Bioelements Pumice Peel

This pumice peel helps even and brighten my skin tone. It promotes a healthy complexion without irritating my sensitive skin. These tiny pumice stones work hard to give you a polished look.

Glitz Blitz Black Blitz

I’m all about a hot dramatic makeup look. Glitz blitz not only gives me drama but sparkle too! I use it when I want a fun look for a night out on the town, or apply it lightly for daytime wear. Either way, I heart this eyeliner.

Nailtique Nail Protein & Color Lacquer

Nailtiques makes it so much easier to keep up with my nail trends. This nail protein and color lacquer not only keep my nails strong and polished it also gives me hot fall flair with amazing vibrant color.

These are just a few of my favs but all this season’s picks are amazing must-haves. Make sure to check out all of your options! And don’t forget to tell your friends! For every friend that joins BeautyFix you will receive a $10 credit. It doesn’t get much better than this!

1-2 Months Before the Red Carpet

• Chemical Peels “A medium chemical peel can produce pretty dramatic results,” explains Dr. Magovern. “However, the actual peeling of the skin can last a couple weeks. Patients should have these procedures performed at least a month before their big event.” A light chemical peel can be done a week or two prior.

3 Weeks Before the Red Carpet

• Botox- Botox is one of the most commonly used and accepted cosmetic dermatology procedures on the market. “Botox, when used correctly and in moderation is a great preventative treatment,” states Dr. Magovern. “Recovery time is minimal, but I do suggest patients get Botox at least three weeks before an event just in case there is bruising or a touch up is needed.”

5-7 Days Before the Red Carpet

• Microdermabrasion- “Microdermabrasion treatments are great to have done a few days before a red carpet appearance. It makes skin look and feel smoother almost immediately and the results can last for several weeks after the treatment,” says Dr. Magovern.

48 Hours Before the Red Carpet

• Facials- Celebrities are known to indulge in extravagant facial before big events, including Mila Kunis’ $7,000 Golden Globes facial utilizing rubies and diamonds. “Facials are great because they are specifically designed and targeted to each person’s skin concerns,” explains Dr. Magovern. “Facials include extractions, cleansings and appropriate masks, which revives the dull skin and is a great quick pick-me-up. I do suggest discussing a client’s skin type and or concerns prior to each facial to avoid breakouts.”

What is inclusive health?

Inclusive health is a breakthrough approach to health and aging. It creates the ideal environment for cellular health. This astonishing approach looks at the body as an integrated system that can be transformed by building health at the cellular level. Inclusive health broadens its horizons by focusing on the overall health of each person from the cellular level up. Patients have a consultation with Dr. Murad and a trained Inclusive health practitioner to set up a 10 week program that focuses on correcting skin conditions and the management of aging. Each individual program is based on the individual wants and needs of each patient. Using a three-pronged approach that consists of topical, internal and emotional care, Inclusive health offers a unique collaboration of services, this concept is absent from today’s medical spa market, which makes this program so innovative and one of a kind.

How does the three-pronged approach work?

External Care: The skin is the body’s largest organ and first line of defense. Esthetic facials, tips for clear skin, cosmetic medical services and appropriate skincare regimens are all included in inclusive health’s plan.

Internal Care: Supplements, prescription medication, nutrition and physical activities are all included to support all aspects of a healthier lifestyle.

Emotional Care: It is important for patients to achieve psychological and social balance. Spa feel-good services and stress-reduction activities like support groups to nurture the psyche and exercise are included in this section of wellness.

Dr. Murad has created a program that strives to make the whole body healthier by helping each cell in the body function at optimal level. Inclusive health’s secret weapon is that it is rooted in The Science of Cellular Water. This science was discovered by Dr. Murad; he studied the strength of the cells themselves and found that they are the ultimate marker of youthful, good health and primary wellness. Gradual loss of muscle and bone mass, a lower metabolic rate, decline in hearing, vision and strength are all the result of a decrease in intracellular water. Howard Murad, M.D. states “The common thread to all physical aging and disease processes is life’s most fundamental component: water.” The Science of cellular water is about getting water into the cells and connective tissue so that it can function at its full capacity. Inclusive health not only explains the benefits of drinking water but how “eating your water” when you eat raw fruits and vegetables, may be an even better form. If the body is healthy, the skin will be as well. How do we increase healthy water? Through diet, exercise, lowering stress level and doing things that will make and keep us happy this is the essence of Inclusive Health.

University for Inclusive Health

UIH curriculum is based on Dr. Murad’srevolutionary Inclusive approach to esthetics and health. Inclusive Health courses are based on Dr. Murad’s vision of better living through the complete integration of these realms: health, beauty and wellness care; which address the mind, soul and body.

