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!

 

My skin has finally grown out of its acne stage, and grown into a whole new set of skin issues. I see very few bad blemishes these days, but I now notice bumps and divots far more than I used to.  In my desire to get a good “before” picture for a few of my product reviews I realized that just because you have a camera that takes good micro pictures doesn’t mean you should use it.

I had no idea my face looked like this up close!! Time to take action.

Now, as a former acne sufferer, I know I could easily cover these pores and bumps with layers of makeup, but I wear cosmetics because I want to, not because I have to.  Enter Dr. Brandt’s “Pores No More.”  Dr. Brandt is well known in the skincare field.  He is very popular and counts celebs like Madonna among his clients, so when I found that Pores No More retails for only $45 online, I was impressed.

Right out of the box I noticed the uniquely styled tube with a pump at the top. “Combination and Oily skin”?  Yep, that’s me all right.  One pump and the distinctive fragrance of tea tree oil wafted towards my little nose.  Hmmm, pleasing but not overwhelming.  Nice.  It’s also a great anti-bacterial that’s so nice for oily skin. Pores No More also contains flaxseed oil, which is so good for your heart and circulation that I take it in a daily supplement, but it also apparently reduces oil production. One last major ingredient touted on the website is pro dimethysilanediol salicylate which is in the same family as salicylic acid and is an anti-inflammatory that helps to restore ph balance and absorb oil. The full ingredient list is impressive in both its length and in the amount of ingredients I can actually pronounce and identify. The power of botanicals is not lost on this man, and he puts them to good use.

It only takes a bit to get the job done, 3 pumps covers my whole face beautifully. I concentrated on the middle of my face, around my nose, the spot where the majority of us notice our pores the most. PNM left my skin with the most wonderful, velvety feeling.  My fingers glide effortlessly over the surface of my face after I use this product, not a single bump or ridge to distract me. It would be nice to have the option of a clear or more lightly tinted fluid for us pasty ladies.  The tint is a bit too dark for my skin, but it made such a wonderful base for my usual tinted moisturizer that I continue to use it anyway.  I find that everything goes on smoother and stays better if I apply it after the Pores No More, and it truly does help absorb oil and keep that shine away longer.  It can be reapplied through the day to combat oil better, but since I have an incompatibility issue with the color, that just wasn’t an option for me.

Nothing will make your pores disappear forever, but this product really minimizes them to make them less noticeable. This is even fantastic as a foundation primer or smoothing tint for people who don’t feel that they have a pore problem. You will be amazed at the difference you feel in your skin with the very first use. There are several similar products for those with normal or dry and sensitive skin as well, so be sure to check Dr. Brandt’s website to get something just for you.

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 sukicolor™ 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 Beauty™.”   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 Beauty™ blog features makeup samples, beauty freebies, affordable cosmetics and honest product reviews.
Achieve Powerful Beauty!™

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 always wanted to try a cheek stain. However, being a messy person by nature, I would avoid messing with liquids and gels that have the word “stain” in their title.  Finally, the cosmetics world has realized the ‘incredibly clumsy’ demographic and created something just for me. Actually, the product has just improved and it works in my favor.

I had the opportunity recently to try Tarte’s cheek stain, in the colors Cloud 9 and Sunkissed. The lively purple packaging of Cloud 9 caught my eye first so I happily ripped it open. No unnecessary packaging means you are really getting your money’s worth here. The pale lilac gel looks like a cream and had the scent of grape candy that was so refreshing I almost wanted to lick it. I settled for a Jolly Rancher instead. The presentation of the product alone made me feel cheerful, and I hadn’t even removed the protective cover yet! A few dabs and a quick blending job with my fingertips and I was on my way. The creamy color is light and smooth. The gel stain easily blended into my skin and can be re-applied to add more if the initial color didn’t have enough oomph. The soft pinkish lilac tint was perfect on my pale skin and added just the right amount of shimmer to give me a fresh look. This is the perfect color for a spring or summer day with a light eye color and a nude lip, add a little eyeliner and you’re ready to go out dancing. Everything about it felt youthful and vibrant, without trying too hard. It just begs to be worn with a sundress and espadrilles, even in the dead of winter.

Sunkissed also proved to have a pleasing scent, with the hint of coconut that suggested lounge chairs and piña coladas (virgin for me, thanks). The texture was much more like a gel, it brought to mind a well made Jell-o jiggler. Okay, that was definitely the mom in me talking. I had high hopes for this shade. As a person of NO color, I spend my summers heavily coated in sunscreen (as we all should) and the sun never has the chance to get anywhere near my skin, much less kiss it. There is nothing worse than being utterly pale in all your summer photos. Except, of course, being a bright, painful, pink color.

Hallelujah!  A few quick dabs and my natural color of ‘death warmed over’ turned into simply ‘warm’! A perfectly sunned color without the powdery look of a traditional bronzer. The product sinks right into your skin and gives you a happy, and healthy, glow. Maybe not as bronzing on darker skin tones, but it would be a beautiful hint of natural color for you ladies that aren’t the same color as the paper in your printer. I wore this over my tinted moisturizer, I even wore it without my tinted moisturizer, and it stayed wonderfully. I needed a quick touch up late afternoon, though I have oily skin and have yet to find a powder that performs this well.

I have truly found a new staple, and coming from someone who has been devoted to the same cheek color for years, that means a lot. Next I would love to try Tickled. And Blushing Bride. And Dollface…..Aw, heck, I can easily imagine myself in all of them!  The color selections are well rounded and well formulated, they truly cater to every skin tone. I dare you to check these cheek stains out, and then try to decide on just one!