So maybe you’re not jetting to Bora Bora this summer like the rich and famous but your weekend getaway is just as important as any Kardashian’s if not MORE!

When packing shampoo and conditioner stick to your favorites and put them in trial sized tubes. The last thing you need when traveling with the family is more bulk!  Cleverly pare down the beauty products to make room for entertainment for the kids (and husband) in your carry on.  You’ll thank yourself mid-flight when all is peaceful!  Hair shouldn’t be over-styled at the beach anyway (unless maybe your vacay is on the level of Vegas or South Beach). Make sure to bring a conditioning oil to hydrate hair after washing.  It will also double as a deep conditioning treatment while you are soaking up the sun.  A good argan oil will not weigh hair down and can soften the texture after exposure to the elements starts to take it toll. I like

Cristophe Professional Argan Oil Treatment. It works for shine, conditioning and frizz and the bottle is 1.6 oz, so easily portable in your beach bag and luggage.

Now when it comes to your face, sunscreen can get a bit pore-clogging. Look for oil-free varieties like Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30.

Not only is Soleo organic but its formula is chemical UV absorber free and does not contain titanium dioxide. It works as a sunblock and sits on top of skin to repel any harmful UVA and UVB rays and provides broad spectrum protection that doesn’t clog up pores. After all, no one wants a blemish on vacation.

For makeup, I shy away from anything heavy. Remember, makeup shows any imperfections in direct sunlight so less is more. I like to use a dual mineral powder with added SPF over my sunscreen once it has absorbed like Physicians Formula Mineral Loose Powder. It comes with a built in brush in the cap so that means one less thing to carry. It’s also super lightweight – perfect for on the go touch-ups. Just remember to tap the brush before you apply. If any red marks from past acne, dark under eye circles or other blemishes appear, spot correct with a concealer. I like liquid formulas that come in a tube with a brush for effortless ease. Try L’oreal True Match Super-Blendable Concealer. The colors have multiple pigments in each shade so they blend seamlessly into your skin tone. Avoid shades that already look grayish in the container. Go for more yellow or peachy shades to cover dark spots.

While beach beauty may be more laid back, let’s face it…not many of us beauty addicts are going to feel comfortable completely bare-faced. My two staples for a breezy, yet pulled together look are mascara and lipgloss. Both are super compact, fit easily into your pared down makeup case and do wonders to add some pop and polish to your beach bum style. Go for a water-proof mascara to prevent raccoon eyes after a long day sweating and swimming.  L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara is unmatched in this category.  Not only does it stay on all day without a single smudge (even after some serious tear testing), but it also defines, separates and sets your curl for look-at-me-lashes that last. Now, just swipe on some clear gloss like CoverGirl Wetslicks Lipgloss in Clear Radiance and your casually glam look is complete.  This gloss packs a high shine, yet is so light that hair won’t stick to it when a gust of wind comes off the water.

Still desire that deep tan but aren’t able to achieve it two days? Have no fear…start self-tanning a few days in advance with a good spray tanner to hit all the hard to reach places. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist is a gorgeous tan in a can. The smell can be a bit strong at first, but once washed off there are no lingering smells. If your trip was a last minute getaway then you can still get a gorgeous glow on without the permanent tint. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup gives you an even flash of color with a quick spray.  The colors run dark, so make sure to hold the can a good distance away when spraying for a natural look. Also, be sure to spray outside or on an old towel as to not have a big clean-up. The colors have a light shimmer to them and last all night.

One quick trip after work to your local CVS and you can grab all of these and some bandaids for breaking in that new pair of Havaianas.

Make sure to join the Beauty Club for these added benefits:

*10% off beauty shopping pass upon enrollment

*$5 in ExtraBucks rewards with every $50 beauty purchase

*$3 in ExtraBucks Rewards on the member’s birthday

*The very important Money Back Guarantee which will keep you traveling with your FAVES without compromise

Please note, I am part of the CVS Beauty Club “Beauty Board” and am being paid by CVS/pharmacy for this partnership.

