NEW YEAR = NEW YOU!

Happy New Year everyone! Now that we are in a new year and a new decade I thought I would write a post that would kill two birds with one stone…first, this post will answer the question I receive most from readers and the general public regarding skin care and second, it will take you behind the scenes and show you the products and skin care techniques I use to combat my issues.

But first, I want to ask you a question…how are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? Do you even make resolutions or are you like me and break those commitments about two months into the New Year? I only have one resolution and it has been the same every year for the past five years…I only promise that I will continue to take good care of myself. Some days are better than others and I am able to work out, take my vitamins and minerals, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water. Other days…I can’t accomplish any of those listed above and Taco Bell is for dinner (hey, don’t laugh! I love Taco Bell)!

About six months ago I consulted with a skin care specialist because I noticed that my skin was aging more rapidly every year after I turned 40 years old. Damage I had done to my skin 20 years ago or more along with the natural aging process were beginning to peek out. Sun damage, poor eating habits, bad skin care products and too much coffee and soda when I was younger (and more stupid) had finally decided to reek havoc on my face and even the amazing skin care products I use now were no longer enough.

(Photos are "before" pictures taken prior to first IPL Treatment):

My skin specialist suggested I have a series of Intense Pulse Light Treatments (IPL) for a period of 6 months to see if they would reverse the effects of the sun damage and combat some of the aging aspects of my genetics (i.e., wine stain – thanks Gran)!

IPL’s are laser treatments that are non-ablative (meaning it does not damage the surface of the skin). IPL’s soften fine lines and wrinkles, reduce redness (broken capillaries/rosacea), remove sun damage (dark age spots) and acne scars, minimize large pores and remove other blemishes. It is a safe and quick treatment that a skin specialist (dermatologist, nurse practitioner or med spa professional) should administer and because it does not damage the skin surface, several treatments are sometimes needed to see the desired effect.

(Photo taken during first IPL Treatment)

CAUTION: Please do your research on the establishment/doctor/professional prior to booking an IPL appointment.

I was told to take ibuprofen prior to my treatment and to arrive at my appointment completely clean faced (no makeup or skin care products). My nurse went through an extensive question and answer session with me, which included medical history and my expectations pertaining to my IPL treatment. I wanted to remove sun damage, wine stains (hereditary from my Gran), broken capillaries around my nose, diminish crow’s feet/wrinkles and to make my skin feel smoother and look brighter.

I was informed that my series of IPL treatments (6 in all given once a month or every 6 weeks) could help with all of my concerns and that I would see immediate results. I was also told that my skin would feel like it was sunburned and that I should take care to stay out of the sun for at least two weeks and that I could resume using my normal skin care. I was given strict instructions to use sunscreen at all times and that I should wear a big floppy hat for the first two weeks after my treatment when I was outside (like walking the dog).

My skin care specialist and certified nurse practitioner applied a numbing cream all over my face and let that sit on my skin for approximately 15 minutes. The cream was removed, eye protection was placed and then the laser treatment began. Now, I am a pretty sensitive girl (eye brow plucking/waxing hurts) and this laser did feel like little needles were being poked into my face. I wasn’t screaming in pain, but it was uncomfortable.

(Photo above is of numbing cream applied all over face prior to first IPL Treatment)

(Photo above shows laser and tube with cold air - first IPL Treatment)

The specialist concentrated the laser on deep age spots and around my nose area where I have broken capillaries. The treatment lasted approximately 15 minutes and a tube of cold air was blowing on my face during the laser treatment. When that cold air was shut off after the IPL was complete, I immediately felt a slight burning sensation. However, the ibuprofen helped immensely with swelling and pain reduction.

Within a few hours I began to see tiny brown “scabs” all over my face where the laser burned. Eventually, I looked as if I had wet coffee grounds all over my face. These scabs healed and fell off over a course of 14 days leaving my skin very smooth and glowing. Also, resuming my normal skin care regime helped with the healing process.

