Week of Beauty Products (4): Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

What is it? Neutorgena's Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask "is a breakthrough acne-fighting formula that can be used two ways:

• As a Daily Cleanser to kill the bacteria that can cause blackheads and breakouts. Gently massage the rich creamy lather over skin and rinse with water.
• As an Intensive Mask for deep cleansing and extra oil control. Smooth an even layer over skin, allowing the formula to penetrate for up to 5 minutes before rinsing with water. You'll feel it's cooling intensity build as it penetrates into the pores."

Available at drugstores for less than $8.00

What did you think? I used this both ways--as a face wash and as a mask. As a fave wash, I found this product to be over-drying. I don't have acne-prone skin and prefer something a bit more gentle for an everyday cleanser.

As a mask, this product is much better. It goes on cool and then kind of tingles as it sits. I guess the tingle is how you know it's working? Anyway, it leaves my skin feeling very clean and like I dunked my face in menthol. And that's not a negative comment!

Be careful with this product for two reasons:

1) It can make your skin dry out. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer if necessary.
2) It contains benzoyl peroxide so it can stain or discolor fabrics (especially towels....just ask me how I know!).

The final verdict? It's a good price and it's made by normally reliable Neutrogena, so that's a plus. Watch out for over-drying (and be careful with your towels) and you're set. I would recommend it for use as a mask to avoid the over-drying issue.

Week of Beauty Products (3): Knu Anti-Aging Tri-Complex

What is it? Michael Todd's Knu Anti-Aging Tri-Complex is "the first cream in the United States to include this amazing anti-aging breakthrough. The cream has a high concentration of purified snail secretion manufactured exclusively for Michael Todd in an FDA Registered Facility here in the U.S.

Research published in The International Society of Skin Pharmacology Journal reveals the regenerative properties of snail secretion and its effects on human skin. Scientists have concluded that this same substance can aid many human skin disorders because of its regenerative properties, considering it a real breakthrough in natural skin treatment. According to the study, snail secretion protects against free radicals, environmental pollution and UV radiation.

KNU is luxuriously rich and creamy, not greasy or oily, with a fresh clean smell and is rapidly absorbed into the skin where it can go to work." Available online for $130.

What did you think? First off, let me say that this product in no way smells like "snail secretions" (or as we put it, snail snot!). It's a lovely, creamy white moisturizer that smells clean. Also, I received a sample of this product, so for me, the cost was not an issue.

The cream is thick and luxurious and a little goes a long way. Because it's winter, my skin is dryer and at times flakier than I'd like. Lovely, huh? KNU seems very moisturizing--it clears up my flaky patches with very little product. I just put some on, and when I run my fingers over my cheek, they seem softer.

I cannot yet attest to the anti-aging properties of this product. I'll need to give it more time (I've only been using it for a week) to see how it plays out.

The final verdict? Again, I need to give this one a little more time to really see what it can do. It does feel good going on and so far I'm happy with the results. Snail snot! Who knew?

I just wish it wasn't quite so expensive!

Week of Beauty Products (2): Shielding Lotion

What is it? Skin MD Shielding Lotion "is far more effective as a dry skin treatment than conventional moisturizing lotions or protective creams. If you suffer from dry skin, you know that just using a moisturizing lotion does not solve the problem. A shielding lotion does much more than just treat dry skin – it is a new kind of skin care product that makes a real difference to all skin types.

Skin MD Natural is promptly absorbed, without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield." Available online for less than $20 a bottle (I saw it as high as $18 and as low as $10--shop around).

What did you think? At first I was nervous about using a product designed for "face, hands, and body" on my face. I was scared that it would be too heavy. I was gladly mistaken.

My husband uses this product every day (I've used it occasionally), so his review of the product was important to me. He says the product absorbs easily into his skin. He doesn't feel greasy--or, as he puts it, "sweaty,"--after applying it. He says the dry patches on his skin are minimized after using it, so it does exactly what a moisturizer is meant to do.

Another plus is that it's fragrance-free and it is not tested on animals.

I found that I had a hard time figuring out how much of the product to use at first. It seemed that when I applied the product, I had too much on my skin. But after a few minutes, my skin seemed to have sucked up the moisturizer and felt a bit tight--a bit in need of more moisturizer. (I don't need to point out that my husband and I have different skin types!) After a few days of using it, I figured out how much to use...problem solved.

