Immaculate Complexion!

Trends may come and go however a flawless complexion is always in style. From dewy and sun kissed to a flawless classic matte photo finish.

Every dermatologist I have ever visited, which happens to be more then I can count, tells me that the basic problem with my skin is; "I have over active sebum glands". Translation, my skin makes too much oil and causes me to break out, at very inopportune times I may add. So what are the good Doc's, plan of attack? Dry the living daylights out of my poor face until it cracks and surrenders under the pressure. Unfortunately this creates an adverse set of problems. So I gave the doctors a much needed vacation and decide to venture out on my own in search of a cure. I have found a regimen that is much more effective, not full proof but gentler and more successful.

- Daily scrub- St. Ives Apricot black head and blemish scrub-available at target.com for a whopping 3$. - also available at local drugstores.

TIP: Use upward soft circular motions while cleansing your face, this increases blood flow and circulation while stimulating new cell production. This invigorating process buffs away dead dull skin that can weigh you down causing your skin to appear shallow and sluggish.... eww

Scrubs are also said to combat wrinkles and reveal softer rejuvenated skin. Take care and be gentle while cleansing, this should be an enjoyable and relaxing process. No jackhammers and belt sanders required.

TIP:When your skin is efficiently cleansed it should have a slight pink hue and appear a bit shiny.

-Make sure your skin is hydrated.

My absolute favorite moisturizers for day time are; Dr. Hauschka Normalizing Day Oil paired with Dr. Hauschka Quince Moisturizer.
This product line is phenomenal. It's an all natural holistic skin care line, that is designed to return your skin to its naturally healthy state by restoring to it's healthy rhythm and balance. They also have a cosmetics line available online. All available at http://www.drhauschka.com/

- Jergens' Natural Glow Daily Moisturizing Lotion available at target.com 8$- any local drug store.

TIP: You can also use the store's generic brand, they all have the same effect on the skin. This daily bronzing lotion only dyes the first few layered of the epidermis. This formula is easy to apply and gives you a naturally radiant glow that will deepen with each use. Be sure to scrub your palms with a scrub brush and pumice stone after each application so you don't end up with orange hand syndrome.

-Booths Anti Redness Lotion -target.com- drugstore.com

I have played tug of war with my skin since that very special adolescent age when your hormones decide they are in charge, and you are merely a passenger along for the wild ride. I am sure many women can relate to my tragic encounters with 500 beauty products supposedly the "end all" cure for my enraged complexion. Booths manufactures an Anti Redness Lotion that is an ultra light weight, non greasy formula. It tames your aggravated skin while priming it for foundation and concealer to assist in the relief effort.

- Booths Hydrating Fluid-target.com-Drugstore.com

Many health problems stem from lack of hydration internally and externally. The Epidermis being the largest organ of the body is no acceptation. We as Americans put an exorbitant amount of emphasis on " cleanse, cleanse, cleanse your skin". When actually all that rubbing, scrubbing and synthetic soap is drying our poor naturally supple skin. So just take it easy on the soap bar ladies, just for a while and let your skin catch a break. Try moisturizing with Booths Hydrating Fluid. Intended for daytime use under cosmetics, it's weightless yet potent. I have had successful 24 hours of hydration using it along side my Dr. Hauschka quince Day Cream. Great news, it wont make cosmetics run or stick in wrinkles or larger pours.

7. Jemma Kidd glow base target.com LOVE IT!! Pore-Fict
This is a must have! What ever your age, color, or skin condition, this is the product for you. This light weight primer lotion creates an incredibly sexy glow. It makes you look ultra hydrated like you have been sun bathing in the Caribbean for a weekend. Use it alone or under your concealer, just be sure to concentrate on your under eyes and cheek bones. This is a Style Savvy Must Have!!!

