Mo’s eye color was done using:

Clinique’s Touch base in Canvas Light,

Speed from Urban Decay, applied wet for truer color,

and Flash from Urban Decay in the crease.

It all went perfectly with my Lancôme ‘Luminous’ lip color!

Yes, I am a bit obsessed with excellent skincare lines.  My body and my skin are facing 40 next year, and I refuse to age gracefully.  I will age defiantly and with purpose. 

A few years ago, I was introduced to N.V. Perricone M.D. when he published his book, “The Perricone Promise.”  I was intrigued by his philosophy of using supplements (DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester) and a diet rich in “superfoods” with key nutrients (antioxidants, omega fatty acids) and the promise that by eating better you could improve your skin. 

 I have since increased my diet with foods high in antioxidants, eat salmon regularly, take daily vitamin supplements, and limit my junk food intake to at least 3 servings per day. 

Blogging isn’t blogging unless you have a brownie with a cold glass of milk sitting next to the keyboard! 

Shortly after publishing his book, N.V. Perricone M.D. introduced his own skincare line.  Most people get very skeptical about anyone who publishes a book of authority on a subject, and then creates a product line specifically linked to that subject.  And you ask why?  Because in a way, you are cross-selling to the consumer both by converting the reader to your way of thinking, and then trying to sell the product with the formula you are preaching. 

Now I say, if what Perricone is preaching has validity, and his product offers something effective, then why not?   Of course you should be skeptical.  However, if you are looking for a product with the combination of ingredients that N.V. Perricone M.D. prescribes; his skincare line does carry a definite allure.

Most of N.V. Perricone M.D.’s products are above $50 and some are in the $100s, so be aware.  One of my favorite beauty finds for 2007 is Perricone’s Ceramic Skin Smoother.  I simply have not found its equivalent and love what it does for my skin, however, the $75 price tag is steep.  I used this product sparingly and it lasted over 3 months, and of course scraped out the last bit with my Q-tip.

 

Another hands down Perricone skincare winner is his Vitamin C Ester Concentrated Restorative Cream.  I used this product during the month of December, and during that month my skin was flawless.  In the PM after cleansing and toning, I would smooth the Restorative Cream on my face.  It has a mild tingle (which I think is caused by the Vitamin C Ester) and my skin drank it in with no greasy feeling, just soft and touchable.  

Vitamin C Ester Benefits:

Provides a readily available form of Vitamin C to the skin

Can be used by those with sensitive skin

Helps to protect skin from the damage caused by free radicals and inflammation

Continued use will diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles   

While using this product for several weeks, my skin had clarity and my face glowed.  I really believe that the Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate) is a powerful ingredient to use on your face, and this cream is recommended for all skin types.

If you are looking for a potent nighttime treatment to help repair and renew your skin, and money isn’t an object, I would highly recommend N.V. Perricone M.D.’s Vitamin C Ester Restorative Cream. 

A post called, “Beauty and Personal Grooming: Pore shrinking mask recipes from home” listed several wonderful ideas of great facial masks that can be made from things you might already have in your kitchen cupboard or bathroom cabinet.

• The Blog’s Author, Aparna, suggests trying the following homemade facial mask recipes,“Cleanse your face with a mild face wash. Then splash ice cold water over your face or alternatively rub an ice cube wrapped in a towel over your face. Cold ice constricts the facial muscles for a while and this action can shrink the pores temporarily. Then pat dry. You can then apply fresh lemon juice over your face, that is, if you do not have an extremely sensitive skin which is allergic to lemons. Lemon juiceacts as an astringent which helps to close the pores.”

Lemons contain natural AHA’s (Citric Acid) and is known to promote clarity by gently exfoliating the skins surface.

• After cleansing your face you can apply a spoonful of milk of magnesia. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water and finish it off with a splash of cold water. This pack also helps with acne.

I have heard about using Milk of Magnesia as a facial mask. Milk of Magnesia if slightly diluted, can also be used as a eye or face primer for oily skin.

• Egg whites are not just skin-tighteners but also excellent pore-shrinkers. Beat an egg white. Add a tsp of lemon juice to it. Then apply it evenly over your face until it dries and tightens around the skin. You may skip using lemon juice if you wish and use only a well-beaten egg white on your face. Wash it off with tepid water and a splash of cold water.

Using slightly beaten egg whites is a tried and true facial mask that my mother and my grandmother used and passed on to me.