Looking your best for wedding season can be stressful. Between reconnecting with relatives and catching up with old friends, there is a lot of pressure to impress. Stay cool and collected with a modern top knot that exudes confidence. This bold, polished look will keep hair off your face and neck so you can dance the night away with your style perfectly intact.

“Give an updated twist to a classic style, like a chignon, by placing it high on your head. This polished, sophisticated look will carry you through wedding season in style.” – Kevin Mancuso, Nexxus Creative Director

Whether you are a bridesmaid or a guest hoping to catch the bouquet, it is simple to create this chic look at home with products from Nexxus Salon Hair Care and the below tips from celebrity stylist and Nexxus Creative Director Kevin Mancuso:

PREP

* Start by washing hair with a moisturizing shampoo, like Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo.
* Follow with Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner to add hydration and dimensional shine to your style.
* Apply Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam Styler to damp hair to help create body and volume.
* Blow-dry hair, using a large round brush to smooth the ends.

STYLE

* Gather hair at the top of your head and secure in place with an elastic.
* Split hair into four sections and wrap each section around the base one at a time, making the style as loose or tight as you desire.
* Fasten sections into place with bobby pins to secure your style, making sure they are hidden under the bun.

FINISH

* Finish the look with a misting of Nexxus Maxximum Super Hold Styling and Finishing Mist for long lasting hold.

Pick up these products at your local drugstore or super market to replicate the look at home.

With the advent of Botox and Dysport women have new peace of mind in the war against wrinkles. Today, there’s a new enemy in town… hyperpigmentation. Known as age spots, sunspots, and ugly discoloration, hyperpigmentation has become the new wrinkle for many.

Until recently, we fought hyperpigmentation with skin bleaching creams (often thinning the skin), chemical peels, and laser procedures. Today, Syneron Medical Ltd has created a new topical solution delivering results, erasing signs of hyperpigmentation in 28 days. Enter elure (www.elureskin.com).

The three-part elure Advanced Skin Lightening program is possibly one of the biggest real advances in skin lightening of the last 50 years. The main features of elure that command doctor interest include its fast acting formulation, its ability to break down melanin and its excellent tolerability by patients.

The elure regimen features three key products:

* Advanced Lightening Lotion – average retail price $150
* Advanced Lightening Night Cream – average retail price $150
* Advanced Facial Wash – average retail price $35

Rather than use the age-old lightening ingredient hydroquinone, elure contains a brand new formula based on lignin peroxidase, which directly works to reduce melanin – the cause of discoloration in the skin. Clinical testing shows lignin peroxide, a naturally occurring enzyme derived from a tree fungus, is completely safe up to 17,000 times the recommended human dose. Significant results have been realized after 28 days in 82% of subjects. Safe for all skin types, the elure treatment has been proven to reduce uneven discoloration caused by aging and sun damage by gently reducing melanin in the skin, resulting in a lighter and brighter, more radiant complexion.

After daily consistent treatment with elure, skin tone improvement was much better than with products containing hydroquinone, according to clinical studies. elure does not have the side effects often associated with topical skin lighteners, such as irritation, contact dermatitis and even post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is gentle, quick and effective.

The elure Advanced Skin Lightening range is available through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aesthetic practitioners and medispas, but does not require a prescription.  It can also be found online at lovelyskin.com.

I’m happy to report that the 5 day Organic Avenue cleanse is complete! I started their LOVEfast cleanse last week and the fresh, organic juices were surprisingly so filling that it was not as hard as I anticipated. I love to eat and was actually able to avoid temptation for the duration of the cleanse without feeling too deprived. I was never truly hungry on the cleanse since the juices are packed with enough nutrients and healthy fats to fill you up. They are also spaced strategically throughout the day with a lighter option for breakfast, a hearty smoothie for lunch, green soup in the afternoon and small salad at dinner time. However, I DID really miss the act of eating!

The first two days of the cleanse were definitely the hardest for me, but then my body started to acclimate to the new routine and I actually enjoyed not having to think about what I was going to eat everyday and were I would get it. The juices are delivered fresh to your door each morning with a carefully mapped out schedule and motivational phrases emailed to you each day. Around day 3 I did notice myself having more energy and focus and just feeling less bogged down with toxins from my usual take out meals. I definitely had more energy to get out of bed in the morning, but this could also have been a result of going to bed earlier, an attempt to avoid late night snacking. Another nice result, a lean more toned feeling, flatter stomach and glowing skin. A colleague even commented that my skin looked better around day 4!