(Photos below taken after second IPL treatment - instant redness/sunburn feeling)

(Photos below taken 2nd day after second IPL Treatment - brown scab spots)

I am on my 5^th IPL treatment and I have been told that many women continue to get IPL’s every 8 to 10 weeks or as needed. I am extremely happy with my results. However, my hereditary “wine stain” is still visible, but faded. My deep brown age spots are totally gone and my broken capillaries around my nose are 85% gone as well. The crow’s feet around my eyes are gone and my mild rosacea on my cheeks and chin area is gone. My skin is very smooth and glowing and I take care to apply sunscreen now every single day regardless of the weather outside. It is also important for me to point out that each of my IPL Treatments get stronger - first treatment was mild and my last treatment will be more intense in order to achieve my desired effect.

IPL treatments range in cost and if you live in San Diego County, I receive my IPL treatments at the Optique Del Mar Skin Rejuvenation center located off Del Mar Heights Road.

(Photo below is "after" 5 IPL Treatments taken Jan. 2010 - minimal foundation used - brown age spots, rosacea, fine lines, wrinkles, broken capillaries are gone or are fading)

Here is a list of my personal/professional skin care products:

Jan Marini Age Intervention Line: I use the Jan Marini line as my morning skin care line used everyday.

*Beginning with Jan Marini’s BioGlycolic Cleanser to remove dirt, oil and makeup.

*C-ESTA Serum is applied first to my face/neck and I wait approximately 5 minutes between product applications to ensure proper skin absorption.

*Age Intervention Enlighten Cream is applied next to my cheeks/nose/chin area (where I would usually have rosacea).

*Age Intervention Peptide Cream follows applied to my face/neck.

*Age Intervention Eye Cream is stippled gently under eye area and orbital bone.

*Age Intervention Moisturizing Cream is then applied all over my face/neck.

*Antioxidant Sunscreen is applied as the final step all over my face/neck/ears.

Recently, I was sent the Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime as gratis to use personally and professionally. I have since tested this product on several of my clients and on myself and I love this new primer. It goes on smooth, fills in the fine lines and wrinkles, absorbs quickly and preps the skin to receive all types of makeup (cream, powder or liquid).

Jan Marini's product line has made a major difference in the texture of my skin. I no longer feel dry or flaky and I do not need to apply heavy makeup to cover skin issues because this line has cured many of my problems.

Jan Marini has a very extensive line of skin care products for all ages and skin types. Please log on to www.janmarini.com to review the Age Intervention product line and order product or to find a retailer/doctor’s office nearest your area.

At night prior to bed I remove my eye makeup using MAC Wipes, cleanse with Jan Marini’s BioGlycolic Cleanser and then I use the SAMPAR line of skin care for overnight repair. SAMPAR's line can be used day, night or as a 28-day treatment for stubborn skin issues.

*After cleansing I spray my skin lightly with SAMPAR’s Skin Quenching Mist, which has essences of rose, chamomile, geranium, mint and orange blossom. It boosts my skin’s natural defense system and prepares my skin to receive other products.

*Next, I use SAMPAR’s Nocturnal Lifting Mask all over my face/neck avoiding the eye area. This mask is unique in that you wear it overnight and remove it in the morning. I have found that my wrinkles are less visible with this product.

*Then, I use SAMPAR’s Prodigal Pen, which is a roller pen containing essential oils that rapidly diminish blemishes, I apply this product when I find that I need extra help during certain times of the month.

*Last, I apply SAMPAR’s Eye Rule all around my eye area and orbital bone. This product rehydrates and repairs the eye area.

SAMPAR's line of premium, high-quality products can be purchased at many finer retail establishments or on their website at www.Sampar.com.