The final verdict? I really do like the fact that this can be used on all skin--face, hands, body, etc. I'm a fan of a multi-tasker, so I say give this one a try!

Week of Beauty Products (1): One Essential

What is it? Dior's Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Serum is Dior's "most advanced, scientifically proven skincare to help maximize the results of all age-defying skincare routines. One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum helps to detoxify skin cells to powerfully correct all visible signs of aging and renew skin's youthful appearance. Applied before any other skincare products, One Essential boosts their effectiveness and extends the benefits over time. The skin regains its vitality, becomes more luminous, smoother and visibly younger-looking." Available where Dior skincare products are found (high-end department stores like Nordstrom's) for $95.

What did you think? Let me first say that I did not pay for this product. I received a sample from the Dior folks and have been using the product for about a month. $95 is a lot of money...I am very much aware of that.

I used this product twice a day--morning and night--before using any of my other products. It goes on lightly and has a pleasant, delicate scent. I only used a small amount of the product each time, and it absorbed well into my skin. I didn't feel like I was over-moisturized or greasy feeling.

My skin seemed smoother and more balanced after this product. I don't have tons of wrinkles yet (emphasis on the yet!) but I did notice that my areas of concern (I have a crease above my nose, and my eyes and mouth area are always a concern!) seemed smoother, tighter.

The final verdict? I think I need to continue to use the product to fully get the benefit. I do like the product, but I really don't like the idea of spending $95 on one skin product. It's effective, it's a pleasure to use, but I do think it's cost prohibitive.

About This Week

Since my blog's inception (waaaay back in 2006), I have traditionally featured a "Beauty Product of the Week." This week is going to be a little different. I have a lot of material to blow through, so instead of just one Beauty Product of the Week, I am going to be doing a Week of Beauty Products.

Slick, huh?'

This week will feature a bunch of reviews of skin care products. Enjoy!

And, as always, if you have any beauty questions, want to suggest a product, etc. you can either leave me a comment or send me an email (asklydia@hotmail.com).

Shear Genius is Back!

Attention reality TV fans! Bravo's Shear Genius is set to return in February and Nexxus is once again a sponsor. Take a look at the press release below. I'm looking forward to Jonathan Antin returning to Bravo. His show was so entertaining!

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Bravo’s creative hair-styling competition series "Shear Genius" premieres Wednesday, February 3 at 11 p.m. ET/PT with a whole new look. Nexxus^® Salon Hair Care, official hair care sponsor of the show, has partnered with Bravo for a third season of high-stakes action. For the first time, "Shear Genius" has gone international. After combing the world for top stylists, Bravo has assembled 12 remarkably-talented individuals who will raise the level of competition to hair-raising heights. Each week, the show will offer expert tips and how-tos, as well as fashionable hairdos created exclusively with Nexxus products.

“We are thrilled to be back for a third season,” said Rob Keen, Nexxus Brand Director. “Partnering with a program that celebrates the professional community and provides viewers with an insight into the world of hair care is a natural fit for Nexxus, a company with 30 years of salon experience.”

International model and handbag designer Camila Alves makes her hosting debut alongside new series judge Jonathan Antin, celebrity stylist and former star of Bravo's hit series "Blow Out." Famed stylist Kim Vo returns as a judge for his second season, and, new to the series, accomplished stylist Orlando Pita adds his voice of expertise as mentor to the contestants. Nexxus Creative Director and renowned stylist Kevin Mancuso will also join the panel on Wednesday, March 10th for the Nexxus Challenge episode

The world of styling is much bigger than just a salon – and Bravo's "Shear Genius" offers a glimpse into that captivating and little-known arena. This season the challenges are more glamorous, the hair more knotty, and the competition more fierce, as the contestants attempt to demonstrate that their style is a cut above the rest.

Every Wednesday, beginning February 3^rd, contestants will lather, rinse and compete in the “Shear Genius” Nexxus Salon. Fans of the show can enjoy the competition online by signing up with Nexxus on Facebook (click here – http://www.facebook.com/nexxus) to receive tips for recreating the winning looks at home, “blow” by “blow” commentary from Nexxus Creative Director and celebrity guest judge Kevin Mancuso, and much more!