Overall the cleanse was a great way to remind me to really think about the foods I’m putting into my mouth rather than just blindly snacking as well as to think twice about whether I am really hungry or not. It also helped me to slow down and really enjoy the foods I was eating and erradicated my bad habits/unhealthy cravings. While I’m not going to go all vegan or organic, I definitely see the value in this lifestyle and am going to try to incorporate more of these foods into my daily life.

Want to try a cleanse and reap all of the feel good benefits without totally giving up food? Try Organic Avenue’s LOVEasy plan which offers a mix of raw foods and juices (with more food options than the LOVEfast plan). Organic Avenue also offers a LOVEsupport plan to help make the LOVE lifestyle convenient, accessible, delicious, and fun by customizing a special plan to fit your goals and needs. Overall, I was extremely impressed with the company and cleanse and will definitely be back to do it again when I start to get off track.

Below are a couple sample menus from the week.  Some standouts for me were the kale salad, fresh gazpacho and blueberry smoothie.  I am already missing them and will be ordering more!

To learn more about Organic Avenue and the different programs offered visit: www.organicavenue.com

Sample Menu 1

* Love Fast 1 (approx 8/9am) 1 Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll
FYI: Drink this straight as a shot, or you can mix it in some purified water. Please beware that it can leave your teeth stained green but it comes right out with water! Chlorophyll has the power to regenerate our bodies at the molecular and cellular level and is known to help cleanse the body, fight infection, help heal wounds, and promote the health of the circulatory, digestive, immune, and detoxification systems. Chlorophyll consumption increases the number of red blood cells and, therefore, increase oxygen utilization by the body.

* Love Fast 2 (approx 10/11am) 1 Orange Juice: Orange
FYI: In recent research studies, the healing properties of oranges (preferably organic as organic foods have been shown to contain higher amounts of phytonutrients)have been associated with a wide variety of phytonutrient compounds. Consuming vitamin C supplements does not provide the same protective benefits as drinking a glass of orange juice.

* Love Fast 3 (approx 11/12pm) 1 Green Love: Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Cucumber, Celery, Green Apple, lemon juice
FYI: If vegetables got grades for traditional nutrients alone, Swiss chard would be one of the vegetable valedictorians. The vitamin and mineral profile of this leafy green vegetable contains enough “excellents” to ensure its place at the head of the vegetable Dean’s List. Our rating system awards Swiss chard with excellent marks for its concentrations of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. Swiss chard also emerges as a very good or good source of copper, calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, protein, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, folate, biotin, niacin and pantothenic acid.

* Love Fast 4 (approx 1/2pm) 1 Lemon Lime Shake: Lemon, Lime, Coconut water, Coconut meat, Cucumber, Alkaline Water, Himalayan Salt, Avocado, Stevia
FYI:Stevia’s most obvious and notable characteristic is its sweet taste. However, the sweet taste is not due to carbohydrate-based molecules, but to several non-caloric molecules called glycosides. Individuals who cannot tolerate sugar or other sweeteners can use stevia. Stevia has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, making it an excellent addition to tooth pastes and mouthwashes. Many people have reported improvement in their oral health after adding stevia concentrate to their tooth paste and using it, diluted in water, as a daily mouthwash.

* Love Fast 5 (approx 3/4pm) 1 Gazpacho Soup: Lime, Carrot, Tomato, Cucumber, Celery, Himalayan Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Cilantro, Red pepper, Olive Oil, Garlic, Jalapeno, Yellow Pepper
FYI: One of the most well known tomato eating benefit is its’ Lycopene content. Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that helps in the fight against cancerous cell formation as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases.

* Love Fast 6 (approx 5/6pm) 1 Kale Dulse: Kale, Ginger, Himalayan Salt, Yacon Syrup, Red pepper, Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Dulse, Olive, Bell Pepper
FYI: Kale is an excellent source of vitamin C-just one cup of this cooked vegetable supplies 88.8% of the daily value for vitamin C. Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, disarming free radicals and preventing damage in the aqueous environment both inside and outside cells.