I have found that the combination of these two exceptional skin care lines has helped to keep my skin feeling young, healthy, protected and has aided in the healing processes after my IPL Treatments. Also, because of major climate change, weather conditions or traveling, these products will remain a part of my skin care regime always. They are my fountains of youth! Many of the products I have listed above are also part of my skin care that I use on my professional clients. Many of my clients request these two lines and so I keep my kit well stocked with both of these lines.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

Use the back of your hand as a palette for all your skin care and rub the excess product into your hands that you did not use on your face! The hands are so neglected and they are exposed to so much sun daily (like when you grip your steering wheel while driving in your car). Combat the signs of aging on your hands as well as your face by simply dabbing a pea sized amount of each of your skin care products (one pump) on the back of your hand first (like a palette) and then apply the product with your fingertips. Your hands will thank you and will never give away your age!

A Sound Investment!

The Pros have a confession to make…we love to spa! Mani/Pedi, Facials, Massages and Treatments are part of our genetic makeup and the more potions and concoctions we can rub on our skin, the better.

It is so important to take care of your body’s largest organ: lots of water, sunscreen every day, and thorough cleansing. And, like our makeup Pro has always stressed, without good skin care, cosmetics can only do so much for you! We like to recommend facials every two to four weeks, but we realize that facials are a luxury treatment and many people (including us) can’t always afford them as often as we would like to.

On a recent visit to one of our favorite spas, the marketing Pro was treated to a wonderful 75 minute facial which included the Clarisonic®, an award-winning sonic skin cleansing system. For those of you who haven’t heard of the Clarisonic (um, do you live in a cave?), here is some background information on one of the latest cleansing tools for both face and body.

Clarisonic was developed by the same creators of the Sonicare® toothbrush. The waterproof, handheld unit has a soft, gentle brush which oscillates back and forth more than 300 times per second.

Clarisonic is proven to remove 6 times more makeup and 2 times more dirt and oil than manual cleansing. Cleansing this well allows the skin to better absorb skin care products, thus using less and seeing greater results from all those age-defying, youth-enhancing, line-eliminating potions we buy by the gallon.

Dermatologists, Spas and Aestheticians are making the Clarisonic part of their treatments and highly recommend the purchase of a home unit for both face care and now, body care. It effectively cleans without abrasion or harsh chemicals and is gentle for all skin types. Various brush heads are available.

So…. back to my facial:

As quiet Asian-inspired music played, flames from the aromatherapy candles burned and fountains trickled delicately, I relaxed on the luxurious facial table. My aesthetician, Sharone, asked me about my skin type and sensitivity to aromatics and plants and I grimaced to think that my brows probably needed a “tune-up” and “how many extractions is she going to do?”

Sharone gave me the Purifying and Cleansing Facial. This was the recommendation from the spa director, whom I met at a gala. At the event, we began talking the “biz”, beauty that is and she asked if I had the opportunity to use the Clarisonic yet. Since I had not, she immediately handed me her card and said “call me!” Barbara Echols is extremely proud of her staff and service at Avia Spa in Santa Barbara. And I couldn’t agree more!! www.aviaspa.com

This particular facial was 75 minutes and included the following products, as well as a Clarisonic treatment to both my face and décolleté. Sharone is particularly fond of Sundari skincare. Sundari embodies the principles of Ayurveda by containing the purest botanicals and advocating a methodology that seeks to establish ones holistic balance. Sundari focuses on the three skin types, and the products are formulated to address each specific type: Vata is for dry skin, Kapha is for oily skin, and Pitta is for combination skin. www.sundari.com

Products used in my facial were:

Cleanser: Gentle Gel, Neem & Burdock

Exfoliant: Honey Enzyme

Toner: Neem & Aloe Vera

Mask: Neem & Green Tea

Serum/Booster: Essential oil for Normal/Combination

Moisturizer: Neem & Avocado

Eye Cream: Neem & Chamomile Eye Oil

Lip Balm: Omega3 & Mandarine

Body Moisturizer: Gotu Kola & Lotus

My skin felt revitalized and smooth. My sensitive skin left Avia feeling refreshed. I am very pleased with the Sundari line and have started to use the Chamomile Eye Oil regularly. As for the Clarisonic: well, let's just say I couldn't have whipped out my credit card fast enough! The Clarisonic Plus Kit includes:

