October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October, my favorite month of the year, starts tomorrow. Not only is it time for pumpkins, Halloween, and falling leaves, it's also Breast Cancer Awareness Month .

Breast cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. behind lung cancer and colon cancer. U.S. women have a 1 in 8 lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and a 1 in 33 chance of dying from breast cancer. Yikes.

In the next few days, along with (or instead of) posts about makeup and beauty, I'll be highlighting some companies and products that are donating funds to breast cancer research this October. I'll also give you some statistics to think about, as well as things you can do to reduce your chances of developing breast cancer.

For starters, I encourage you all to start doing self breast exams on a regular basis. Click here for tips and resources on how to conduct an effective self exam. These regular at-home exams may just save your life.

I Don't Usually Do This, But...

If you're a regular reader, you'll no doubt know that I link all my favorite blogs (makeup related and otherwise) on my sidebar.

Well, a couple of my friends have created a blog that's a lot of fun, and as a favor to them (not to mention the fact that they promised me a free toy in exchange for this post--what can I say? I'm whoring myself out!), I am going to tell you all about it here.

If you're interested in a blog that's all about sex from a uniquely female point of view, check out Lust Puddle. I personally know the two women who write this blog--they're a hoot and have a lot of sex-positive thoughts they want to share with the world. I encourage you to check it out (on your home computer, of course--Lust Puddle is not work appropriate!).

Oh, Snap!

I love it! Season after season, we've seen the model wanna-bes on America's Next Top Model driving around from shoot to shoot in giant stretched Hummers with spinning rims. Barf. We've also watched the girls chain smoking during their catty bitch sessions. Gag.

Well, (in response to criticism, perhaps?) Miss Tyra is putting the show's emphasis on being good to the environment ('cause that's like trendy and so fierce right now). And in tonight's show, the girls' shoot portrayed the ugly side effects of smoking. Ha!

It's about time. I, for one, am sick of seeing all the smoking, all the gas guzzling Hummers, etc. Tyra's intentions are in the right place, but this new attitude won't change how the models (or the rest of us, for that fact) think about smoking or environmental issues. Nice try, though! Now, cut the crap and bring on the bitchiness!

Turn Down That Shine!

Frosted, shimmery, glittery eyeshadows have been all the rage as long as I can remember. But there are times when that shine is just completely annoying to me. It can draw attention to weird places on my eyes and highlights my brow bone a bit too much. Not good.

I'm excited to report that a whole new world of shine-free eyeshadows are coming to the market. And, while matte shadows have a bad rep for being dry and chalky, these new formulas are designed to feel silky. The next generation of mattes are completely devoid of shimmer, feel smooth and silky on the lid, and are highly pigmented. What more could I want? I can't wait to go shopping to check out these products:

• Benefit Cosmetic's Silky Matte Powder Shadow, $18. Available in nine very pretty earth tones that would look great for a natural face.
• Urban Decay's ABC Gum Matte Eyeshadow, $16. Comes in 13 colors, all with the Urban Decay "oh so cool" edge. These colors are fun, and when done right, could look really sophisticated.

I'm looking forward to giving these matte shadows a try. And I encourage you to put away the shiny stuff and try out one of these new matte shadows. You just might be pleasantly surprised with the look you end up with.

I Need to Try This Stuff!!

I was just looking over Sephora's 2007 "Best Of" winners, and there were no real surprises. People love BareMinerals, Lip Venom, and almost anything from Philosophy--yawn. But then I saw that the Best Of winner for skin care went to BareEscentauls and their RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment.

I know this product isn't new, but it's one I've never used before. Yes, I'm a devoted fan of BareMinerals foundation and mineral veil, but I've never been interested enough to plunk down $60 for RareMinerals. I guess since people love RareMinerals so much, it's high time I familiarized myself with the product. Here's what Sephora has to say about it.