Hairy Situation, Part 2

Yesterday it was Mo'Nique and her hairy legs. Today it's a whole other hairy situation...and I totally need your help. Actually, my mom needs your help.

My mother went to get her hair cut the other day and was told by two stylists at the salon that her hair had a noticeable green cast to it. I can't see it, but I'm in no way a hair pro. Anyway, here's the deal. My mother has salt and pepper hair (that's more salt than pepper these days). She has never dyed her hair in her life (can you imagine that?). She doesn't swim. The water in her house is not overly chlorinated. She does take some medicines, but I am not entirely sure what she takes. She uses drug store brand hair products like Pantene and Head and Shoulders.

So here's what I need help with:

1. Have you ever heard anything like this before?
2. What do you think could be the cause of the green tint?
3. What do you think could be used to reverse this?

Any thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated! My mother's not a fan of scene hair...she wasn't big on me having purple hair when I was a teenager and she's certainly not a fan of green hair on herself!

Hairy Situation, Part 1

I was on vacation and didn't have the TV on (except to play the Wii!), but I keep hearing about Mo'Nique's legs at the Golden Globes. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, apparently Golden Globe winner and Precious star, Mo'Nique, cause quite a stir because she did not shave her legs for the awards ceremony. From the little I know about Mo'Nique, I hear that she's not a fan of leg shaving...can't say I blame her.

Anyway, the photo above is making its way around the web and everyone in the world seems to be chiming in. People (especially a surprising number of woman) are slamming Mo'Nique for going au natural, calling it "disgusting" and "shocking" that she would hit the red carpet with some extra fur of her own on her legs.

Here are my two cents on the whole deal:

• My initial thought? Who cares about Mo'Nique's (or anyone else's) legs? Honestly, don't we have more important things to worry about?
• Having said that, it does look a little weird to see a woman in a formal gown, with her hair and makeup done, with unshaved legs. It's not something we're used to. That doesn't mean that it's right or wrong...it's just different.
  
• As much as I hate shaving my legs (and I really, really do), I am absolutely certain that if I were going to attend a major awards ceremony, I'd take the time to shave my legs.

Mo'Nique's legs will (hopefully) stop being a source of discussion soon enough, but I ask you: hairy legs at a formal event: In or Out? I say it's an out just because it looks so damn out of place. Leave me your thoughts!

Back on Wednesday!

I took advantage of the long weekend to take a short, but nice, family vacation at the beach. I'm still on vacation time, so I won't have any new material up until Wednesday. So...please check back then.

In the meantime, if you have any beauty questions, email me at asklydia@hotmail.com.

Thanks!

Beauty Product of the Week: SkinRise Bionic Tonic

What is it? Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic is "an intense moisturizing, antioxidant tonic with PHA anti-aging benefits. This powerful toning, moisturizing, antioxidant and anti-aging product will awaken your skin, spirit and senses. Will result in revealing a healthy, radiant complexion, with enhanced clarity, smoothness and youthful glow. Contains Vitamins A, C and E and green tea extracts to help protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and harmful environmental factors. For stressed skin, use in place of your daily toner. Packaged in convenient single use pads. Follow with moisturizing sunscreen SPF 15. For all skin types. (Made of a) blend of Polyhydroxys including Gluconolactone, Glucoheptonolactone and Lactobionic Acid Marine botanicals (that) help moisturize and condition the skin; eucalyptus and cucumber refine and stimulate; grapefruit and peppermint extracts refresh and purify. Oil-free, Alcohol-free" Available for online for $40.

What did you think? When I first got this product in the mail to try, I tried it in the morning. Big mistake! My skin was way too shiny and felt too tight. But when I used it at night I really liked it.

You just wipe the pad over your clean face and let the product do it's job. I really felt like one pad coated my skin well. It was almost like I had a face mask on! It made my skin not only feel coated, but slightly shimmery and tacky. I felt well hydrated. In the morning, my skin feels soft and well moisturized.

The pads remind me of Oxy pads I used when I was a kid to battle zits. The product has a very fresh though somewhat strong smell. I get the grapefruit but not the peppermint. Either way, when I swipe it over my skin, it makes my face feel a bit tingly--and I like that!