* Love Fast 7 (approx 7/8pm) 1 Green Mylk: Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Cucumber, Celery, Romaine, Parsley, Almond, Cinnamon, Collard Green
FYI: Almond milk is rich in Vitamin E, a known antioxidant, and thus, is believed to good for those undergoing detoxification programs.

Sample Menu 2

* Love Fast 1 (approx 8/9am) 1 Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll
FYI: Drink this straight as a shot, or you can mix it in some purified water. Please beware that it can leave your teeth stained green but it comes right out with water! Chlorophyll has the power to regenerate our bodies at the molecular and cellular level and is known to help cleanse the body, fight infection, help heal wounds, and promote the health of the circulatory, digestive, immune, and detoxification systems. Chlorophyll consumption increases the number of red blood cells and, therefore, increase oxygen utilization by the body.

* Love Fast 2 (approx 10/11am) 1 Grapefruit: Grapefruit
FYI: Although grapefruit has a sub-acid taste, its juice actually has an alkaline reaction after digestion. This has a profound effect in the treatment of acidity in the digestive system that causes a host of other health problems.

* Love Fast 3 (approx 11/12pm) 1 Carrot Juice: Carrot
FYI: Many people consider drinking carrot juice one of the healthiest lifestyle choices possible. Carrot juice is known for beta carotene which gives the body Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin E and many minerals. The health benefits of drinking carrot juice are thought to be good prenatal health, eyesight, bones and teeth, liver and nails, skin and hair as well as helping in cancer prevention.

* Love Fast 4 (approx 1/2pm) 1 Blueberry Spirulina Smoothie: Blueberry, Coconut water, Banana, Coconut Butter/ Oil, Spirulina
FYI: Spirulina weighs in with an impressive 60% all-vegetable protein, and also contains a powerful combination of important vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin E, zinc, B-complex, copper, calcium, and magnesium. It is also a rich source of the antioxidant beta-carotene and the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

* Love Fast 5 (approx 3/4pm) 1 Raw Green Soup: Lemon, Carrot, Cucumber, Parsley, Alkaline Water, Himalayan Salt, Cayenne Pepper, Cilantro, Pepper, Avocado, Onion
FYI: Cilantro isn’t just a commonly-used leaf and seed ingredient found in many tasty and exotic recipes, it’s also a powerful natural cleansing agent. Cilantro has been effectively used to help remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body.

* Love Fast 6 (approx 5/6pm) 1 Fennel Orange Salad: Lemon, Cucumber, Himalayan Salt, Orange, Pepper, Olive Oil, Fennel, Dill
FYI: Fennel bulb is an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is the body’s primary water-soluble antioxidant, able to neutralize free radicals in all aqueous environments of the body.

* Love Fast 7 (approx 7/8pm) 1 Green Mylk: Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Cucumber, Celery, Romaine, Parsley, Almond, Cinnamon, Collard Green
FYI: Almond milk is rich in Vitamin E, a known antioxidant, and thus, is believed to good for those undergoing detoxification programs.

With bathing suit season (and for me, wedding season) rapidly approaching, I felt like drastic measures need to be taken to correct all the damage done by countless take out dinners and not nearly enough visits to the gym. Here at Mickey Williams Beauty, we have been hearing a lot about the latest wave of celebrity endorsed cleanses and were curious to find out what all the fuss is about – and whether the effects are really worth the five days of deprivation.  Some beauty benefits associated with cleansing unwanted toxins out of your system include glowing skin, bright eyes, increased energy and a flatter stomach.

I’m happy to report that cleanses have come a long way from the much hyped Master Cleanse (the cayenne pepper, lemon water and maple syrup only diet that Beyonce used to lose weight for Dreamgirls) and bottled drugstore juice-only regimens.  I was only able to last two days on those limiting fads, but lucky there is a new, health focused way to cleanse. Organic Avenue, founded by Denise Mari, is based on the Live. Organic. Vegan. Experience. and offers a more satisfying way to cleanse.