RareMinerals™ Skin Revival Treatment

What it is: This Bare Escentual's groundbreaking, minerals-based nighttime treatment is the first of its kind with clinically proven skin-renewing benefits. The exclusive blend of 100% pure RareMinerals, derived from untouched virgin soil and in potent powder form, is the perfect nutrient carrier for vitamins A and C and a host of botanical extracts.

What it is formulated to do: Naturally activated by your own skin, it effectively yet comfortably delivers benefits such as visibly reduced lines and wrinkles, reduced sun damage, more refined pores, brighter complexion, softer, smoother texture, less noticeable redness, and clearer and firmer-looking skin. Containing no preservatives and zero irritants whatsoever, it's ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

What else you need to know: The Pillow Puff™ applicator provides flawless delivery and exact application, so you can infuse nutrients while diffusing imperfections.

Wow! Maybe I'll pick this up and give it a try. I don't know if I'll really like switching out a creamy, lush nighttime moisturizer for what basically sounds like nighttime makeup. Who knows...I've been wrong before. And since this stuff is currently sold out in all shades except light and medium, I'm one of the few who hasn't given this product a fair shot yet.

Have you tried out RareEscentuals? If so, leave me your thoughts!

And the Olay Definity Eye Illuminator Goes To...

Congrats to our winners! Five lucky readers will each get their own bottle of Olay's Definity Eye Illuminator. Our winners are:

Blog Posters:

• Claudia
• Jamie
• Brooke

And Emailer-in-ers:

• Anna
• Carla

If your name is listed here, please be sure to email me your contact info so I can get the goods out to you.

Congrats to all of you--I hope you enjoy this very unique eye product!

London Calling!

The good people at Boots (the British company that makes fabulous products for sale at Target and CVS) are giving away a trip to London! If you've never been to London, you're missing out. It's one of the best cities in the world: historic, chaotic, full of culture and amazing things to do. Some of my best life experiences happened in London, so you can bet that I'll be entering this contest.

Here are the details:

September 20 – November 30, 2007

The Grand Prize

One lucky person will win a trip for 2 that includes airfare and 5 nights at the Rubens at the Palace www.rubenshotel.com

1st Place Prizes: 10 Boots gift baskets
2nd Place Prizes: 1 free Boots product

Visit participating Target stores (link to boots.com store locator) to pick up your Passport to Beauty from your Boots Beauty Advisor and receive a free makeover with our latest fall colour recommendations or a customized skincare regimen.

Who else rewards you for being first? Our Beauty Advisors have a special giveaway for the first 20 guests to visit their Target store. (link to www.boots.com store locator)

Register to win fabulous prizes including the grand prize of a trip for 2 to London England. All registrants will be entered into the exclusive Boots club.

Beauty Product of the Week: Dr Bragi Treatment Mask

What is it? Dr. Bragi's Marine Enzyme Intensive Treatment Mask is a "new, innovative fabric mask that utilizes the rejuvenating properties of Penzyme for an intensive treatment in under 15 minutes. This single use mask contains a double concentration of Penzyme and transforms skin for a brighter, more youthful appearance. Fine lines, dehydration, loss of firmness, and signs of premature aging no longer warrant a trip to the dermatologist. The active enzymes found inside the convenient sachet of Marine Enzyme Intensive Treatment Mask make skin plumper, smoother, and brighter." Available at blissspa.com for $20 per mask.

What did you think? I'm not yet experiencing a lot of the problems mentioned above (like lack of firmness, etc.) but I'm always game for a new product. I followed the directions on the pouch and put on the fabric mask, making sure all surface areas of my face were covered.

My poor husband happened to walk in as I went to lie down for the 10-15 minutes suggested on the package. He looked at me and said, "Hello, Mike Meyers. I didn't know you were going to star in a Halloween movie. Shall I call Rob Zombie for you?" I rolled my eyes, not that he could tell. I looked like I just had plastic surgery and my face was all bandaged up. Bizarre.

Once I got over the weird factor, I was able to enjoy the mask a little more. It was cool on my skin, but seemed to warm up as I let it sit. My skin felt like it was getting a deep cleanse--one that was both soothing and smoothing. After the 15 minutes were up, I didn't want to take the mask off!

