Many of the ground-breaking ingredients used in facial care are also available to ... Read More »]]>

During the colder months, when you are likely wearing turtleneck sweaters and high necked blouses anyway, is a great time to address the delicate skin on your chest area, know as the décolleté. Often it can show the same signs of living every day life as your face: fine lines or actual wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark spots or dryness. The colder months are prime time to treat the area so you are looking good for spring dresses and tops that show off more of your upper body!

Many of the ground-breaking ingredients used in facial care are also available to help treat the décolleté, including those for firming, toning and lightening the skin.  Exfoliating the area and using a mask or other treatment product on a regular basis can help to keep the skin looking bright and hydrated.  It is important to note that daily use of sunscreen on the décolleté area, rain or shine, no matter what the season, is paramount. Make a habit of addressing the décolleté in the same way you do your face and neck, with constant care that will provide you with optimal results.

Here are a few of my favorite products for the décolleté:

Obagi ELASTIderm® Décolletage System – This system contains two products, Wrinkle Reducing Lotion and Skin Lightening Complex, to address signs of aging and skin lightening issues. ($138)

LUSH Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream – Rose petal and meadowsweet infused ingredients tone and tighten the breast and décolleté in this rich cream. ($24.95)

Radical Skincare Firming Neck Gel – With Kelp Extract, Green Tea and Resveratrol, the company promises increased elasticity and brightness for your neck and décolleté. ($95)

Like most beauty related ventures, the more love and attention you give your décolleté, the better it is going to look. If you get in the habit of treating it as you do your facial skin, it will go a long way toward maintaining a youthful and vibrant look.

Laura Carson Miller is a freelance lifestyle writer and beauty expert published in magazines and on the web. Website: www.lauracarsonmiller.com.

Photo credit © Bobby Flowers | Dreamstime.com

Q.   Should we always change our skin care when the weather changes? If we are getting good results is it necessary to switch anything?

A. I do believe ... Read More »]]>

Skin Care Expert & Celebrity Esthetician Renée Rouleau works with celebs like Demi Lovato, Jessica Simpson and Katie Cassidy, and believes there’s more to skin than the one-size-fits-all approach. As we head full on into fall and winter weather, it’s prime time for Renee’s expert advice on keeping your skin in tip top shape for the months to come. Here’s my informative Q & A with her; I know you’ll learn so much!

Q.   Should we always change our skin care when the weather changes? If we are getting good results is it necessary to switch anything?

A. I do believe it is helpful to use certain ingredients on your skin depending on the season (more antioxidant-based products are needed in the summer versus more moisturizing barrier repair ingredients are needed in winter) and to expose your skin to different benefits that ingredients can offer. I personally like to switch up 2-3 products in my skin care routine every change of season, primarily because my skin has different needs, but also to give my skin a bit of everything. This is a well-rounded approach that I find beneficial.

However, I do believe that it’s not absolutely necessary to change products as long as you’re getting results. The approach of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” is certainly valid, particularly for extremely sensitive skins who are often times made worse when introducing something new. But I do think it can be beneficial to alter your routine a few times a year.

As for completely switching to a new brand, this is not necessary as your skin will never know one line from another, but switching products will introduce new ingredients and therefore new results. That’s why I love that I created my line with over 72 products and nine skin types. It allows you to move around within my line without having to jump ship and find a whole new line.

As for skin building up immunity to skin care products over time, this simply is not true. While your skin can build up a tolerance to certain ingredients resulting in less sensitivity over time (retinols and acids), there is no direct mechanism for your skin to become immune to the effects of skin care products.

Do know that if your skin is changing, it’s time to change your skin routine. Our skin, like our bodies, is constantly changing. Particularly from hormone changes (more so in females), your skin can be acting perfectly normal and be problem-free, and then rashes, oiliness or acne can start to appear—at any age. I often hear, “I never had acne as a teenager and now I’m getting it in my 40’s!”

Q. If you have oily skin but experience winter dry patches or flakes should you use a heavier or different moisturizer or serum?

A. If you aren’t using a skin serum and you’re experiencing winter dryness, then I suggest start by introducing a serum to your skin care regimen, making sure it’s appropriate for oily skin. It is my belief that the very best way to enhance the results of your products and to give more hydration in the winter is to use a serum underneath your moisturizer or mask. When you feel like your skin needs something more and your moisturizer isn’t cutting it, this can really make a big improvement.

What exactly is a serum?  A serum is a skin care product that has a higher concentration of active ingredients, usually comes in a gel or creamy gel form and is meant for use under a moisturizer or mask.

What kind of active ingredients are used?  Soluble Beta Glucans for lessening breakouts from inside out and Silver Ear Mushroom which is five times more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid (found in our Skin Correcting Serum), White Tea for calming redness and irritation instantly (found in our White Tea Soothing Complex), Glycolic Acid for exfoliation (found in Glycolic Serum), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate for fading brown spots (found in our Vitamin C&E Complex), and Peptides for skin firming (found in our Intensive Firming Serum).