Unlike some cleanses, this program is not about starvation.  Instead, it is focused on proper nutrition through organic, freshly made juices and food (yes, food!). Celebrity fans include Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts.  I choose the 5 day LOVEfast program, which is the second level of cleansing and is primarily juice-based with a small raw salad at the end of the day.

I started this cleanse on Sunday, and so far, so good.  Check back on Satuday for a full report of how it went!

Organic Avenue has three free standing stores in Manhattan, but I’m loving the fresh daily delivery service. The program costs $350 for five days plus a $60 refundable bottle deposit.  Learn more about different programs at www.organicavenue.com.

A sample menu from day one is listed below.

Each day follows this same easy format (emailed to you the night before) with a different variation of juices so that you won’t get bored.

* Love Fast 1 (approx 8/9am) 1 Chlorophyll

* Love Fast 2 (approx 10/11am) 1 Pear Juice: Pears

* Love Fast 3 (approx 11/12pm) 1 Veggie Vibe: Lemon, Carrot, Spinach, Cucumber, Celery, Parsley, Beet

* Love Fast 4 (approx 1/2pm) 1 Cacao Smoothie: Agave Nectar, Yacon Syrup, Vanilla, Cacao, Coconut

* Love Fast 5 (approx 3/4pm) 1 Sun Soup: Lemon, Carrot, Spinach, Cucumber, Celery, Himalayan Salt, Avocado, Sunflower Sprouts, Zucchini

* Love Fast 6 (approx 5/6pm) 1 Sunflower Sprouted Salad: Lemon, Himalayan Salt, Pepper, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Scallion, Sesame Seed, Flax Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed, Bell Pepper

* Love Fast 7 (approx 7/8pm) 1 Green Mylk: Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Cucumber, Celery, Romaine, Parsley, Almond, Cinnamon, Collard Green

Coachella may be over, but the pretty bohemian looks spotted on festival revelers and celebrity attendees like Ashley Green, Katy Perry and Vanessa Hudgens can be replicated at home to compliment any laid back summer style.

Physicians Formual Celebrity Makeup Artist, Joanna Schlip, “coaches” us on how to snag an indie chic Coachella look.

“For a laid back face that will endure the elements of the outdoors…less is more effective! Go with a bit of mascara, concealor and blush as your essentials to pull together this positively pretty look. Try a few swipes of Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin JUMBO Mascara combined with a pop of blush on the cheeks like Physicians Formula Powder Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush.”

Made in the shades – complement your favorite specks by focusing on complexion perfection. “Get back to our earthy roots and allow your skin to be your sexiest asset,” says Joanna.

“Long hot days call for less product with a natural hand (no contouring of special effects necessary). Stick with a smooth, even canvas accented with a touch of glow.”

Prep face with an SPF tinted moisturizer like Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Tinted Moisturizer and finish off with a swirl of a great bronzer like Physicians Formula Cashmere Ultra-Smoothing Bronzer. Apply anywhere the sun would hit (temples, cheekbones, bridge of the nose) for the most natural results.

Physicians Formula is available on www.drugstore.com.

Happy Earth Day!  We all love playing with products and trying the latest makeup, but what are we really putting on our faces?  Earth Day is the perfect time to start thinking about our beauty routines and the ingredients in the products we’re using.   Look no further than Clark’s Botanicals for natural products that pack big results.

All of the Clark’s products in feature Jasmine Absolute, a precious essential oil derived from nocturnally blooming flowers. Naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulating, this extract works to calm, balance and heal a broad spectrum of skin types, from young to mature, oily to dry, and normal to sensitive.

We especially love the line’s Ultra Rich Lip Tint in Carlotta Pink ($19). A sheer bright pink, this balm is a universally flattering shade that provides long-lasting hydration through Atelocollagen and Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract.  This gloss gives lips a rosy glow AND peace of mind with its naturally effective ingredients.

Are all-natural ingredients important to you when choosing a product?

With the weather FINALLY starting to warm up, it’s time to re-vamp your makeup bag for spring. Beyond the general rule of lightening up on everything from your foundation to your lipstick, one trend has been a stand out this spring: coral makeup. Infuse a bit of this vibrant, eye-catching color into your look with the following products.