After reluctantly getting up from my forced relaxation and removing the mask, my skin felt very smooth and very moist. My skin tone was improved, and I had no redness or irritation like I sometimes experience from masks.

The final verdict? At $20 a mask, this is an expensive item! I liked the way it felt on, and the way my skin felt post-treatment. I just don't think I could allow myself to spend the money needed to allow for regular uses. Major bummer. Also, even though the one-piece fabric mask was a little odd at first, I like the idea of an easy to apply mask that won't end up on your fingers, caking in your hairline, etc. (like some of the mud masks out there). If you can afford it, this is a worthy indulgence. And it really would be an excellent gift!

Reminder: I'm Giving Away Olay Definity Eye Illuminator!

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win one of 5 bottles of Olay Definity Eye Illuminator. To enter, click here here and leave me a comment. Please be sure I have a way of contacting you (if you don't have a Blogger account, you can always just email me at asklydia@hotmail.com). You have until Sunday to enter.

I've been using this product for about a week now, and it feels great on my skin. It takes a while for the full benefit of the product to kick in, but the skin around my eyes does seem a little brighter than usual...a good thing since I haven't been getting much sleep lately.

The retail value of this product is about $25--if you're lucky, you'll be getting a bottle for free!

Ask Lydia: Cream Blush

Hi Lydia,

I've emailed you before and love your advice so here I am once again with a dilemma. I'm currently using NARS Orgasm blush and really enjoy it, but fall means it's time for something new...or at least that's my excuse to buy more makeup!

I love the look girls have when they use a cream blush; however, I can't seem to pull it off. It makes me feel greasy and it looks good in the package but when I apply it to my cheeks, it looks like a completely different color. I was wondering if you had any suggestions.

Thanks so much for your time!

Brooke

Hey there, Brooke!

Thanks for writing me. I so completely agree with you that a new season means buying new makeup (and a few new pieces for the wardrobe, of course!).

When it comes to blush, I am totally old fashioned and just use the powdered stuff. There are so many great powder blush colors to choose from, and I don't think I have the right skin to pull off the cream stuff. According to makeup pros (of which I am not! I'm just an avid user), cream blush will give you a really natural, dewy, rosy glow. It works best on people with smooth skin, so it won't sink into wrinkles, crevices, or fine lines. If you have a few blackheads or blemishes, the creamy texture can emphasize them even more--not good.

To apply cream blush, first apply your foundation. Then put a small dot of cream blush on your cheekbone. Using a makeup sponge or brush, gently spread the blush upwards and outwards in a circular motion to the cheekbone and apple of your cheek. Really spend some time blending--you don't want any weird stripes or streaks going across your face. Finish your look with a little translucent powder to set your blush so that it doesn't slip or feel greasy.

When it comes to picking a color, do a little bit of exercise so you have a natural flush to your skin. Simply match the color of blush to your natural flush. Or, you can just look at the natural color of your lips and try to match up a blush with that shade.

Since cream blushes probably look darker or more color dense in their packaging, the best bet is to try out a little bit on your hand before you make your purchase.

Some cream blushes to try: NARS Cream Blush (8 shades to choose from!), $23 or BECCA Creme Blush (10 colors), $27.

Let me know how you do! Have fun shopping. And for the rest of you, feel free to email me if you need some makeup advice.

Holy Crap! Bad TV Alert!

Woo-hoo! Craptastic TV is back! That's right, the latest cycle (cycle 9 for those of you keeping score) of America's Next Top Model is set to start tomorrow night (Wednesday) on the CW.

Yay! Bring it on! I am so ready for the next round of fierceness...I can hardly wait.

I've made a vow with myself to stop watching so much TV, but sometimes you just have to indulge in complete and utter mindless crap. Bring it on, Tyra!

It's Spa Week!

I love stupid holidays. Did you know that today (September 17th) is National Women Road Warrior Day? Or that September is National Mold Awareness Month? Well it is!