The final verdict? I've been using this product for a few weeks now and, like I said, it does make my skin feel soft. I'm not sure it's doing much else that I can see, but it is pleasant and easy enough to use. Also, I've been using it about every other day since it does feel so hydrating. That means I can stretch the pads out longer, which is a good thing since each pad costs more than $1.00.

Be a Caring Consumer

I've written about this before, but this is a subject that I find to be rather important. So bear with me if you've heard this before.

When it comes to being a beauty consumer, I find it very important to support cosmetics companies that do NOT test their products on animals. I don't think that one single animal should have to suffer for us to have longer lashes, redder lips, or fuller hair. And yet, I cannot say with 100% certainty that ALL of the products I use are cruelty free. This is frustrating and makes me feel like I'm not living up to my ideals.

The subject of animal testing is an emotion one. And PETA, the organization that helps maintain the cruelty-free list also brings up a lot of emotional responses. People think that PETA is too militant at times and because of their tactics, people don't want to listen to what the organization has to say. That's unfortunate because they really do a great job of informing consumers about animal testing.

Now, I am a meat-eating, leather-wearing woman. I don't make any excuses for eating meat. I don't think I should have to. However, that doesn't mean that I am an evil person who likes animals to suffer for my lifestyle. I bet many of you feel the same.

If you're at all interested in this topic, I urge you to visit the Caring Consumer website, put together by PETA. See if products you use are made my companies that test on animals, and then try to find a cruelty-free alternative.

Like I said, I am not perfect. I do use products made by Unilever, Olay, and Pantene--all of which DO test on animals. Yikes. Perhaps it's time for me to rethink my personal care purchases.

Spring Trends for Your Nails

Spring is in the air! I mentioned yesterday that the Spring 2010 collection from NARS is due out in a few days. Then I got an email the other day from the good folks over at Ms. Manicure with the Spring 2010 forecast for nail trends.

Here's what they had to say. And let me just add that I've tried Ms. Manicure products and they're decent...and affordable, which is always a plus. Let me also add that I really like the green nail trend for some reason. What do you think of it?

Mint Green

Give polish color the green light this year – literally. Spring 2010 is all about pastel colors, especially mint green. Promising to be popular, the color provides an exotic pop to the hands without being too bright and distracting. With Essie and Chanel already offering greens, it is sure to be a trend that sticks. Make the polish last longer by providing proper cuticle care prior to the polish with the help of the Ms. Manicure Handy Dandy Mani kit ($9.99). With the help of a cuticle clipper and wooden cuticle boards, you can moisture and take care of manicures so the polish won’t pop off!

Lace Nails

Boudoir is back – and not just in your lingerie drawer. Translate the trend to your manicure by sporting a lace pattern on your nails. A different approach to the everyday nail art, the glitz and glamorous look takes the patterns your kid sister used to press on her fingertips to a whole new adult extreme. And, if you’re feeling wild, you can even get the look at home with real lace!

Nude Nails

This year, it’s all about going au-natural. From organic products to sustainable living, take the trend all the way to your fingertips by forgetting the bright beach-inspired colors and black. Grab a light peach, champagne or pink tinted polish and bare it all. Before applying the polish, don’t forget to buff out imperfections with Ms. Manicure‘s Call Your Buff ($2.99), a four-sided emery board. Buffing your nails will provide a solid base for the polish, and will ensure they look great underneath a thin sheen!

Polish-Free Manicures

With smudges and imperfections a thing of the past, new nail product alternatives, like Minx Manicure, promise to keep the caps on your polish in 2010. A favorite of Rihanna and Blake Lively, the no-polish mani offers a 2- to 4-millimeter-thick film that's cut to fit the nail and affixed with a heat-activated adhesive. Costing $35 - $45 a manicure, each manicure lasts over two weeks. If you are looking to do your own no-chip manicure, make a point to polish the tips of your nails (as well as the tops) to avoid chipping. And, if you accidentally get a bit of polish on your skin in the process, roll a piece of a cotton ball around a wooden cuticle stick (available in Ms. Manicure’s Handy Dandy Mani kit), dip in nail polish remover and gently rub off excess polish!