Eyes
Add a pop of color to eyes and embrace this season’s monochromatic, bold eye trend with Smashbox Eye Shadow in Ambient ($16). As long-time fans of Smashbox’s super velvety, supremely blendable shadow shades, Ambient was a natural choice when looking for an ultra wearable way to stay on trend. These shadow staples contain vitamin E to nourish eyelids and help shadow stay put through out the day – and night. I can personally attest to the staying power of these shadows, having slept in them far too many times to admit…only to wake up to perfect eyes in the morning. Truly remarkable, but not such great incentive to take off all your makeup at night!

Cheeks
For a fresh wash of color try VMV Hypoallergenics Skin Bloom Blush in Bellini ($40). With allergy season upon us and seemingly endless irritants in the air, do your skin a favor with this natural flushing formula. The pigments in this blush are 100% free of preservatives and fragrances, making it easy on sensitive complexions. Besides being safer for skin, this unique blush has real skin-enhancing benefits including green tea for antioxidant benefits, virgin coconut oil for intensive moisturization and even Titanium Dioxide + Iron Oxide Pigments for sun protection.

If you prefer a cream formula, try Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Blush in First Kiss ($25). It blends seamlessly into skin and contains mattifying and reflecting powders that create a soft-focus, never harsh, effect for an effortlessly radiant complexion. Just like all Make Up For Ever products, this blush is made to last. It will take you from a fresh faced flush at the office to afterwork drinks with no touch-ups necessary!

Lips
There are really endless coral lip options, so let’s start with the basics – the lip balm. Not your averate chapstick, LipFusion Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15 in Butterscotch ($22) provides a subtle hint of color along with intensive nourishing powers. Infused with Amplifat and marine collagen filling spheres to increase volume and fullness of lips (immediately and over time), this balm goes far beyond basic moisturization. Not to mention the minty bubblegum flavor is so addictive you are bound to find yourself applying this compulsively. I know we have!

Now, if you’re ready to venture beyond the sheer coral of a balm, but not ready to venture into statement lip territory, we recommend Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Lipstick in Coral Beige ($35). This lipstick is simply unmatched in its smooth, buttery texture and infuses lips with a light wash of color without being harsh. The color blends seamlessly into lips and the formula is so moisturizing we promise you will find yourself wanted to apply it as if it is a balm. Luckily, the color is sheer enough that you can apply as much as you like!

If you are ready to take the next step and sport a bold lip, look no further than Jafra Full Coverage Lipstick in Real Orange ($15). This new lipstick is richly pigmented and imparts lips with long lasting shine. Avacado butter lends a creamy texture to the lipstick while Vitamin E fights helps protect against free radicals and minimize fine line.

Finally, what lip color round-up would be compete without a good gloss? Throw Aveda Nourish-mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze in Sunkissed Melon ($18) in your makeup bag for an easy update to your spring look. Infused with pomegranate (a known anti-oxidantplant) and clinically proven to moisturize, plump and smooth the look of fine lines, this gloss does more than just pretty your pout. Equally as appealing as its lofty list of benefits? The refreshing vanilla/mint flavor! Wear it alone for sheer coverage over a lipstick or pencil to enhance color and shine.

Give your gloss some added staying power by layering a lip pencil in a similar shade underneath. We love Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil in Coral ($17). Formulated with vitamin E and jojoba wax to help the liner glide on, a base layer of this liner will condition lips while keeping your gloss color from fading.

World-Renowned Skin Care Authority and Celebrity Dermatologist, David J. Goldberg, MD, is tackling rosacea during Rosacea Awareness Month. A common skin condition, rosacea affects more than 16 million Americans. It is a non-contagious facial skin disorder that usually begins as a redness, like a blush, appearing on the face – most often on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Typically, rosacea symptoms appear in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and usually impacts women more often than men. At first, the redness may come and go, but over time, it can become more persistent, presenting visible blood vessels. If left untreated, bumps and tiny pimples may develop.