Here's one more weird holiday to commemorate: Spa Week! Yup, September 17-23 has been decreed by the weird holiday gods as THE time to celebrate the fine art of pampering. So what does one do during Spa Week? Well, one gets massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, wraps, and other fabulous treatments, of course!

If you ever needed an excuse to go out and pamper yourself, now you have one. Just say "it's Spa Week, and I simply can't pass up a holiday!" Plus, some participating spas are having deals all week long. Click here for more info.

Olay Presents the Emmys! Plus: Enter My Latest Contest!

It's Emmy time! The 59th Primetime Emmys are set for tonight, and celebrities are spending their day getting their hair and makeup done before slipping on their designer gowns. Looking great on the red carpet is hard work!

The Primetime Emmy Awards Makeup Department Head, Bruce Grayson, is sharing his tips and tricks for getting the stars to shine at this year's Emmys. Here's what he has to say about styling for the big night:

The Emmys Theme: Keeping it Real!
The Emmys are taking on a whole new look this year. The stage is like theater in the round and with American Idol's Ryan Seacrest hosting, it really has a reality show element. Makeup will reflect that “looking real” style without appearing over-done.

This Year’s Signature Look: Living in the Moment
Popular reality shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance are all about living in the moment and looking your best in that moment, so that’s exactly what we intend to do!

Beauty Trends in Focus: The Lips
This year I predict that the emphasis will be on the lips, rather than the eyes. Lipstick is back in a big way and I think we’ll be seeing lots of moisture matte formulas and glossy formulas. Lip stains blotted down in shades of plum or red will be the “it” colors. But don’t discount the eyes; they’ll be soft and beautiful, simply framed with false lashes instead of heavy liner.

The Trend-Setters: It’s a Give-and-Take Relationship
TV and fashion constantly have a tug of war when it comes to trends in makeup. Sometimes shows like Sex and the City can have a big influence on the makeup trends that show up on the red carpet. Other times, the look of flawless skin of a model at a Valentino fashion show or a fresh faced Idol, like Kelly Clarkson, will set the tone. Personally, I turn to the fashion runways as well as old fashion books and editorials. I’ve even drawn inspiration from paintings and women on the street.

Emmys Preparation: The Road to the Red Carpet
I prepare by making sure that the makeup crew has the tools and makeup supplies they need to get the job done. I’m in close contact with stylists and publicists so that I know what colors the stars will be wearing. It’s essential that we’re prepared to touch them up and keep their look consistent.

Clothing or Makeup: Which Comes First?
Wardrobe always influences makeup, like using matte red lips with a 50s vintage gown. Sometimes a hair style will force a makeup artist to choose a single focal point on the face, like the lips, if the hair style includes bangs that cover the eyes.

The Evening’s Challenge: Live TV
HDTV really changes the way we do makeup for a live broadcast. Live HD broadcasts require that we make sure that there’s minimal shine coming off the face. Makeup with too much shimmer or glimmer is distracting and can look like the sun’s reflection off the ocean. Last minute touch ups are essential. Shine should be limited to the right places on the face. I like to call it “strategic shine.”

All-Star Techniques and Must-Have Products
Thin translucent foundations and powders that allow natural even skin tone to be seen are key. Blotting papers to take down shine are a great alternative to power build-up, and Kleenex on-hand for the occasional teary eye are a must. I always keep cream blush nearby because it blends right into the skin and looks natural, along with false lashes to frame the eyes without using liner.

While watching the Emmys, you'll no doubt notice that Olay has teamed with the Academy of Television of Arts & Sciences to sponsor the 2007 and 2008 Primetime Emmy Awards as Official Skincare Partner of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

This year Emmy attendees (and others) will receive free samples of Olay Definity Eye Illuminator. Definity Eye Illuminator is an anti-aging eye treatment that helps diminish under-eye darkness and dullness, and improves all-around brightness for eyes that are luminous. Olay Definity Eye Illuminator is currently available nationwide for $25.99.