Advanced tools cater to clients who have been affected by the impact of cultural stress. Cultural stress is a term coined by Dr. Murad referring to the normal stresses of everyday life, traffic, technology and long work weeks. Students who work through this program become proficient in the course materials needed to become an Inclusive Health Ambassador.

What I did all day

Now, that all of the back ground info is out of the way; let’s get to the good stuff! The program is an intense 5 day course where students sit in on lectures taught by the President of Inclusive Health Tracey Sameyah, Dr. Murad himself and other health practitioners who have gone through the training successfully. My group actually got to sit in on three patient/doctor consultations with Murad and watched how he interacted with each patient. Each patient filled out a sense of self questionnaire that asked a series of lifestyle questions. They each ranked the questions (10 being the most 1 being the least).

Some sense of self example questions:

“I am at my ideal weight”
“I get 7-9 hours of sleep every night”
“I am hopeful for my future”
“I have a lot of energy when I get up in the morning”.

The way each patient rates these questions helps Dr. Murad and health practitioners set up a plan for each patient based on their lifestyle. I really enjoyed the training it was very informative, each of us came up with our own 10 week program based on our own sense of self. This gave us all a feel for what the patients were doing and how we can relate to them. At the end of the course we took a cumulative exam when you pass, you receive a lovely certificate and become a Certified Inclusive Health Practitioner.

Dermalogica receives tons of love and rave reviews from the press, celebrities, blogs and my coworkers. I’ve tried a few of the Dermalogica products before and really enjoyed them (the makeup remover is the best!) but hadn’t had the pleasure of trying the Special Cleansing Gel until a few weeks ago. And an obsession is born.

The Special Cleansing Gel is so mild and effective at the same time, removing impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. It lathers quickly, removes the majority of my makeup and doesn’t irritate my skin at all- on the contrary, my skin actually seems refreshed after I use it due to the anti-inflammatory balm mint. It’s a face wash that can be used twice a day with no problem or fear of drying out and it is light enough that there is no residue or greasy feeling. Plus, I haven’t had one zit!

The only downside? My boyfriend has also decided he is obsessed with it. My supply is quickly diminishing.

Multitasking products are another great addition your skin care routine. They cut down on products and basically allow you to exert as little effort as possible. Below are a few items that perform double, or even triple, duty!

• Jemma Kidd’s Cleansing Wipes actually have residence on my bedside table. The antioxidant-rich facial cleansing wipes are so easy to use! They are ultra soft and effectively remove makeup and dirt, while toning the skin and cleansing.
• A moisturizer with spf provides daily sunscreen doses and also replenishes and provides the skin with essential nutrients- if you can find one with a tint, such as Dermalogica’s Sheer Tint Moisture with SPF 15, then you even cut out a makeup step!
• Pevonia Botanica’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser gently exfoliates and thoroughly eliminates dead cells, sebum, toxins and impurities without being too abrasive.
• A colleague of mine and all around beauty buff, swears by iQ Derma’s Clear Remedy Purifying Cleanser, insisting that it cleanses, removes all her makeup and is specially formulated to help prevent breakouts.

flickr.com user anoldent

How many times have you answered the question, “If you were stranded on a desert island, what three beauty products would you bring?” Although in reality, I think the last thing on anyone’s mind are makeup products and skin care when they find themselves washed up on a secluded island, it’s not a bad thing to consider what you should have with you at all times. Whether the island is inhabited by terrifying creatures you thought only lived in the pages of National Geographic, or is just a more real version of your lap top’s breathtaking desktop background, I’m sure beauty care would take a backseat to survival. However, in the less extreme case of being in dire need of a makeup touch up before a last minute date, there are a few products that can do more than what is implied on the label.

Everyone knows the lipstick as blush trick, but what about blush as eyeshadow? Or even lipstick? Many brands are making awesome multipurpose face colors that have a creamy consistency, and a neutral color like Becca’s Beach Tint can usually be used anywhere on the face.

One of the products that I never leave the house without is mascara. If you need a little definition around your eyes, but all you have is mascara, you can put a little dab on your finger or a q-tip and use it as a smudgy liner, or with a steady hand and a little practice, an eyeshadow.

Another product that can be used in more ways than one is eyeshadow. Many times a shocking glance in the rearview mirror leaves me paranoid about being asked about my seven dwarves, so I reach for a medium brown shade for a quick fix bronzer. That same shadow can also be used under lip balm, to give your lips some color too.

If you want to make sure you are always prepared without carrying around a huge makeup bag, a palate like Ready-To-Wear Dual Look Palette, by Tarte is the ultimate answer.  It has everything you need to look stunning when you are pressed for time before an important meeting, or if you find you aren’t quite so deserted on that island after all, and want to make a good impression on that particular muscular native who just gave you the eye from across the sand.

Bliss Spa

Spas across the world are following this trend, developing lines as unique as their locations. One of the most famous spas that has achieved remarkable success in marketing their own products is Bliss Spa.