Q.  I know you are a fan of alcohol free toner. Can you refresh our memory about why toner is important and how it benefits the skin? What ingredients should we look for in a toner?

A. 1.They give your skin a drink of moisture when left damp on the skin before applying moisturizer (Make sure to only use an alcohol-free toner. Toners that contain alcohol are extremely drying to the skin and should never be used. See the collection of Renée Rouleau alcohol-free toners)

2. They remove drying chlorines and minerals found in tap water. Many chlorine and chemical agents are put into tap water to destroy harmful bacteria but they can be dehydrating to the skin.

3. They balance the PH in the skin. If you use a bar of soap or foaming face wash that might dry out the skin due to their low PH balance, a toner will help counteract the dryness that occurs.

4. They can enhance the results of your skin care program. Depending on the ingredients used in the toner, they can help calm, control oil, stimulate blood circulation, destroy acne-causing bacteria, provide anti-oxidant benefits and more.

5. They support your skin’s protective barrier. By supplying the skin with essential hydration and nutrients, you repair the skin’s protective barrier making it less sensitive and resistant to environmental damage. Ingredients to look for include sucrose, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera–all which soothe and hydrate the skin.

Renée’s exclusive skin care line is based on nine unique skin types, rather than the standard–dry, normal and oily. Her two Dallas skin care spas and products attract a celebrity clientele. Visit www.ReneeRouleau.com for more information.

Article by Laura Carson Miller. Laura is a freelance lifestyle writer and beauty expert in Atlanta. Her lifestyle blog is lcmLifestyle. Visit her website at www.lauracarsonmiller.com.

The launch of Topshop makeup and the new store in Chicago brings us the stunning nail shade, Windy City. ... Read More »]]>

As always, with a new season comes new nail polish shades, and I have to say I get giddy over cold weather hues. What I’m not feeling, at all, is the long pointed nail shape some celebs are currently sporting. Not only is unattractive in my eyes, it looks like it could be dangerous. Let’s take a look at what we have in store, or online, as the case may be, in the way of eye catching colors for fingers and toes.

The launch of Topshop makeup and the new store in Chicago brings us the stunning nail shade, Windy City.  Described as a stormy blue, this hue will dance on fingers and toes over the next few months.

Jessica offers Rebel Glam, an assortment of six intense colors designed with a rebellious heart and sophisticated mind. I love the concept here. My faves include Street Swagger and Vampy Vixen.

Smoke and Mirrors is the newest collection from Zoya. Cynthia from Smoke and Tao from Mirrors provide chic style to add to your mystery this fall and winter. Try layering various shades to create custom nails. Hot looks and long wear ~ yes!

Hot off the presses from Deborah Lippmann are Single Ladies (red), Brick House (rust), Stormy Weather, created with Narciso Rodriguez (granite), and Billionaire (hunter green). All winners in my book!

I’m a fan of Color to Diner For and Road House Blues in the new Touring America set from OPI. Every collection from OPI has classic and trendy options, something I value.

Essie’s latest polish set contains a shade I adore called Carry On. It’s a deep burgundy I will wear often. Glamour Purse also intrigues me and perhaps I’ll try Power Clutch on my toes?

Don’t miss other new nail options from nails inc., Sephora Collection, Chanel, NARS, Estee Lauder and Butter London. The colors, and the ways to wear them, are endless. Use your imagination when it comes time for your mani/pedi and break out if you are in a polish shade rut! In colder weather, when you toes are often covered in boots and flats, is prime time to try out green, blue or gray, if those are shades you normally steer clear of. And don’t miss out on the pleasure of tended to toes in fall and winter. I personally love looking at polished toes while taking a long hot bath or cuddling in front of the fire for some TV. You are worth it and will truly appreciate your pedi even more in winter weather!

Laura is a freelance writer and beauty expert in Atlanta. She writes for magazines and the web. Her website is

www.lauracarsonmiller.com

Did you know that Crystal Peel holds the original patent on microdermabrasion (*U.S. Patent # 6,290,975)? Sold for many years under private label to plastic surgeons, dermatologist and medical spas, it is now available to the public. With various products to choose from, including some specially formulated for the man in your life, Crystal Peel can cover all the bases when it comes to your exfoliation needs.

The Microdermabrasion Exfoliator is the star of the show. Full disclosure: I am normally not a fan of any kind of scrub for the face. I find them too harsh and since my skin ... Read More »]]>

Did you know that Crystal Peel holds the original patent on microdermabrasion (*U.S. Patent # 6,290,975)? Sold for many years under private label to plastic surgeons, dermatologist and medical spas, it is now available to the public. With various products to choose from, including some specially formulated for the man in your life, Crystal Peel can cover all the bases when it comes to your exfoliation needs.

The Microdermabrasion Exfoliator is the star of the show. Full disclosure: I am normally not a fan of any kind of scrub for the face. I find them too harsh and since my skin is sensitive I normally avoid them. When I tried this out on the back of my hand, it felt smooth going on and not at all rough or scratchy. So I tried it on my face and I loved it. Because it offers what the company calls a ‘controlled abrasion’ it helps reduce fine lines, discoloration and large pores. Plus it helps to stimulate new collagen, a huge bonus.