In honor of the Emmys and their partnership with Olay, I am giving away five (yes...5!) bottles of Olay Definity Eye Illuminator to you, my wonderful Kiss and Make-up readers.

To get your very own bottle, leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on the Emmys or your own tips for getting ready for a big event. Be sure I have a way to get a hold of you! Comments must be received by Sunday, September 23rd.

Beauty Product of the Week: Prescriptives Custom Blend Lip Gloss

What is it? As I've mentioned it before Prescriptives will custom blend foundation, powder, and lipgloss just for you. The result is a unique product that matches your skin and is perfect for your look. The lipgloss goes for about $26 at the Prescriptives counter (in Nordstrom's and Sak's) or online at www.prescriptives.com.

What did you think? I was on the search for a classic red gloss. Not the easiest thing to find. My husband was with me at Nordstroms, and watched with a great deal of interest as the girl made my sports-car red gloss. Alchemy, he declared it!

Basically, you tell them what base color you want...in my case, a very red red. Then you get to pick how much color density and shine you want. There are a bunch of different finishes depending on if you want some sparkle, some shine, or more of a matte look (I went with the matte, color dense finish). Next, you get to pick your scent/fragrance. I picked vanilla--they also have bellini, tropical fruit, berry, mint, and several other flavors.

Once everything is custom blended in a giant syringe, it's squirted (for lack of a better word!) into a tube and boom! Off you go with your new color.

The gloss I picked is old fashioned red, very 1940s, with hardly any shimmer. It's more like a liquid lipstick instead of a gloss. It covers well, feels good on my lips, and tastes great. Plus it lasts a good long time, especially for a gloss.

The final verdict? Honestly, this was an indulgence for me. A completely luxurious purchase. But I got a color I love and a product that is truly designed for me. My grandmother used to have all her makeup custom blended, but that was back in the 50s and 60s. To me, this seems like the height of glamour, and I was glad to get my own taste of that with Prescriptives. For $26 I feel that the overall experience and the final product were worth it. If you've had a bad day at work and need to cheer yourself up, go get a custom tube of gloss. It's fun and it will make you feel pretty!

Get Your FIX and Help a Cause!

October, perhaps the best month of the entire year, is just weeks away. Along being the month of Halloween, October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the coming weeks, I'll be highlighting some great products that are donating money to help stop this deadly disease. The first "pink ribbon" product I'm happy to mention is Oral Fixation Mints.

Oral Fixation will donate 5% of all the profits from the sale of its Fabulous Fruit Gourmet Mints starting October 1st to the American Cancer Society. If you've never had them before, Oral Fixation mints are packaged in super-cute metal tins and have an intriguing, somewhat sexual logo.

Not only do the mints look good, they also taste good. According to the company, they use only the highest quality ingredients and are even certified Kosher. They're available for purchase individually at gift shops, restaurants, and high end stores like Dean and Deluca, but are most easily ordered online at www.oralfix.com (a box of 12 tins costs $30; a six-pack will set you back $15).

Normally I don't get overly excited about mints, but these are really yummy, really pretty, and the company has a conscious...all things I appreciate. Plus Oral Fixation mints come in all sorts of flavors like 7 Deadly Cinnamon, Mojito Mint, Caffeinated Chai Mints, Classic Peppermint, and Mimosa Mint. Go over to their site and order up a box for yourself. Not only will a great cause benefit, but these cool little tins would make for fabulous little "thinking of you" gifts.

Getting Cheeky With It!

From what I can tell, the trends for the fall look seem to require a very high level of makeup application know-how. Case in point: sculpted cheeks.

According to Allure, defined and sculpted cheeks are a hot look this coming season. To get them, dust a sheer berry powder blush on the apples of the cheeks, then sweep gold along the tops of the cheekbones to emphasize them. Or, instead of berry and gold, try a tawny contour powder blush topped with a shimmery, pearly beige cream blush. Just be sure to carefully blend all the edges so you don't end up with a harsh look.