Cordless Clarisonic PLUS

Universal Charging Cradle (100v-240v AC; 50/60 Hz)

Sensitive Brush Head

Spot Therapy Brush Head

1 oz. trial sizes of Refreshing Gel Cleanser, Gentle Hydro Cleanser and Nourishing Care Cleanser

2 oz. trial size Refining Skin Polish

The Plus Kit runs a little over $200 depending on where you purchase (it is available at many retailers, including QVC and Clarisonic’s own website.) This is a great tool for home use and in these times of tightening our budgets, IMPO Pros think the Clarisonic is a sound investment!

We also highly recommend this product for teens; this patented technology gently removes stubborn dirt and oil on a teens’ skin and is convenient to use. One charge will last 30 uses. The unit is waterproof and may be stored and used in the shower. The handheld unit also guides the user with a beep to indicate movement to the next quadrant of the face.

I guess you could say IMPO is in love...again!

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Let's do a little math shall we...

Jane gets a facial twice a month (cause the Pro said so and she doesn't tell Dick) which costs her anywhere from $75 to $200 per month. Jane recently lost her job. Now, boys and girls how much does Jane spend a year on treatment? IMPO by no means thinks that using a Clarisonic will replace the luxury and self-indulgence of an aesthetician’s touch. However, perhaps you (and Jane) can’t go as often as you used to for whatever reason (be it job loss or grumpy husband who has found your credit card statement) so at least your skin won’t suffer the consequences of the credit crunch!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO: Are you...special? Of course you are because you read IMPO! Our Pros tell you all about speciality products that are fun, fabulous and fantastic! What exactly is a speciality product? Guess you will have to tune in next time to find out...(insert dramatic music here)!

Tres, Tres Chic & Magnifique!

Sometimes a professional makeup artist lives a glamorous life and gets to travel outside of the confines of the makeup room or trailer to a world more incredible than the one he or she has left behind.

Most individuals think that the career of a Pro MUA is nothing but a jet-setting, couture-wearing, snob-inducing lifestyle filled with indulgences and perks only “common” folk could dream of, but alas, I am here to burst that overly exaggerated and completely false image in your head and bring you back to reality.

Life inside a makeup room or trailer is fun, full of laughter and creativity, but please understand that working as a makeup artist in film, television or photography is nothing short of…WORK!  Hours and hours of work!  Early morning “call times” and late night “last looks” can leave this Pro feeling less than glamorous.

Remember, it is the model, actress or actor that receive all those “favors” from designers, makeup lines, skincare gurus and hairstyle experts.  This Pro is simply a piece of a very fine-tuned puzzle creating the smoke and mirrors that sell magazines or movie tickets!  I won’t fool you…I do reap some benefits, but not the kind that many readers may think!

Please don’t consider for a minute that this Pro is cursing the career I have chosen for the past 20 years (has it really been that long?).  It is the only job I have ever had and would never trade for all the Prada in the world, but it can be stressful, time consuming and sometimes I shoot in the most “unglamorous” locations you could ever imagine (like the State Prison)!

Recently, my MUA Fairy Godmother answered my prayers and blessed me with a very tres, tres chic makeup job, which would take me to the most fashionable and enchanting city in the world…Paris! 

Faster than sweeping Chanel Lipstick on Giselle, I was packed and on a plane bound for France with a smile on my face and plenty of Evian spritz for the 12-hour flight (not to mention many, many more skin reviving serums).

Paris is filled with women who can only be described in one word…magnifique!  They ride bikes in 4-inch Christian Louboutins, they eat baguettes, they smoke, they drink, and they always, always look incredible!  They are fabulous and their skin is amazingly flawless!  How do they do it?

Mingling amongst the people of Paris I learned a few secrets…the French live life to the fullest everyday, they worship experiences more than money and they spend their hard-earned dollars on top-notch products!  Quality over quantity is their motto!