Dr. Goldberg, recognized nationally and internationally for his innovative work with skin lasers, cosmetic dermatology and facial rejuvenation techniques, recommends several products and treatments for the flushing reaction of rosacea.

Laser and Light: The Nd:YAG Laser is used to treat visible blood vessels associated with rosacea and is less likely to cause bruising. YAG laser gets deeper down to the blood vessels but requires technical expertise. In addition, the pulsed dye laser helps with superficial redness and when used in combination, the two treatments can provide positive results. Dr. Goldberg also adds a red light emitting LED treatment which decreases the inflammation associated with rosacea. By using this technique of all three laser and light source treatments together in a series of monthly treatments, rosacea suffers notice dramatic results.

Dysport: This proven wrinkle relaxer has been approved for treating forehead wrinkles and frown lines in the U.S. Dr. Goldberg has used Dysport to help decrease the flushing of the skin because it inhibits the overactive blood vessels which lead to flushing. “We have had positive results with the use of Dysport for treating rosacea,” says Dr. Goldberg. For optimal lasting results that put the pause on Rosacea, our patients undergo one session every three to six months.

Redness Relief CalmPlex: This new lotion by SkinMedica, when used twice a day, calms inflammation within a week and delivers continuous improvement over 12 weeks. Created with ingredients that specifically suppress inflammation and also sooth the skin including Vitamin B-3 and jojoba, CalmPlex helps address the itchy, prickling feeling many rosacea sufferers experience. “This revolutionary skin cream, when used in combination with IPL or LED treatments, has made a big splash in helping to treat the redness that comes from having rosacea. In addition, it also helps reduce the chance of future flare-ups,” says Dr. Goldberg. For more information on Dr. Goldberg please visit: http://www.skinandlasers.com/

According to the National Rosacea Society, rosacea patients can improve their chances of maintaining remission by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors such as extreme weather and sun exposure, stress, spicy foods, and alcohol. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to controlling rosacea.

If you can’t make it to the doctor’s office, be sure to treat any symptoms at home with the groundbreaking skincare products from Atopalm!

Formulated for dry, sensitive skin, Atopalm’s rich, emollient, yet non-greasy formulas are designed for skin suffering from allergies, rosacea dryness and sensitivity in need of gentle yet powerful treatment. Each paraben-free Atopalm product is powered by Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist tested MLE-Multi Lamellar Emulsion formulas—plant derived ingredients that mimic skin’s natural structure and restore skin’s protective moisture barrier system. This unique complex hydrates, soothes and calms skin in distress, leaving dry, sensitive skin visibly renewed. Choose from a trio of product to suit your specific needs: Moisturizing Skin Revitalizing Complex ($35), Daytime Undermakeup Moisture Cream ($18), Intense Moisturizing Cream ($30).

You don’t need to break out the plaid flannel and the Doc Martens, but as you’re styling your hair, it wouldn’t hurt to turn on a little Courtney Love. Inspired by Nirvana, 90s Kate Moss and women everywhere that are tired of styling to perfection, messy is now undeniably chic. And I for one am so happy that this is finally the trend!

A textured style is a must ‘do this season, but it’s not as easy as rolling out of bed. This disheveled look is all about deliberate flyaways and noticeable texture. Create this grungy, rocker look at home with the following tips and back-comb away!

Start by washing hair with JASON Lavender Hair Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.95 each). Enriched with Lavender Extract and Vitamins A, B5, E and F, it helps increase the strength and vitality of your hair, to help it stand up to all the styling.

For rumpled texture, a good, almost sticky base is an absolute necessity. Style wet hair with Aubrey Organics B5 Design Gel ($11.33). It offers resilient hold with B-5 and Herbal Gums, while Organic Rosa Mosqueta Oil nourishes.

Let hair air dry for added natural texture. Be sure to comb out any distracting tangles with a large-tooth comb and add volume at the roots by teasing large sections of hair.

Create jagged texture by straightening a few pieces of hair throughout.

After teasing your locks one last time, spritz on Aubrey Organics NuStyle Regular Hold Hairspray ($9.95). It contains organic gum Arabic to thicken hair and quinoa protein to give your messy style natural hold.


What do you think? Will you be rocking the bed-head look this spring?