This may sound a little tricky, but if you can master it, you'll end up with lovely, sculpted cheeks that make the rest of your face pop. Try one of these to help you achieve this look:

• Benefit Cosmetic's 10, $28: A light pink blush and bronzer duo that promises sleek, sculpted cheekbones.
• Too Faced's Ooh La Rouge, $19: Available in three different color options, this duo claims to be "foolproof" and to provide the much sought after sculpted cheek look. Not bad!
• Pop Beauty's Cheeky Cake, $18: Really, I just love the name of this product. Cheeky Cake. It sounds yummy. Anyway, you have three different color combos to chose from, all of which offer silky, glowing cheeks.
  

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

It happens to all of us sooner or later: a product we love gets discontinued by the manufacturer. While this may sound like no big deal, it can be devastating if your perfect pink shade of lipstick, the one you've sworn by season after season, disappears off the face of the earth.

Thankfully, Estee Lauder has an expert Gone But Not Forgotten team that will search for your now extinct product, as long as it comes from one of the participating brands. These brands include Estee Lauder, Clinique, Origins, Prescriptives, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Bumble and bumble and others. If you need this service, call the Gone But Not Forgotten folks at (800) 216-7173 and they'll begin the search.

While finding out your beloved product is no longer being manufactured can be difficult, it's also a good reminder to update your look from time to time. We shouldn't use the same products year after year. And, products are discontinued for a reason. So maybe that purple eyeshadow you loved so much in 1997 is no longer appropriate in 2007. Just a thought!

Eat the Rich

Warning: I feel a rant coming. I'm having a philosophical struggle with myself and need to work through it. Deal with it!

I just saw an ad for La Prairie's Skin Caviar Lux Cream--a freaking $650 facial moisturizer--and I got a little sick to my stomach. I can't even begin to imagine who's buying such a frivolously expensive item. I mean really...don't these people have any better way of spending $650? How does one justify such an extravagance? And does a $650 skin care product really work THAT much better than a $25 one?

There are times when the beauty world just makes me gag. I know, I know...cosmetics and skin care are all about creating an illusion of beauty. But this illusion of beauty often equates to socio-economic status so that the more beautiful you look, the more wealthy you appear.

We're all guilty of trying to look our best. The motivation may be to impress, to oppress, or to show the world that despite whatever we may feel on the inside, we're damn fine on the outside. We wear clothes that cost too much and shoes that hurt our feet, carry purses that cost more than an iPod, and are interested in having it all....right now. It's an ego driven world we live in, and to play the game of life, we need to dress the part.

I'm not suggesting that we all wear burlap sacks and forgo makeup altogether. I'm much too in love with cute shoes and beauty products to suggest such a radical notion, but there has to be a balance. If you really must spend $650 on freaking moisturizer, maybe you should put another $650 into an IRA, or hell, give $650 to a charity that helps women who are less advantaged get their feet back on the ground.

Beauty doesn't just come from the outside. Sure, you can have all the expensive products and designer clothes in the world, but if you're a shitty person underneath it all, your ugliness will burn right though your posh exterior.

Extreme Mani Alert!

French manicures are a polarizing issue in the beauty world. Some think of the pink base/white-tipped manicure as being the epitome of classy sophistication. Others think it's just a little trashy. I must admit that I am not a fan and prefer my nails to be all one color.

This fall, OPI, Dior, and others are showing a reverse French manicure done in anything but the traditional pink and white. The photo above is from OPI, and features dark "moons" with a bright gold center and tip. I've also seen a reverse French manicure done in white and black.

For some reason, even though I don't like traditional French manicures, I find myself intrigued by this latest trend. It looks fun and unexpected, and a little bit old fashioned. And it's a great way to break up the severity of dark winter nails.

What do you think of this whole reverse French manicure trend? Leave me a comment and let me know where you stand!