Bliss originated in New York City, and revolutionized the day spa industry with their relaxed, and quirky atmosphere. A truly unique place, Bliss’s bright blue walls and humorous vibe still attracted Park Avenue Socialites, but also catered to the young hip 20 somethings who were looking for an alternative to stuffy day spas.

Since its humble beginnings in the mid 90s, Bliss has transformed into an international corporation whose products are sold worldwide. Keeping up with the latest technology, they utilize a mixture of botanical ingredients and science when developing new products, so although the playful vibe is carried throughout their products, they don’t lack potency or effectiveness. Products like “Fat Girl Slim” (cellulite cream) and “The Youth as We Know It” (Anti-Wrinkle serum)  might make you giggle, but they are still high quality, and well respected within the skin care industry.

On the Completely opposite end of the spectrum (and globe) is the Parisian spa brand Decléor. Decléor’s mission to create potent products with essential oils has been the key to their 35 year success.

Decleor Spa

Their deluxe line of products is used in spas worldwide, and the Parisian sophistication puts Decléor in a class of its own.  All of their products have an old world feel to them, housed in pretty glass bottles, and diamond topped jars. Even with the advances in their product formulation throughout the last three decades, their core values and the importance of nature, have stayed the main focus in all their formulas. (See Canyon Ranch Spa video here)This trend of unearthing new uses for ingredients found in nature is not just happening in Paris, but in the skin care industry as a whole.

Traveling back to the United States, Canyon Ranch is one of the most well respected Health and Wellness Destination Spas in the world. Founded in Tucson, AZ in the 1979, it was the result of the owner’s own life changing experience in a “Fat Farm” (his words), where he not only transformed his body, but embraced a whole new lifestyle, focusing on both physical and mental wellbeing.

Canyon Ranch

His desire to spread the word about his new way of life lead him and his wife to build the spa, hoping that others would experience the same transformation they had. Since then, the husband and wife duo have expanded their business to include not only other destination spas, but entire healthy living communities, and most recently, a new product line, Canyon Ranch Your Transformation, which reflects their dedication to living a wholesome, well rounded life.

Their extensively tested and researched lotions and tonics (see a video about Decleor products here)  use the power of nature and science to bring health and wellness to your skin. Free of fragrances, dyes, and petroleum derivatives, they stay true to their promise of being a healthy brand for both their users and the planet.

With the development of “take home” spa brands, even people with no extra time have the opportunity to experience the sophisticated skin care, once reserved for Day Spa goers, right in front of their own bathroom mirror.

Women spend billions of dollars annually on beauty products promising to smooth, tighten, cleanse, and buff those flaws away, but what little of them realize is that skin care shouldn’t end with the face creams and scrubs. Mineral makeup is a great option for people who want benefits from their makeup too. What’s so great about mineral makeup? The list goes on, but the top 2 reasons are: The use of natural, soothing ingredients, and the versatile coverage options available with just one product.

1. The main ingredients in mineral makeup vary from brand to brand but there are a few that are standard across the board, as their skin loving benefits are too hard to ignore. First are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc, both of which are broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreens, and both of which possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties.  This means they not only protect the skin from damaging UV rays, but they calm and sooth stressed, inflamed pores and cells. Next is Mica, a natural light reflecting mineral, which gives the wearer a dewy glow creating an illusion of youth and health to parched skin. Some brands even use natural botanical ingredients ranging from exotic to ordinary, adding further benefits to their makeup; whether it is to help create that perfect luxurious texture, or to provide the skin with extra defenses such as antioxidants and humectants.
2. Although it is hard to give up a long-loved makeup product like your liquid foundation (I still love one of mine dearly), it is worth it to give minerals a try. You may be surprised with the results just as I was.  Many places offer free “how to” demonstrations showing skeptics how to achieve the same (and usually improved) look of their old foundation. The products are versatile allowing the coverage to be barely there, by using a small amount to even out skin tone, or full coverage concealer, putting even the thickest stage makeup to shame. With all these amazing reasons to use minerals on your skin, it’s no surprise that this healthy skin care trend has taken over the cosmetic industry, with mineral lines being added to almost every makeup brand out there.

3 mineral makeup brands that I happen to LOVE are:

Colorescience – The Sunforgettable Brush SPF 30 has a water resistant formula, is fun with its retractable brush, and perfect for on the go.

RAW Natural Beauty – The Mineral eye shadow trio is amazing (the Beautyfix Panel was impressed!) and come in a good range of colors. They also have a great mineral foundation that gives lightweight full coverage very nicely.

Jane Iredale – If you want high end, fabulous mineral makeup this brand definitely has it all.  The lip glosses are to die for.

There you have it, no more excuses.  Now go out and explore the wonderful world of mineral makeup if you haven’t already.  If you have then the burning question is:  What’s your experience with mineral makeup?