NARS for Spring 2010

Most of the country has been plagued with some brutal weather this winter. Wicked cold, unyielding snow...all forms of icy torture have spread out over the US. (Thankfully this year, Washington state has been relatively mild--thank you, El Nino!). I bet that many of us are ready for warmer weather and sunshine. Well, I am happy to report that the first few signs of spring are beginning to show. NARS has just unveiled their lovely new line for Spring 2010.

Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in La Chamade, the NARS Spring 2010 Collection features soft, sexy shades that are as elegant as they are versatile.

“I love Catherine’s makeup look in this movie,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics who chose supermodel Amber Valletta for the campaign. “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ‘16th Arrondissement’ way. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed.”

NARS Cruising Lipstick- $24 This subtle, sexy pink lipstick hue provides a sheer natural long-lasting color

NARS Lip Gloss- $24 Easy Lover-Serious luster meets sexy color in this ultra-sheer hot pink lip gloss Ophelia- This high-shine strawberry nectar lip gloss is deliciously sweet and seductive

NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish - $16 This intensely gothic purple is a bright and audacious shade destined to become a modern classic

NARS D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow-$23 This dusty lilac powder eyeshadow yields just a hint of flirtation, but never misses its mark

NARS Camargue Duo Cream Eyeshadow-$32 Named for the deep, dancing, sun-cast hues found in the French river delta, this pairing of golden moss and sienna, with multi-colored reflections comes in a soft-blending, glistening cream eyeshadow formula

NARS Kuala Lumpur Duo Eyeshadow-$32 Like its Malaysian city namesake, this perfectly harmonized gold infused rose and boysenberry pairing is influenced by contrasts—rich and subtle, traditional yet modern

NARS Glitter Pencil-$24 This bright sky blue, silver glitter-infused hue delivers powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and remains creamy for blending

The new line will be available online January 15th.

Resolution #4: Pinch Your Pennies

With the economy still in the shitter (though starting to improve) and with the gluttony-filled holiday season just getting behind us, a lot of us are looking for ways to reign in our spending. Here are a few tips for when to save and when it's better to spend.

Awhile ago, Real Simple did a great overview of whether it's best to splurge or spend when buying particular beauty products. Here's what they recommend:

• Facial Cleaners: Save--it's only on your face for a few seconds and more expensive cleaners are virtually the same as their cheaper counterparts.
• Day Cream (moisturizer): Save--just make sure your moisturizer contains sunscreen!
• Anti-Aging/Night Cream: Spend--the more expensive brands are able to afford better research and typically contain superior ingredients.
• Eye Shadow: Spend--more expensive brands have richer color and go on better. But, if you are trying out a new color, or are opting for something trendy, go with the cheaper stuff.
• Foundation: Spend--it's best to have a make-up consultant help find the right color for you, or, better yet, to mix a color just for you and your skin type. Again, be sure your foundation contains some sort of sunscreen.
• Blush: Spend--for the same reasons as the eye shadow.
• Lipstick/Lip Gloss: Both--spend on a great everyday lipstick. More expensive brands are creamier and often contain vitamins. Save money on the gloss because you're going for shine, not color density.
• Mascara: Save--again, there is almost no difference between the budget brands and the spendy ones.
• Powder: Spend--for the same reasons as foundations.
• Shampoo: Save--all the fancy-schmancy ingredients in expensive brands just go down the drain, so don't bother.
• Conditioner: Spend--high end products have advanced delivery systems that penetrate the hair shaft in order to protect and restore hair.

The folks at Allure also chimed in on the subject. Here's their advice:

BROWS
Splurge on: Professional brow-shaping. The pros can work magic on shabby brows but you can keep costs down by plucking stray hairs that pop up between visits.
Scrimp on: Brow products. You can use your inexpensive eyeliner to lightly fill in your brows or find a drugstore-brand brow pencil to give your brows a better shape.
Skip: Brow gel. You can use Vaseline to keep crazy brows in place. Or pick up some cheap clear mascara to coat your brows. One word of caution: the mascara may flake a bit, so be prepared!