Good, Clean Fun

Every week it seems that there is another recall of products made in China. While most of the time these recalls involve toys and lead paint, news of such manufacturing snafus make you wonder about the overall safety of the products we use. I'm afraid to even think about how many cosmetics are made with toxic chemicals and then imported into the country.

Even though fear that one day scientists might find my favorite lipstick could actually kill me, I am not 100% into the organic lifestyle. I appreciate a lot of the values and ideas behind it, but find it impractical in my daily life.

That said, I have dealt with some bizarre sensitive skin issues this past year, and have switched over to organic body soaps. I've used all sorts of bars from Lush, Dr. Bronner, and Kiss My Face, but I must say that my favorite soaps come from Vermont Soap.

What sets Vermont Soaps products apart from the rest is their amazing selection. They have almost 20 different bars to chose from depending on your skin type and what you want your soap to do. My favorites are Balsam Swirl, a beautifully green swirly soap that acts as a natural deodorant, and Honey, a delicious smelling exfoliating bar.

Their bars cost less than $4.5o each, and they last much longer than other organic soaps (I had a bar of Rockstar from Lush last only a week--how sad!). They're made in small batches out of all natural ingredients in Middlebury, VT. When I went back east this summer, my husband and I stopped by their headquarters where they make and sell their goods and wow! It smelled overwhelmingly good in there!

As an added bonus, you can stash your new, unused bars of Vermont Soap in your underwear drawer--they'll give your garments a nice fresh scent.

If you're trying to reduce the number of chemicals you put in your body AND minimize the amount of money you give to evil corporations, give Vermont Soaps a try. Their products will cleanse your body and provide peace of mind. That has to be good karma!

September Sun

School is back in session, the days are getting shorter, and there is a slight crispness to the evening air. Now that Labor Day is history, summer is fading into fall. Yay!

Just because it's getting cooler and less summery in most parts of the country doesn't mean you can put away all your sun protection. You still need to worry about damage from exposure to the sun, no matter what month it is.

I'm a big fan of double duty products, like moisturizers and foundations that contain SPF. It seems like a lot SPF-only products are greasy and not a good substitute for a daily moisturizer. But now, Lynn Ross, a well-known and respected esthetician, has created a line of skin care products called Institut'DERMed and they've put out an oil-free sun block called Sun Protective Cream Oil Free SPF 28.

Unlike most sun blocks, this one is actually designed for people with normal to oily skin and offers non-comodogenic sun protection with aloe vera gel to soothe and heal troubled skin. Not only does it moisturize skin, but it will protect it from discoloration and premature aging that are the result of too much sun exposure.

This product will set you back about $32, but finding a non-greasy sun block for your face can be a challenge....this may be money well spent. Go to www.idermed.com for ordering information. And don't forget to review the sun protection advice, above. Yes, it's common sense, but it's still good to be reminded about what you should be doing from time to time!

Product Preview: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

The foundation of a classic, beautiful face is flawless skin. But unlike the girls in the fashion magazines, I actually have (gasp!) visible pores, a line or two, even the occasional zit. Wow--who knew I was a mere mortal? So this fall, I have decided to devote myself to the search for really great and budget friendly skin care products. I fully intend to try as many washes, creams, gels, microderm kits, etc. as time and my budget allow in the hopes of achieving great (though not perfect) skin.

The first product I'm testing this season is from Olay because I love their products. I've used their moisturizer for years and have recently switched from more expensive stuff to Olay's facial wash. Now I'm giving their Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream a try.

According to the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, this product hydrates skin better and lasts longer than the fancy-schmancy "prestige" products. At $24.99, Micro-Sculpting Cream is a steal, especially since it out performed creams that cost over $350. (By the way, paying $350 for a face cream is, in my humble opinion, completely insane!)
Olay's Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream contains a concentration of amino-peptide B3 complex. That sounds really technical, but basically it's an ingredient that's been clinically proven to lift and reshape saggy skin, restore the skin's surface, and restore elasticity.

I've used the cream for about 5 days now, and I really like it's rich feeling...and boy does it smell good! Since I am not (yet!) prone to sagging skin, I'm going to have my mother give this product a test drive as well to see how it does with more mature skin.