-M.A.C. Studio Finish Concealer with SPF 15.
I have used this tiny pot of heaven for years. I think I first discovered it when I was in high school and desperately seeking something that would disguise my parade of blemishes. This concealer is very different then any other I have tried before, and I have tried them all ladies. The formula is thick and easily applied. You apply it with a facial concealer brush in designated spots. It completely camouflages redness, pimples and uneven complexions. Even the most stubborn, head strong blemishes don't stand a chance against this small yet mighty formula. Available in select department stores.-Macys-Belk-Hechts-stc.

- Cover Girl Tru Blend Micro Minerals Bronze-available at target.com $6 -available at any local drug store.
This is quite an inexpensive way to define and illuminate your skin. If you are looking to appear tan and healthy, give your cheeks, forehead, bridge of your nose and chin a light dusting. This is also a fantastic way of blending your foundation in to your neck to create a more homogenized complexion.

TIP: Apply this mineral powder to the hollow of your cheeks, up your cheek bones and down your neck and around your collar bone to complete the summer fresh look.

Tip: Heat and Moisture rich environments like saunas are spectacular for clearing troublesome complexions. The benefits are plenty; they detox the liver rapidly by drawing out toxins through the skin, get bowls moving which will assist in clearing the skin of impurities, and refresh your immune system by clearing out old toxic waist trough sweat forcing you to replenish. Just be sure to drink at least 36 oz of water afterward.

Inexpensive Home Beauty Remedies

Combat dry skin:

-Eat less salt, it dehydrates you from the inside out.
TIP: Replace your salt shaker with salt free herb mixtures for flavor- Mrs. Dash Tomato Basil Seasoning is great with all veggies and meats.

-Take a relaxing bath and soak in tepid water for at least 20 minutes. This will absorb water into the skin.

-Bathe less and use colder water-Hillard H Pearlstein M.D. Professor of dermatology at Mount Saini NY

-Always moisturize after bathing while your skin is still damp. Try using; petroleum jelly, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and sesame seed oils. Neutrogena's Sesame oil is what I prefer to use. It's light, it smells fresh, and is it's not greasy so it wont ruin your clothing. It's safe to use on your face as well, and wont cause breakouts.

- Ever wonder why your skin can feel so tight and itchy after you bathe? Try avoiding soaps heavy in lye, they will dry your skin out terribly causing a fierce flaming itch.
Example; Dial and Ivory.

TIP: Dove soap is inexpensive and brilliant for combating crazy itchy skin. Dove soaps are super fatted, meaning they have an extra fatty substances added to ensure your skin will retain more moisture and defend you against winter itch.

-Try warm air humidifiers. Place one next to your bed while you get your princess slumber. The warm moisture helps to penetrate your epidermis, leaving your skin more hydrated and healthy. I've used one all winter for breathing health, and I have realized the quality of my skin has improved quite a bit.
Moisturizing facial:
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana and 2 table spoons warm honey. Mash up the banana well into a paste, add the warm honey. You can use a blender if you need to, just try your best not to eat it
Apply a heavy layer of creme to your face and neck, let it sit for 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a warm rag- apply oil after and glow on sister.
-Avoid liquor, cigarettes and caffeine. I know it seems impossible to function at 7am without your triple espresso, mocha, skim latte, however for one week try replacing your morning coffee with a herbal decaf tea blend. Don't load it up with sugar either, try some honey. You might see your skin starting to appear more lively and rejuvenated.

Acne treatments:

-A little trick I've been using for years. Apply a drop of Visine to the head of a naughty little pimple. This will temporarily alleviate the redness allowing you to apply concealer and get an more even skin tone.

-A diet rich with vitamin E & C will rejuvenate lazy skin cells. The antioxidants will assist in prevent scaring from those pesky pimples. Great sources of Vitamin E & C include; natural oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and tomatoes, they are also said to combat cold sores and help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

TIP: Also try avoiding that extra pomegranate martini with the ladies on Saturday night and your under eyes will thank you.