SKIN
Splurge on: Anti-aging creams if you need the help. Try to get something containing retinoids to help reduce wrinkles and increase firmness. If you really want the most bang for your buck, visit a dermatologist and get a prescription-strength treatment.
Scrimp on: Expensive treatments. Instead of a professional peel at a doctor's office, try an at-home microderm abrasion kit. Just be sure to use the product regularly to achieve the maximum benefit.
Skip: Facials. They don't do much any way. Just be sure to wash your face regularly, use your daily moisturizer, and don't forget the SPF!

HAIR
Splurge on: Highlights. You cannot achieve the same rich, high-definition highlight at home that you get in the salon. If you need to save a few bucks, opt for a partial foil rather than a full color/foil. Just having the highlights around your face will brighten up your look.
Scrimp on: Shampoo. Really cheap shampoos only contain cleaning agents that may strip your hair of moisture and shine. But shampoos in the $5 range are all you really need: they clean and moisturize perfectly. The same goes for hair products. Stay in the middle of the price range and you should be a-okay!
Skip: Salon blowouts. Unless you have a special occasion to go to, you don't need to have a pro do your hair for you. When your in the salon getting your highlights and cut, ask your stylist to show you how to blowout your own hair. Try out a few things like flatirons and large Velcro rollers to add volume to your hair.

No matter what resolutions your made this year (if any), I hope you have a happy, healthy, and beautiful 2010!

Resolution #3: Take Your Vitamins (and Minerals!)

Vitamins and minerals are important for your overall health. It's not news that nutrients you put into your body have an effect on the way you look on the outside. Even though we may not have the hard data to back us, we often relate eating bad foods (fried/greasy foods) with bad skin. And we also know that smoking ages the skin and leads to wrinkles and find lines around the mouth.

So, if you want a more radiant, youthful appearance, what should you be doing? According to those in the know in the beauty and health world, you need to take your vitamins. Here's a quick guide to what vitamins are beneficial to your look and why:

• Vitamin A is a familiar weapon in the battle for acne-free, well hydrated skin. For year, we've used Retin-A to help keep our skin clear and supple. Vitamin A should be applied topically to the skin to keep it flake-free, help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and to prevent acne. Look for anti-aging creams containing retinols to get Vitamin A's benefits, notably MD Formulation's Vit A Plus Clearing Complex.
• Vitamin B Complex, or biotin, is an important foundation in building healthy skin, hair, and nails. Though we usually produce enough biotin on our own, a lack of it may lead to itchy skin or hair loss in extreme cases. Get your B from bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice or look for it lotions or creams like L'Occitane's Shea Butter Lotion.
  
• Along with keeping your immune system strong, Vitamin C aids in repairing sun damaged skin when used topically. There are tons of microderm kits containing a topical version of Vitamin C, including Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel. But don't think rubbing Vitamin C all over your face will allow you to bake in the sun without worry of a burn or skin damage. Nothing can promise that! Be sure you get enough Vitamin C in your diet from yummy citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens, or take a supplement--about 500 to 100 milligrams a day will do it.
  
• Vitamin E, long know for its ability to flight free radicals (that sounds a tad political!) is also effective at decreasing the look of lines and wrinkles, and can even out your skin's surface. Used in combination with Vitamin C, Vitamin E can protect collagen from bad things like pollution and smoke. Vitamin E is found in olives, nuts, and asparagus, though getting your 400 IUs a day is easier through a supplement.
• Vitamin K causes blood to clot, and though that may not sound like a beauty benefit, it can reduce the look of undereye circles and bruises, especially when combined with Vitamin A in a cream form. Try Skyn Iceland's Icelandic Relief Eye Cream with Biospheric Complex.

Vitamins are important, but minerals also pay a vital role in keeping your skin, nails, and hair looking their best. While it's probably easiest, cheapest, and best to just take a multivitamin each day (therefore getting all the vitamins and minerals you'd ever need, and then some), here's a quick overview of which minerals you need and why:

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: This super-powerful antioxidant works much like Vitamins C and E in that it attacks free radicals and diminishes skin damage. Some even say that it can rebuild damaged skin cells. You can get alpha-lipoic acid in a supplement or find it in some products like Juice Beauty's Green Apple Peel.
  
