Thursday, March 31, 2011

Arcona vs. Peter Thomas Roth (Eye Cream)

 You can expect at least 2 new blogs/wk, 3 if I am absolutely dying to share something cool!  Sometimes there are things that are just too great to keep to myself. Like my new eye cream... I love it!!! I've been using Peter Thomas Roth's Mega Rich Intensive Anti-aging Cellular Eye Cream. It has avocado oil, Vitamins A,C,E, pro B5, and molecular active peptides (they are supposed to penetrate the epidermis and actually do something). I am usually a sceptic when it comes to peptides, but I have been using the cream for about 2 and 1/2 weeks and the skin around my eyes is definitely more firm, and the fine lines are less noticeable. Brie and I are gonna have to battle this one out. Arcona vs. PTR; She swears by Arcona Eye Dew.  I haven't tried it yet, but her eyes do look good!


Acne, aging, sun damage, skin health super foods, home remedies, affordable products that rock, make-up application for flawless skin.... what do you want to hear about?? I can blab for days about the things that Brie and I think are interesting, but we want to know what our readers want. Comment or email me (KBSkinStyling@gmail.com) your suggested topics, and we would be happy to blog about it for you=) 

P.S- For those of you who don't know who Brie is... she is an amazing Esthetician and skin expert, who shares my obsession for skin care. We have teamed up to create a new market for Personal Skin Stylists/Consultants. Watch out LA... we are IN YOUR FACE!


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

PLASTIC

 
As I sit here at on the Starbucks patio in LA, I see plastic dolls everywhere I turn. The sad thing is, they all look the same, and they all look fake! Both the 25 yr old and 50 yr old look like 45 yr old porn stars. I’m not hating on plastic surgery, in fact, I think that it can offer amazing results. Cosmetic surgery has come a long way… the newest injectables on the market can be subtle and very effective. I’m not talking about the collagen lips, that just looks crazy!  Laser technology has also stepped it up, and proves great results as well. Education and realistic goals are the key to looking great with cosmetic surgery/medical treatments. Knowing which treatment to get, how often, and how to take care of your skin to enhance the results is very important.

For example, if you are in your 20s or early 30s, injectables may not be a smart option. They are not meant to be preventative skin care treatments, and can form an ugly habit early on. Besides, with so many great peels (I’ll explain peels in a later blog), and products on the market, you shouldn’t need to rely on Botox. Lasers, however, can be perfect for sun damaged skin, hormonal pigmentation, acne scarring... all which may occur as early as your 20s. Lasers are also great for aging skin, and can help with firming and improving the appearance of fine & deep lines/wrinkles. Again, education and home care are important. You can’t just expect these treatments to make you look gorgeous if you are not taking care of your skin and preventing further damage.

Final tips:
-Don’t just see one doctor 
-Look for ones that specialize in what you need done (I have a list of great referrals)
-Educate yourself or hire a personal skincare expert (like myself) so that you are not sold treatments and products that are not going to give you the results you want
 (they will almost always try to sell you more than you need and tell you that you will look amazing)
-Use cosmetic surgery to enhance or supplement your skin care regimen, not as a quick fix it!


P.S- My fellow Skin Stylist Brie Woodey and I will be accepting new clients as of June 1st. Please call 808.728.2313 or email KBSkinStyling@gmail.com to get on the waiting list.

XOXO

Monday, March 28, 2011

Stop STRESSING!! Sometimes the best things in life are FREE

Stress is the number one beauty thief! I have had many affluent clients who have all the money in the world to spend on the best treatments and products, yet their skin is far from perfect.  Most of them have stress to thank for it. Stress causes the increase of the hormone Cortisol, which can actually increase skin aging and wrinkles(responsible for the breakdown of collagen), making you look up to 7 years older than you really are. After talking to them about the issue, they usually ask me which products will help.  Products are great, however, some of the greatest stress combating, skin health tips are free!
                                                                                                                                                                               1) Breathe deeply; not all of us have time for yoga and meditation. If you do...great! If not, take some time to learn how to breathe deeply and slowly. This will help to increase the flow of oxygen and lymph resulting in better circulation and healthy glowing skin.