• Soak a few almonds in water. Grind it to a paste with water. Add 2 tsp of lemon juice and apply it to your face. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off as usual. This also lightens your complexion.

I have never tried this, but use a honey/almond mask regularly and love it.

• A sugar scrub might also help with open pores. Combine a tsp each of olive oil, honey, lemon juice to a few sugar crystals and gently rub over your face. Immediately follow it up with any of the above packs and/or a splash of ice cold water.

Sugar is an amazing exfoliant, sugar is one of the main ingredients used in my very favorite Suki’s Lemongrass Cleanser. Her cleanser combines organic rice flour, organic sugar, pure handmade organic saponified olive oil, powdered organic chamomile, lavender, calendula, rose hips, lemongrass & orange, pure vegetable glycerin, sea extracts & pure, premium, steam distilled essential oils.

For more homemade facial mask ideas, you can visit Aparna’s blog: Beauty and Personal Grooming. Many thanks for the great ideas Aparna!

I could not help but relate when I read this post from my dear friend Kate at Megsmakeup.com. 

Meg’s Make-up Reviews » COSMETIC LINGERIE! GROUP THERAPY-I NEED SOME ANSWERS!

“After complaining last week about my “Water Water Everywhere” existential crisis (Note: I have amassed these hundreds of products and have nowhere to store them and can’t seem to use any up), I decided to do a little experiment this week. I wanted to know which products I really couldn’t live without. So I didn’t change a thing. I used whatever products I “felt like” that day hopping from brand to brand, formula to formula, color to color. All week. Right now you’re thinking, Katie: that’s completely pointless. The first step is admitting you have a problem. You’ve done that. Step two: Alter the behavior. HELLO! Ok, well I wrote down exactly which products I used every day, a product diary, if you will. I started with morning cleanser to final eye cream and lip balm at night. Here’s the results…”

You will have to go to Megsmakeup.com to read her in-depth analysis and cosmetic journal for the week.  Fascinating reading, simply fascinating.

My response to Kate’s problem?

“I feel your pain Kate, I really do. This year I have accumulated more makeup than I have had in my entire lifetime. At least you are attempting to analyze your problem. Now you need to act! Don’t make me call TLC’s “Clean Sweep” team and send them out to Ol’ Miss. I love your makeup lingerie analogy. Now that you know what you use and don’t use; toss out the cosmetics that you haven’t used in the past month. I know that these items are dear to your heart, you have history/memories together, and you probably spent your entire Sephora paycheck on them. I recently went through my entire stash, and I still have a TON of makeup, but it is more manageable. And then, you will have room for new finds! Best wishes babe and let me know if you make any progress.”

While driving my 4 year old daughter to preschool, Naomi asked me what was in a large box sitting on the side front seat.  I responded to her that, “Just some makeup that I am going to be mailing to my friend Mo.”  She took in a long dramatic breath and announced, “Makeup, Makeup, Makeup!  You don’t need any more makeup!”

She’s right.  I really don’t.

Please share with us your plight to keep accumulating makeup from overtaking your life.

Foundations… If you are like me, you have facial imperfections you are wanting to hide. I have tried so many products that promise a natural feel with some coverage, and after using them are disappointed with the results. “No orange chalky face please!

Suki was way ahead of me with her skincare and makeup philosophy, and while reading her mission statement, I kept pinching myself, as if dreaming:

“I created sukicolorâ„¢ to fulfill my desire for 100% pure, clean colors that blend effortlessly with my complexion and enhance my features, not make me look powdery or made up. I also wanted a sophisticated natural look that struck the perfect balance — not glittery, not flat.”

Wait, this is incredible news! Sophisticated and natural? Suki is spot on here!  Okay Suki, this all looks great in print. But can your products really stand up your intentions?

Sukicolor Tinted Active Moisturizer:

This gorgeously sheer, customizable tint enhances your complexion, evens tone and minimizes pores. you look perfectly radiant, never cakey or made-up. fabulous for the whole face, for a healthy flush, or for touch-ups.

I instantly fell in love with this tinted moisturizer! Why does Suki call it an “Active” Moisturizer? Because this product goes way beyond a conventional foundation; it heals and repairs your skin.

One very special active ingredient they use is the White Willow Extract:

White willow. provides powerful, natural salicylic acid which treats acne, pain, inflammation, and works as an antioxidant.

