists or local skin clinic. If your scars are more severe, you may need to consider more intense facial laser treatments.

If your scars are reddish or purple, this is typically a bruising that hyperpigments due to sun exposure. Be sure you are wearing SPF 30 everyday, exfoliating 3 times and week, and using at home facial peels once a week. Creams that contain ingredients like Kojic Acid, Arbutin, or Vitamin C can help fade the scarring. If the red spot is relatively new, you can treat it with Arnica Cream (available at Jurlique.com.) Arnica cream is said to relieve bruising, and is typically reccomended for post surgery clients. If scarring is more significant, you can have your doctor prescribe Hydroquinone, which when applied, over time to the pigmentated areas, will bleach them.

5. How can I get rid of blackheads- Blackheads typically occur on the nose and chin area, and occasionally on the cheeks. Using a Retinol or Retin-A at night before bed will help clean out your pores, among its many other benefits. Proper cleansing and regular exfoliation will also help clean out the pores. Try using the Clarisonic Mia, every night before bed. This sonic cleansing system will effectively erradicate blackheads.

Makeup Must-Haves

One thing I love about make-up is how you can bond over it with other ladies, exchanging tips, and testing each others favorite products. Makeup is definitely not my specialty. In the morning I apply my makeup very quickly. I have it down to a fine art and it usually only takes me ten minutes. I would recommend going to a department store and asking a sales associate to sit down with you and explain the proper colors and shades for your skin tone. I have found that the employees at MAC are usually very good and quite honest. I had an artist from MAC do my makeup for my wedding, and I specifically asked for it not to be too drastic. If you communicate to the artist what you want, they will usually comply. Be aware of the current trends because if you are stuck in trends from years ago your makeup will date you.



MAKE-UP BOX

FOUNDATION:
*MAC Mineralize Satin Finish SPF 15
*Prescriptives Traceless- Completely smooths your complexion

FACE HIGHLIGHTERS:
*MAC Strobe Cream- Gives your skin a healthy glow with very subtle shimmer
*Nars Multiple in Copacabana- I use this to give my cheek bones a life.
*Bare Minerals Pink Posey- An eye shadow I use on my cheek bones which also doubles as a blush.

LIP GLOSS:
* SmashBox O-Plump- Lip plumper that transforms to the perfect color on your lips.
* Lancome Juicy Tubes- So many amazing flavors it is hard to choose.
* Philosophy Supernatural- They make your lips look really plump and glittery.

CONCEALER:
*MAC Select Cover-Up- Camouflages blemishes with ease
* Jane Iredale Active Light- Conceals and treats dark circles and puffiness with advanced skin ingredients and great coverage.
*Neutrogena skin-clearing oil free concealer: Treats acne as it conceals.

POWDERS:
*MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder- Comes in a compact and slips easily into any size purse.
*Jane Iredale Facial Blotting Sheets- Great alternative to packing on the powder, and a perfect touch up.

EYES:
* Shu Uemura eye lash curler- You should always curl your lashes before applying mascara as that opens your eyes.
* Lorac Mascara- Two sided with an amazing primer.