Winne the Pooh Facial:
Honey and cinnamon powder. Mix well and apply to your face and neck. Let it sit on your skin over night. Gently wipe your face clean in the morning with a warm rag. It can get a bit messy if you happen to have a particularly mouth watering dream of cheese burgers and milk shakes. Despite that minor set back, it leaves the skin feeling ultra supple and tremendously youthful.

- Apply fresh lime juice on acne outbreaks to disinfect. As you may have guessed it's not as pleasant as petting a puppy, but it will dry out the blemish without drying the surrounding skin to a flaky mess. And it costs about 1/16 of the expensive department store blemish controller.

- Always calendula, my favorite skin cure all.

Exhilarating Sugar Scrub:
Best used a few times a week on face and body. Concentrate on extra rough spots and unsightly cellulite. -Ingredients: 1table spoon brown sugar 2 table spoons white granulated sugar- mix with a bit of water and softly buff your face in small circular motions. This ex foliates deeply so be sure to rub gently or it will irritate your skin. The sugar blend will slough off dead cells revealing a more brilliant complexion.

-Tea tree oil will dry out pimples and disinfect the affected area. Unfortunately it is extremely drying and may leave your skin flaky. So be cautious when applying tea tree oils, be meticulous with the application, use a q-tip.

Wrinkles:

-Wrinkles are caused by loosening of the skin with age. The skin begins to looses elasticity and become damaged by lack of moisture and sun exposure. Sorry ladies it's inevitable but there are ways to do it gracefully and with style.

-Try wearing a pair of sunglasses to prevent sun damage around the sensitive eye areas. Sunglasses also help you avoid squinting, thus creating premature wrinkles in those crucial Botox areas. Bonus; they add tons of attitude to your repertoire.

-Vitamin A,C,E&B. They all come in very expensive, very exclusive lotions and potion forms. Or you can head on over to your local health food store or GNC and pick up vitamin capsule's for 1/16 of the cost.

-Gel face masks that have had a long chilly freezer nap are the perfect remades for those deepening lines around the eye. If you wake up in the morning and look as if you have been crying for days, skip to the freezer for an inexpensive temporary fix. The cold will contract the skin thus reducing puffiness and softens wrinkles.

Succulent Soothing Facial:

-Ingredients: 1 cucumber and 100%natural yogurt. Puree the cucumber and yogurt mixture in your blender. Make sure that the formula is nice and cold prior to application and store in the fridge.Dab it on your face and neck with a cotton ball. Be sure to pay close attention to the under eye area. Let it sit for 15 minutes while you get ready after your shower. Wipe away gently with warm wash cloth- apply oil to moisturize afterward.

Dry and Dull hair

-I know people recommend using Olive oil to deep condition your hair however, don't use Olive oil in your hair!! It will make it greasy and completely unmanageable for the next two washes or so. The benefits aren't that great to sacrifice two potentially great hair days.

-Only wash your hair about 3 times a week. The reason being, the natural oils will re moisturize it organically. If you tend to get a bit greasy looking, use a light hair powder on your scalp. Finger it through and style as usual. Bumble and Bumble hair powder is fantastic. It's a dry cleanser that absorbs oil from the scalp and keep the hair voluminous and sexy.

-Be gentle with your hair when it's wet . Every strand is more vulnerable when it's completely depleted of it's natural oils that protect it. Especially bleached hair, be cautious and always comb from the ends to the root with a wide toothed comb-never a brush, you may as well split every end one by one if you are going to do that.

-After every wash rinse your hair in freezing cold water to close cuticle and seal the follicles shut leaving hair smoother. It's a shocker but your hair will feel more manageable.

Happy Hair Mask:
-1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 avocado, pure aloe vera gel- Mix well in the blender to a nice thick mask. Coat your luscious locks and leave for 20 minutes in a shower cap to use your internal heat to soak deep into the follicle. This will leave your hair heavy and possibly a bit flat after your rinse the mixture out, so don't try this Happy Hair Mask before an event, save for a carefree weekend.