After using Sukicolor’s Tinted Active Moisturizer for several days, I decided to write them a letter of gratitude, here is an excerpt:

“I just wanted to get back to you about how much I am enjoying your Tinted Active Moisturizer! I was a bit skeptical at first when I noticed how dark it was in the container, but was pleasantly surprised by how it blended perfectly with my skin tone. This Tinted Moisturizer feels incredibly natural and with just the right amount of coverage. It really makes my skin glow. You can tell that it is made with all natural, soothing ingredients as well. Bravo to you for creating such a wonderful product!”

Along with some other Tinted Moisturizers, I strongly encourage you to give this one a try. Sukicolor’s Tinted Active Moisturizer really does it all: covers, nourishes, repairs, and gives you SPF!  During the winter months, or if your skintone is very fair, I recommend blending Suki’s moisturizer with your favorite moisturizer product to lighten its tint. 

“No orange chalky face please!”

Just give me a natural, glowing, sophisticated face, the way I want, and am supposed to be…

Thanks Sukicolor!

Historical Comments?  Well, I needed to get your attention.  Today I wanted to honor some of the people who by submitting their comments, make this blog so worth my while.

Celebrity Comments, “Don’t question me. Yes, I have a few”:

Kurt Bestor:   Sunday Sermon: The Prayer of the Children

Jen,

I am touched that you would write such kind things about me, my concert, and my song “Prayer of the Children.” It is a song that came from the deepest place within me. I’m glad it moves you as well.

Take care,

Kurt Bestor
http://www.kurtbestor.com

Lauren Hutton:  Top 10 of 2007: #10 Perricone’s Ceramic Skin Smoother  (do you think this was really her, or just wishful thinking?)

Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts..

My most loyal fans:

Bionic Beauty:  “Scariest Makeup Moment Contest“

My sophomore year prom (1992), my mother decided to do my makeup to “help me out”. I ended up with HUGE raccoon eyes. I mean, the eyeshadow was dark blue and up above my creases, white glimmery shadow stood out in stark contrast on my brow bone. Black eyeliner winged out 1/2 inch from the outer corner of each eye and then was slathered under each lower lashline!

But that’s not the worst… she applied 1973 Mustang Candy Red blush to my cheeks. And applied again, and again until my cheeks resembled two plump strawberries. Top it all off with bright red fake nails and deep red lipstick.

Oi. What a painful, yet now funny moment in my history.

Hope the readers enjoy!

Jami
aka Bionic Beauty

 
Cecily:   (this entry won her a full size makeup set from Everyday Minerals)

So…does my entire seventh grade year count as a moment? If I wasn’t wearing tri-colored eyeshadow (green, purple and pink) I was sportin’ the purple or electric blue mascara. Let me tell you, I was super RAD!

In eighth grade I moved into the black as coal eyeliner around my whole eye phase. I looked like a stinkin’ prize fighter. It wasn’t until I overheard one of the most popular boys in school tell someone I’d be pretty if I didn’t wear all that make up that I scaled it back a bit. That was pretty embarrassing.
- Cecily at http://www.mychaosmybliss.blogspot.com

Jen:   

Well, mine is silly. I was 13, at girls camp & my lips and face were sooo sunburned. All I could find for lip relief was some lipstick, but it was a really bright pink. I remember other girls snickering as I walked by…redhead+sunburn+bright pink lipstick=bad combination. Now, I always try to carry chapstick, or clear gloss with me at the very least! – Jen at http://www.lordsofthemanor.blogspot.com

Debbie:  What’s in your Handbag?

Very cute. I have one about what your lipstick says about you and will be putting it on my blog soon. I can remember a time my Mom (also with 5 children) found a left over hamburger in her purse that we could only guess the age of.
The last time i was on your blog I didn’t notice you lived in Palo Alto. I lived in Foster City for awhile and worked at the mall there in Palo Alto. I am also a small town girl at heart (but living in the city for now).
Have a GREAT day.
Debbie aka “Real World Martha“

Mo:  New Year Resolutions: Taking Better Care of Your Skin

If you really want to see what kind of damage is there that you can’t see you, take a good close picture of your face, pull it up in your photo editing software, and crank the contrast WAY up. It shows a lot of the sun spots that aren’t yet visible to you. And it will scare you into sunscreen use for sure!!!

SAHMmy:  Here is an Eye Opener: Halloween Costumes for Girls

-I totally agree! I was shocked and appalled to see sexy costumes in Toddler sizes while shopping this year! Who is buying this stuff for their kids to wear?–as you point out, there is obviously a demand for such garbage. – SAHMmy from http://www.sahmmysays.blogspot.com

Made me “pee my pants” funny comments:

IC:  January Jessicurl’s “How to Beat the Winter Blues” Contest

Go south, stay there, leave when it gets hot. This should be compulsory.