I'll give a full review of this product in a couple of weeks, once I have had more time to thoroughly experience it.

Quick Tip: Maintain Your Pedi!

I love getting a pedicure. It's the one indulgence I allow myself on a somewhat regular basis. There's just something about looking down at ten perfectly filed and painted toenails that sets my mind at ease. I know that might sound stupid, but hey--that's just the way it is.

I can usually keep my pedicure looking pretty good for about 3+ weeks. But the one thing I really don't like is that after about week 1, my nails lose that shiny luster I like so much. So how do I get back that shine without having to touch up my nails? Easy! Just apply a little Vaseline (or bag balm) to your nails and viola! Shiny, almost new nails. All is right with the world once again!

Ask Lydia: Help Me Look Pretty!

Hi Lydia,

I'm 24 and kind of new to the makeup world. I don't like having to wear it, but a few bad sunburns eternally changed my skin and I am forced to use makeup daily--mostly the drugstore variety. I am afraid to get help from the cake-faced women at department stores, plus they only know the brands they are hired by. That's why I searched for a blog I liked to help me out, and yours is the best I've come across!

I have very fair freckle-free skin that tans easily (though I don't let it anymore), blue eyes, and blond hair. I don't like to look like I'm wearing makeup--no eye shadow.

I need to cover red blotches around my nose and chin, and the occasional zit. I prefer lightweight stuff: cover-up stick, powder to set, blush.

My main problems are:
1.) getting an even cover-up application to dry winter skin (I do moisturize twice daily)
2.) having to reapply a few hours later (I don't know where it all goes)

I would love something that's all-natural or doesn't have terrible ingredients in it. I'll spend whatever I have to! Can you help me?

Thanks so much!
--Sarah

Hi Sarah! I'm so glad you enjoy the blog! It sounds like you and I have very similar skin, and as you can tell, I've tried all sorts of products my entire life, so I can certainly tell you what works for me...just know that I'm not an expert, so this is just advice from one girl to another!

First off, I'm glad to hear that you've learned your lesson from the sunburns and are now taking steps to protect your skin. I would make sure that your moisturizer contains an SPF--there are several of them on the market. I have tried all sorts of products (both high end and the drugstore variety), and I swear by Olay's Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer with SPF for sensitive skin.

As for your foundation, I would whole-heartedly recommend Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals. Actually, the best thing to do would be to go over to your local Sephora (or click here) and pick up a Bare Escentuals Get Started kit. For $60, it contains everything you need (product, brushes, even an instructional DVD!).

If you've never tried mineral based makeup, let me explain how it works. The mineral based foundation (Bare Minerals) is applied more like a powder. Even though it feels and looks light, it does an amazing job at evening out skin tone and covering up zits and splotches. After you apply the Bare Minerals, you can either use your regular blush or try Warmth, a "face cover" that adds a subtle kiss of color to your face. Finally, you finish off with Mineral Veil, a translucent powder that finishes everything off and gives a flawless look.

Mineral based makeup is ideal because the foundation contains SPF, and as you know, you can't get enough protection! It's also made without pore clogging chemical and ingredients. Apparently a lot of liquid foundations contain talc, which isn't the best thing for your face. Another benefit is that the Bare Escentuals brand does not test on animals. I've also found that mineral based makeup doesn't slip quite as much as liquid foundation, so you shouldn't have to reapply as much. You may need to touch up with some extra mineral veil from time to time, but that's not a huge deal.

A few more thoughts for you:

1) If you're really concerned about skin damage, make an appointment with a dermatologist. They can assess how much damage you've done and may be able to give you some treatments to reduce the redness.

2) If you feel like you need advice from someone while you're out shopping and you don't want to be limited to one department store brand, try a store like Sephora or Ulta. The sales people there know all the different brands and can give you some good advice. Don't be intimidated by any of it, and don't feel pressured to buy.

I hope this helps! Let me know how you do.