I started to think about all of the incredible French skincare and makeup lines and thought it was time to start adapting a more Parisian lifestyle.  During my time off from the set, I wondered the streets of Paris and photographed the people and places this city has birthed.  I ventured into boutiques that carried expensive concoctions that tickled my senses and revived my tired skin!

I started with a brand called Talika, which was given to me by a very generous person who heads-up the companies PR both in the United States and Europe.  In researching this product line I discovered that this brand was created in 1948 by doctor Danielle Roches, in the ophthalmologic department of the famous Paris hospital, Hopitaux de Paris.  She began her career by developing an antibacterial cream with plant extracts that help cure individuals suffering from dramatic face and eye burns due to war casualties.

I was given several products for the eye area and nails including: Eye Detox Contour Gel, Eye Dream, Eye Therapy Patches and Nail Regenerator Serum.  The first thing I noticed about this product line is the packaging.  Parisian skincare and makeup packaging feels different when you hold it in your hands.  It is weightier, classic in design, sturdy and very appealing to the eye.  It is not “flashy” or over exaggerated.

Eye Dream was the first product I tried because my skin was more than dehydrated from the travel, lack of sleep and airplane food (even though I put a ton of care into my skin) and because I completely agree with the information found on the Talika website quoting, “sleep is often considered an underrated and ignored wellness necessity of life!” 

Also, “sleep is the body in recovery mode, during sleep the delicate skin around the eyes loses up to 50% of its moisture and is most biologically receptive to external hydration and nourishing ingredients.”  Eye Dream provides that renewal and it is a short-term eye treatment.  To quote, “Eye Dream transforms bedtime into an 8-hour long spa treatment for the eyes!”  I couldn’t rip opening the packaging fast enough!

I am still in the process of using the Eye Dream treatment (on day 10 of the recommended 28 days) but I am noticing a decrease in my deep wrinkles and the elasticity of my skin seems to be improving.  I can’t wait to also try the Eye Detox Contour Gel, which claims to fade the appearance of bags and dark circles and the Eye Therapy Patches, which is also supposed to reduce dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and scars.

As far as the Nail Regenerator Serum also by Talika, if you are anything like me, your nails get dry and brittle during travel and in the summer time.  This product has been a lifesaver!  It has rejuvenated and hydrated my nails and cuticles.  This Pro highly recommends this product and I will continue to use this treatment throughout the summer months.  Plus I plan on purchasing another tube during the severely dry winter season in order to ensure that my nails will stay nourished!

If you are an avid reader of IMPO then you know that this Pro carries a variety of makeup lines in my kit, but I have a few products that I use time and time again because of pigmentation, wear-ability, blend-ability and stamina.  One of those go-to lines is IL-Makiage, which is a French cosmetic company with an extensive product display specializing in every color of the rainbow!

When I need to match the colors in a peacock’s feather, the blue of the Caribbean ocean or the exact red of Santa Claus’ suit, I turn to IL-Makiage because I know that this product will provide me with amazing hues and top-of-the-line quality.

I discovered IL-Makiage during research for a photo shoot many moons ago and it has been a “staple” in my kit ever since.  Ilana Harkavi is the beauty behind this cosmetics line and it has been deemed the “makeup artist’s makeup line!”

With over 500 shades, all-in-one products to simplify application and textures that make any high-fashion photo shoot a breeze; this product line is also priced competively with other American-brands.  IL-Makiage will be celebrating their 40-year anniversary in 2012 and Ilana is known for sharing her makeup secrets with some of today’s most sought after artists, including Bobbi Brown and Dick Page.

There are many other French designed makeup lines that have this Pro’s seal of approval namely Dior, Nars and Avene.  If there is one thing I have discovered over the past 20 years as a Pro MUA, it is that I don’t need to stock my kit with tons of makeup and skincare in order to give a model, actress or actor a flawless look, but I do need product that will perform in front of the camera just as much as the person wearing it will give a quality performance!