Tracy M:

Oh, Gimme gimme gimme! It was 5, yes FIVE degrees here this morning, and I’m thinking of taking a pumice stone to the dry skin on my legs. Have mercy

Cynthia Berry:

feel better,  i mean!   not butter!

Sylvie Argirakis:

I thought a nice trip to Aruba last year for my 40th b-day would help me beat the winter blues. It doesn’t. When I got back to Cleveland, it was below zero…and I was still 40! Even worse, it’s so hard to return to winter after 7 days of heaven. It was a great trip, but does not take care of those winter blues. So, what works? Chocolate seems to be the best answer to that question for me.

And although he didn’t actually comment on the site, Tris Hussey wrote up a wonderful link to Mythbuster Beauty this week:

Part of the deal in Shai’s link love project is linking to the person who left the comment above you.  For me that was Jen Hill of Mythbuster Beauty.

Yeah now that I’m done with the obligatory link you’d think I’m done right?  You know me better than that!

I looked at Jen’s blog.  Yeah makeup and beauty tips aren’t really up my alley.  Okay I was given a pineapple-juice based exfoliant for men and I do use it once and a while (hmm my skin is feeling a little tight…), but that’s not what came to mind.  Photography.  That’s what struck me.  I know nothing about makeup for photography!  I doubt any woman in her right mind would let me apply makeup on them, but maybe I should read up on this a bit.  I love taking pictures and if I ever want to do semi-professional stuff (like portraits) it might be good to know some tips for the ladies.

Okay … I think I’ll pass Jen’s blog onto my female friends, they will probably get more out of it anyway.

And Finally, the “really warms my heart” comments:

Teresa Hoyt:

Curling up with a hot cup of tea (coffee,cocoa,etc.) , a good book and a warm fuzzy blanket.

Susan Caldwell: 

To beat the winter blues,
I take good care of myself physically….
I eat better, I make sure I get enough sleep,
I take my vitamins/mineral supplements,
I dance around the house with my favorite music,
I remind myself that summer is coming, and that
I will be complaining about the heat soon lol.

Samantha Freeman:

i LOVE to play Bingo all winter long, i don’t so much in the summer, but living in Maine and having long winters, it also gives me a way to socialize.

Laurel:

Trying some of the stellar products that Jen has recommended is a great way to beat the winter blues. I have had so much success in doing so and am so grateful for Jen’s advice!

Many Thanks and here’s to several great comments to look forward to in 2008!  Who knows, sometime this year I might even get a comment from Oprah!

I went with a fire theme today, it was fun.

White Frost

Gorgeous Gold

Cosmic Reality (Tony & Tina)

Gash (Urban Decay liquid liner)

It matched my hair quite well, and I even wore a red shirt! What can I say, sometimes I take things and just run with them…..

Growing up, I was a huge fan of both television shows, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman.  In 2007, a new Bionic addition arrived on the planet, enter Jami who disguises herself under the blog name “Bionic Beautyâ„¢.”   I just remembered that the TV Bionic Woman’s character is named Jamie Sommers.  Mere coincidence that these two heroines share the same first name?  I think not.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/BRh3CpSf0mM&rel=1"]

In the pursuit of all that is good and beautiful, Jami and I quickly became beauty blogging buds.  I guess you could say, I’m Bionic Beauty’s sidekick, Little Ms. Mythbuster Beauty!  Over the last few months, we have been emailing back and forth and encouraging each other’s efforts.  Both our husbands think we have gone completely batty with our beauty blogs.  And respectfully so, maybe we have!

 

The Bionic Beautyâ„¢ blog features makeup samples, beauty freebies, affordable cosmetics and honest product reviews.
Achieve Powerful Beauty!â„¢

Yesterday, Bionic Beauty™ revealed a little bit more of her human side by posting her answers to a meme.  Yes, this blogging heroine has warm blood like you and me.  

She will also be on a “Let’s Talk Makeup” podcast tomorrow at 2pm EST with Sherry from LooseLipsNY.  To listen visit the Loose Lips NY radio site here:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/looselipsny.   And if you would like to call in, simply dial (646) 716-8862.

You are simply the best Jami, and many good wishes for continued success at Bionic Beau-tay!

I am sharing the Love, link style.