• Copper: When combined topically with Vitamin C, copper has been shown to improve the skin's appearance by developing elastins. Those who use creams containing copper report fewer lines and wrinkles, better elasticity, and increased firmness. Copper should not be taken in a supplement form since copper deficiencies are rare and taking too much copper internally can be dangerous. Try Neutrogena's Visibly Firm Night Cream with Copper.
• Essential Fatty Acids: Balancing out Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help heal dehydrated, inflamed, or blackhead-prone skin. Take a supplement containing both Omegas or eating poultry, flaxseed oil, or cold-water fish (like salmon) to get the proper balance.
  
• Selenium: In the 1990s, scientific journals reported that skin cancer patients who increased their intake of Selenium had fewer malignancies and a reduced risk of death. Scientists are still studying possible beneficial links between Selenium and cancer and a host of other conditions. Though toxic in large doses, Selenium occurs naturally in Brazil nuts, whole grain foods, seafood, garlic and eggs so deficiencies are rare. The recommended allowance of this antioxidant for adults is 55 micrograms a day.
• Zinc: I'm a firm believer that zinc helps shorten the duration of a cold. Whether I'm right or wrong is up in the air, but zinc is good for those who suffer from acne. Apparently, in some cases acne is a result of a zinc deficiency (who knew?). You can ingest zinc or apply it topically--either way it helps control the skin's oil production. Eat your zinc with lean meat, poultry, oysters, nuts, and seeds (pumpkin and sunflower). Or, apply zinc to your skin with Dr. Brandt's Poreless Essentials Kit.

While we all should be getting proper nutrients through our diets, we all know that doesn't always happen. In order to have beautiful skin, try adding a daily supplement and see what happens.

Tomorrow: save money!

Resolution #2: Get Organized

I am an organized person in my professional life. At home, I tend to go for a more relaxed system of making piles and dealing with things later. And because of my makeup blog, I have tons of beauty products stuffed in what seems like a mountain of cosmetic cases.

The start of the new year is a great time to do things we overlook, like throwing out old makeup, cleaning brushes, and reorganizing our cases. Here are some pointers that will help.

1. Store your goods correctly. While it may be convenient, the worst place to store makeup is on your bathroom counter. Bathrooms have warm, humid air that can destroy all those minerals, oils, powders, and other crucial ingredients in your favorite products. Instead, keep your cosmetics in a makeup case or some place cool and dark and keep it out of extreme environments.
   
2. Keep it clean. To extend the life of your tools, you should clean them regularly. Experts recommend cleaning synthetic bristle brushes every couple of days and natural bristle brushes once a month. (Yikes! I am so guilty of having dirty brushes--I only do mine every few months. Oops!) To clean your brushes, apply a makeup remover, brush cleaner, or baby shampoo to the bristles, wipe the brush on a paper towel, run the brush under water to clean it out, reshape the bristles, and let it air dry. Viola! All clean and ready to go.
3. Keep it sharp. If you really love your current eyeliner or lipliner, invest in a good quality sharpener to keep your pencils from getting gnawed. If the tip of your product is really soft, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before you sharpen it.
4. When in doubt, throw it out. Makeup is perishable, and if you think your stuff is past its prime (i.e., if your nail color is milky, if your foundation smells off), the best bet is to throw it out and buy new stuff. See below for more tips on this...
   

How old is too old?
Ok, here's a confession: I keep beauty products forever. I don't know why, but I always feel guilty throwing out unused make-up. Consequently, my makeup kit is always littered with old products I'll never (or should never) use again. I think I still have a few tubes of discontinued lipstick lying around--eek!

If you're like me, you need to read this handy-dandy reference to help figure out when you should toss out your old cosmetics. Here are the shelf life guidelines for your favorite products:

• Mascara: 3 to 6 months. Mascara can easily get contaminated with bacteria, so it's best to buy this staple several times a year.
• Moisturizer: 3 months to a year. Manufacturers often include an expiration date on moisturizer, so it's best to heed their recommendations.
• Foundation: one year. If liquid foundation starts to change color or if it takes on an "off" smell (yuck!), throw it!
• Powder: two years. It can last longer, but it tends to dry out.
• Eyeshadow: powered shadow can last up to three years; cream shadows only last about a year.
• Eyeliner and lipliner: up to two years. Sharpening these products helps to discourage bacterial growth.
• Lipstick: two years. If it dries out, it's time for a new shade!
• Lipgloss: 18 months to 2 years.
• Perfume: up to 2 years. To keep them lasting longer, store them in the fridge or away from direct sunlight.