2)Exercise; you don't have to run a marathon. Take your dog for a walk, play outside with the kids, go for a swim or hike...just get moving. Staying active boosts the activity of white blood cells, and increases levels of beta-endorphines.  Beta-endorphines are amazing!!! They help to fight the stress hormone (cortisol), improve your mood and fight inflammation as well (another major aging factor).

3) Sex/Cuddling/Kissing; The world's best stress reliever! When you are making love, all sorts of beauty enhancing & age fighting goes on. 3 magical hormones are released...
Beta-endorphins (as mentioned above),  Prolactin (responsible for the "ahhhhh" relaxed feeling), and Oxytocin (another feel-good, affection promoting hormone).  Not only does it release these great hormones, but you burn calories and increase circulation. BONUS: The after glow results can be seen immediately!

4) Beauty sleep; you've heard it time and time again. Its true. RESTFUL sleep pays off.  It balances hormones, gives your skin cells time to refresh and reproduce, and leaves you looking  beautiful in the morning.

5) Take time to ENJOY LIFE!  I don't think I need to explain the benefits.

XOXOXO

Friday, March 25, 2011

Fab Fish Oil

The transition from Hawaii to LA has taken a toll on my skin! The dry, smoggy LA air has sucked the life out of it. Thank god for fish oil. If you aren't already taking your Omega 3s (fish oil blend) ... you should start. Not only are they great for your brain and cardiovascular functions and help with cancer prevention, but they are amazing for your skin. Fish oil has polyunsaturated fats, which help to replenish the moisture and suppleness lost in dehydrated, flaky skin. Consuming fish oil also reduces inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation causes aging, and aggravates skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Hydrated, firm, glowing skin??? Why not! You can find Omega 3 supplements at Whole foods, Trader Joes or at almost any supplement store.

I always tell my clients to treat skin from both angles; internal & external. So while I suggest taking  omega 3 supplements, I also suggest using a topical skincare product with Omega 3 in it as well. There are a bunch on the market, but I tried Dr. Perricone's first, since he has done a ton of research on skin health and the benefits of anti-inflammatory products. His 'Super O-Mega with Chia' has shown great results so far; it is not a magical wrinkle eraser, but it is extremely hydrating and leaves my skin glowing and soft. Philosophy also carries one that I hear is pretty good. It's an Omega 3,6,9 serum. I'll keep you posted once I find THE BEST!

Find your Fab Fish Oil and let me know how its working for you.

P.S- Stay hydrated. Drinking half my weight (in ounces) in water and 8oz. of coconut water a day has helped tremendously!!!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Forget About Shoes & Bags... You Wear Your Face Every Day!!!

Investing in skin care treatments and products is something that I have always believed in. Think about it. People spend hundreds and thousands of $$$ on shoes, bags and fashion, yet complain about the cost of good skin care products.  Bags and shoes are fun accessories, but you wear your face every day!! Spend some money on your skin, trust me you'll look a lot better in those cute shoes. Now you're just faced with the problem as to which treatments or products you should get. That's what I'm here for.

I decided to become a personal skin care stylist, when I realized how many people hire personal stylists, personal trainers, personal chefs... to give them a personalized and unbiased service. When it comes to skin care, you can go to your favorite Spa to see the Esthetician , or to the doctors office to see a dermatologist, or trust in the expertise of one cosmetic surgeon. But when it comes down to it, they are all going to promote THEIR Products, THEIR treatments, and insist you look amazing... even when you look like a plastic doll with frozen expressions and swollen lips.

You can look forward to hearing about some of my favorite, tried and loved products and treatments that really work, and those that I believe are either outdated or just flat out suck!  Please write me with any skin care concerns, questions,  or feedback... I'd love to help you if I can, or learn more If It's something that I don't know.