I also tried the Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Soap Bar, which was a hit with both my husband and myself. This is great to use prior to applying self tanner or just a few times a week to keep skin smooth and renewed. Again, it has a clean and smooth feel while on the skin and is in no way a harsh product.

Lastly and certainly not leastly, Crystal Peel has three new lip products: Lip Plump, Vitamin E Lip Therapy and Lip Renewal Exfoliator.  With these products in hand you are ready for the upcoming winter weather when cold air outside and hot air inside tend to leave us all with a flaking and sometimes even cracked pout. They offer exfoliating, moisturizing and plumping, so your lips will be ready for anything.

Crystal Peel products are both gentle and effective and provide excellent results.  If you are new to skin exfoliation or what one might call an ‘old pro’, the look and feel of your skin will improve with the use of products that exfoliate the skin. Cell turn over is vital in order for our other skin products to work effectively and for treatment of discoloration, flaking and fine lines and wrinkles. Take control of your skin with regular microderabrasion action, which you can now do in your own home with Crystal Peel!

*Crystal Peel provided sample products to the writer for testing.

Laura Carson Miller is an internationally published freelance lifestyle writer and beauty expert. She writes for magazines and the web. Her website is http://www.lauracarsonmiller.com

Personally, I’m hitting the beach next month and even though I exercise and eat a healthy diet, I wanted to know the top 6 tricks to get myself in the best shape possible for my new bikini! To get the skinny, ha ha, on how to best present ones self to world in a bikini or other body baring outfit, I consulted fitness expert Alex Matosov on ideas for exercises, nutrition ... Read More »]]>

Now that warm weather is upon us, many are taking vacations or spending time at a local pool, and that means your body is being seen in a swimsuit! EEEKK!

Personally, I’m hitting the beach next month and even though I exercise and eat a healthy diet, I wanted to know the top 6 tricks to get myself in the best shape possible for my new bikini! To get the skinny, ha ha, on how to best present ones self to world in a bikini or other body baring outfit, I consulted fitness expert Alex Matosov on ideas for exercises, nutrition tips and even healthy phone apps to keep us all motivated this summer. I’m happy to share Alex’s expertise with you now:

*Exercises

The “Body-builder”
1. Squat down and leap up as high as possible with your hands above the head
2. Land back into squat, place your hand on the ground in front of you and kick your feet back (hold for 3 seconds)
3. Do a push up
4. Jump your feet back towards your hands
5. Stand back up and repeat from step 1
Do this for 3 sets of 10, five times a week ~ once in the morning and once in the evening

Do a 1 minute plank in between these two exercises: Hold yourself still on your elbows and toes, keeping the hips leveled with your shoulders.

The “Lower Body Burn”
1. Start with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart
2. Squat down so that your hips drop below your knees
3. Squeeze your glutes as you return to standing
4. Step back with one leg dropping your back knee down (reverse lunge)
5. Come back up into standing position pushing through your front heel
6. Repeat squat and then repeat reverse lunge on the other leg.
One set includes 2 Squats, and 1 reverse lunge on each side. Do this movement for 3 sets of 15.

You will notice that each of these movements is somewhat complex. Exercises that include multiple muscle groups burn the most calories and help to tone more of the body. An overall total body workout is one that will show results the most quickly and safely.

*Nutrition Tips

1. Portion Control – Choose a plate 9-10 inches in diameter. Fill up HALF the plate with raw vegetables (preferably two kinds). Divide the other half of the plate in half again, making it two quarters. One quarter will be for whole grain roll, whole grain pasta, sweet potato, or brown rice. The other quarter of the plate will be for protein (fish, lean meats, low fat cheese, eggs, or beans and lentils). Avoid fried foods.

2. Hydration – Lack of water is the number one trigger for daytime fatigue. You muscle tissue consists of 75% water, therefore being dehydrated also slows down your body’s ability to burn fat. It is recommended to drink eight to ten 8oz glasses of water minimum/day and should be increased on intense workout days. Two cups of unsweetened green tea is also recommended.

*Health Related Apps (both are for the iPhone)

1. Lose It – This is a great calorie tracker app! You input your info (weight, height, etc.), and then throughout the day you “add” the foods that you ate as well as exercises you did and it computes calories taken in and calories burned. Of course this is a close estimate with a margin of error but it’s a great tool for people to keep track of their diet, and be accountable for their weight loss. You can also invite friends to take the weight loss journey with you! It’s always easier to do this with a support system.

2. Everyday Health – This is a great “overall” health app. With this app you have access to health tips, answers to thousands of health questions, food and fitness info, and many more options.

Armed with this expert info from Alex, you can prioritize your plan for that healthy bikini body and make your fitness dreams a reality. You can follow him on twitter @alexmatosov for lots of good advice, too. Now go out there and show off all your hard work!

Laura Carson Miller is a freelance lifestyle writer and beauty expert. She writes for magazines and the web and has her own blog, Your Stylish Life. Visit her website at www.lauracarsonmiller.com

Photo credit © Demid | Dreamstime.com