B5media VP of Community Shai Coggins is on week two of her year-long Blog Community project.  This week, link love–52 WoC #2: Give The Gift of Link Lovin’ – ShaiCoggins.com.  You know linking to folks who are writing good stuff and you just want to give props to.  Join the fun!

I have already gushed about their foundation, Visage Mirage, one of my all time favorite makeup finds for 2007!  This foundation melts into your skin, giving flawless and completely natural coverage.  It contains jojoba, ginseng, vitamin E–all those things we know are soothing for our skin.  I may take the opportunity to purchase their concealer palette, Tabula Rasa. 

Now through midnight Friday, January 25th, get an extra 35% off your Maven online order!  Use code JANSALE at checkout, and hit Apply.  But hurry — at these prices Maven’s inventory is moving quickly. Click here to shop now!

Park City, Utah attracts thousands of people for their annual Sundance Film Festival.  The Main Street is lined with small boutiques, cafes, and cinemas.  The roads are clear, but the snow has been plowed high along the curbs.  People rush along with their snowboards in arm, heading up to the slopes, waiting in line for tickets to the next show, or sneaking outside for a quick smoke.  Everything feels electric and alive.  I kept scanning people’s faces looking for Robert Redford!  Then suddenly, a woman passes by me with an MTV cameraperson along side her and microphone in hand.  Word on the street is that Jack Black, Colin Farrell, Josh Peck (from my kids favorite Nick show “Drake and Josh”), Paris Hilton and several other celebrities have been spotted. 

Alyson Hoag was gracious enough to invite me to visit her Authentic Beauty^® booth at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.  Alyson has several years experience as a Master Makeup Artist for Lancome, Borghese, Revlon, Sebastian, and Aveda. A few years ago she read the book “Simple Abundance” by Sarah ban Breathnach, and it took her life and career in a different direction.  She was inspired to create her own business to assist individuals striving for their best selves, their most authentic selves.

“After a certain point in a woman’s life,” says Alyson, “she isn’t concerned about trends.  She wants to look great.  She wants to feel great.  She wants professional guidance not one more trip to the department store to be sold another bag of goods that may or may not be what she needs.”

I met Alyson in Park City at the Treasure Mountain Inn, home of the Slamdance Festival.  Slamdance is an offshoot of Sundance, and was created as a showcase for new and emerging talent and is dedicated to inspire new filmmakers.    At the Alive! Expo Green Pavilion Alyson’s booth was set up next to  Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap Booth and Alyson’s close friend who makes beautifully-bangly colored glass jewelry from recycled bottles.   Alyson had her lights and all her makeup set up; she was busy applying makeup on an Expo goer.  Although we had never met, she immediately recognized me and greeted me with a warm hug.  Alyson has a gorgeous head of yes, naturally curly hair!  What I had read about her is how she really is, the genuine article.  I quickly realized that Alyson has a wealth of information when it comes to makeup colors and the how to’s for great makeup technique.  She really has a lot to offer for any one trying to look their best.

At the end of an extremely busy day at Sundance, Alyson took the time to make me over!  As we began, Beth Stolarczyk from the original cast of MTV’s The Real World, came storming into the room in a panic.  She explained to Alyson that someone had just done her makeup and could not stand it!  Apparently, Alyson had done her face and eye makeup the day before and she loved it and received several compliments.   Alyson quickly remedied the situation by removing her existing eye makeup and starting over.  She created a custom dark neutral brown liner, placed a purplish gray shadow on the lid and neutral skin tone on her brow bone as a way to accentuate her eyes and not detract from their natural beauty.  Alyson said that women need to learn good makeup brush techniques and emphasized the importance of blending.   She also placed a beautiful gold shimmer liner underneath her eye, to really make her eyes light up and “pop.”   Beth was extremely relieved and happy with the end result.  Then her personal entourage came and whisked her off for the evening Sundance events and a photo shoot.  Crisis averted! 

“I truly believe that every woman is beautiful. When she looks in the mirror, she should recognize her inner-self shining through, rather than a face dominated by makeup.  I love guiding her through that journey.  Watching a woman fall in love with herself is the best job anybody could have.”

There is so much to say, and Alyson Hoag shared some great makeup advice and information with me.  All this week I will continue to share my experience with her, and encourage you to ask any questions.  She has been writing about her own experiences at Sundance at her Authenic Beauty blog, and had a hilarious run-in with Woody Harrelson in a public restroom (what a dork)!

We both agreed that we share the same vision.  That is, taking the time and effort to really get to know and appreciate yourself and discover the true authentic and beautiful person inside of you.