For all products, be sure you don't share with your friends, use on broken or infected skin (ick!), and make sure you take good care of your brushes.

I don't know about you, but I think I have a lot of purging to do. Oh well!

Tomorrow: Take your vitamins (and minerals!).

Resolution #1: Adopt Healthier Habits

About this week: Since it's the first week of the New Year, it's a time when many of us are starting to put our newly made resolutions into action. This week, I'm focusing on some of the more common resolutions and how they work with your beauty routine.

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Being healthier is something everyone seems to strive for in the new year. People join the gym, start exercising, eat more fruits and veggies and try to be "good." And we all know what happens: by mid-February old habits creep in, excuses pop up, and the resolution to be healthier gets shelved for another year.

Here are a few ways (and benefits) to incorporate healthy habits into your beauty routine:

• Wash your face every night. Sure, it may not be absolutely necessary, but it is a good idea to get in the habit of washing your face before going to bed. By doing so, you'll remove all your makeup and wash away any dirt or environmental grime you may have encountered during the day. There's no need for anything fancy. I don't advise using bar soap (it's often over-drying and strips away the good oils in your skin), but a mild face wash will do. Try Philosophy's Purity Made Simple or something like St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub.
• Start an anti-aging or anti-acne routine and stick with it. Like most things, being patient and consistent with your skin care routine is important. When you try a new product, you really need to give it time to work. The new year is a great time to start a good course of anti-aging or anti-acne products. Head over to the nearest Clinique counter or see a dermatologist to see what your skin needs. If Clinique isn't your thing, try other department store brands (like Origins or Dior if you have the cash). When all else fails, try Olay's anti-aging products. They're easy to find, easy on the pocketbook, and--most importantly--effective.
• Use protection! I harp on you all the entire year about this, but using products containing SPF every day will help protect your skin against the aging and potentially deadly affects of the sun. Stop going to tanning salons, limit your unprotected sun exposure, and when you do go out in the sun, be sure to wear SPF, hats, sunglasses, etc. Pale is better than cancerous!

And finally, help your skin look great without spending any money. You don't need to spend a ton of money on products to improve the look of your skin. You can change your habits to improve your skin. Here's how:

• Stop smoking. Much like the sun, smoking will age your skin quickly. Giving up your cancer sticks will make you feel and look better both inside and out. Plus you'll smell better and think of the money you'll be saving!
• Get moving. Daily exercise will help reduce stress, improve circulation, and put you in a better mood.
• De-stress. Find a relaxation technique--like deep breathing, stretching, yoga, etc.--that works for you and use it often. You'll feel better and you'll look better.
• Sleep on it. Sleep is mysterious. No one is quite sure why we need to sleep, but we do. And the more sleep you get, the better. It's called 'beauty sleep' for a reason!

Tomorrow: Getting organized!

New Stuff from Me in 2010 (aka Shameless Self Promotion)

This blog is my baby, my first blogging love. And I fully intend to keep it going as long as possible. I started Kiss and Makeup in 2006 and have no clue if or when I'll ever stop writing!

In addition to Kiss and Makeup, I am also involved with two other blogs in 2010. The first is called Deliciousness of Yum. It's a blog I write with my older sister and it's all about food. I know, I know...there are a zillion food blogs already out there, but I figure another won't hurt. Please visit to see what we're cooking up.

Also new this year, I am embarking on the rather lofty goal of documenting the year in photos. I am challenging myself to take (at least) one photo every day in 2010. I'll be posting the best photo of the day over at my newest site, Lydia-365. This site will be updated every Sunday with photos from the previous week. I only have a couple photos up right now, but it will grow every week. I hope you stop by and take a look.

Thanks for reading Kiss and Makeup and joining me on my makeup odyssey. I'm sure there will be a lot to explore in the new decade! All this coming week, I'll be focusing on how you can make different New Year's resolutions work into your beauty routine. Be sure to swing back!

In the meantime, I hope you all have had an enjoyable holiday season. Happy New Year!