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Money is always a big issue and today it seems as if it is bigger than ever before, my tips and tricks for this particular post is to encourage our readers to spend their money wisely and purchase quality product regardless where it is manufactured.  Do your research and choose skincare and makeup that will treat and enhance your face.  Take good care of your skin and it will reward you for many years to come!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO:  All the glitz and glamour that was the Los Angeles IMATS!  You won’t want to miss this post!

Green Room!

Giving good “face” is not just about makeup. The number one problem I have as a professional makeup artist is “sins of the skin” and boy, have I seen some major issues in my career.

Skincare is a very personal choice – oily, dry, combination and then we have to deal with crow’s feet, fine lines, Rosacea and breakouts. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then our faces are the window treatments and there is nothing like bad Levelors to taint the view!

Good skincare helps cosmetics work and look their best. My sister has pretty sensitive skin, still gets the occasional pimple at 35, is starting to get a few small wrinkles and of course, being a California girl; she has skin that has seen its fair share of sun.

Recently, I noticed that my sister’s skin is looking amazing and I had to know what she was using on her face. She told me she discovered a great skincare line so naturally I asked her to write a review about it for the blog and here is what she said...

At one of my favorite local spas, I discovered the Jurlique skincare line from Australia. Since 1985, Jurlique has been a biodynamic skincare company. They grow all their ingredients and base formulas on the natural properties found in many plants. Their vision: beauty is defined by sustainable connections – to oneself, to the community, and to the earth. Jurlique farms are dedicated to biodynamic and organic farming which observes the natural cycles in the earth and growth of plants, harvesting during times of maximum living energy and efficacy. And I believe you can feel this “living energy” in the products, from the moment they touch your skin and throughout the day.

My first experience was with the Rosewater Balancing Mist. Sprayed on my face at the end of a massage, the mist has an invigorating scent and the mixture of rose and marshmallow calmed my skin.

My esthetician recommended a complete regimen: cleanser, toner and lotion. The three products complement and complete each other providing a balance and healthiness to my complexion.

I begin with the Balancing Foaming Cleanser ($45). The primary ingredients are calendula, daisy and peppermint. This cleanser is gentle but unlike many other “natural” products, my skin truly feels clean, impurities removed. Essential oils from grapefruit, lemon, lemon myrtle, and peppermint hydrate your skin without leaving it feeling greasy.



A spritz of the Rosewater Balancing Mist ($23) is my next step. While my face is still slightly damp, I apply a very small amount of the Sun Lotion SPF 30+ ($69). The combination of toner and lotion smoothes over the skin, hydrating the skin and leaving it protected and ready for primer. Sunscreen is an absolute must and I insist on it in my moisturizer as well as my foundation. Sunscreen not only prevents skin cancer but also minimizes the occurrence of skin damage and discoloration.




Jurlique’s product line is extensive and includes a variety of cleansers, exfoliators, masks, toning mists, moisturizers, age-preventers, body, sun protection, hair, specialty products and a line of skincare for the baby.

According to their site, Jurlique is one of the first and only companies with products containing natural preservative systems, and are working towards development of a natural emulsifying system. Chemical preservatives and emulsifiers can be harsh on individuals who have sensitive skin.

Their biodynamic products do not contain Parabens, Mineral Oils, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Synthetic Emulsifiers, Artificial Colors or Fragrances. Jurlique is available online at http://www.jurlique.com.au and in fine spas nationwide.

TIPS AND TRIX:

Good skincare doesn't have to be expensive! There are many great drugstore brands out there like Oil of Olay ProX, Avene and you can always stick with the tried and true, Cetaphil Cleanser and Eucerin Face Lotion!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on In My Professional Opinion...we Love Lucy!!!! Lucy B. that is and if you haven't had the pleasure of trying this product line, you will want to run to QVC, Planet Blue, Anthropologie or Fred Segal to check it out!