May 2009 Beauty Q&A

Q: What should I look for in a skincare product as I head towards my 30th birthday?
It is really important as your skin ages to look for products that address some of the new issues that it might be facing. As you near your big 3-0 you might still be going out with your friends Friday nights like you did in your 20’s but at the same time gaining more responsibility in your career. The stress of your life can stress your skin and cause damage. I suggest developing a cleaning and moisturizing routine that you use everyday to help restore and rejuvenate your look. And keep your skin protected from breakouts, dryness and wrinkles.

I would start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and dirt before applying your moisturizer. Try Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes ($5.99, Duane Reade in New York City). These 100% Alcohol and Oil Free wipes use only the purest ingredients to gently cleanse even the most sensitive sin. They are amazing at wiping away all your makeup while refreshing and toning skin.

Follow up with moisturizer that will heal skin and protect it. Journee Bio-restorative Day Cream with PSP ($75, neocutis.com) is an anti-aging day cream with anti-oxidants, hyaluronic acid and UVA/UVB protection SPF 30+ to rejuvenate, protect and hydrate skin. It is formulated with PSP, the most complete protein blend of Human Growth Factors, Cytokines and Interleukins available to rejuvenate and soothe skin. Your skin will be left looking visibly younger and smoother.

Q: I have a big first date and if all goes well there will be a kiss at the end. I am wondering how to get my lips ready and kissable for the big night?
Kissable lips are soft and moisturized lips. Nothing says don’t kiss me like dry chapped lips. I would suggest trying Suggah Lip Treatment ($38, sircuitskin.com) is a serious treatment that instantly relieves dry, chapped lips from the moment you apply it. The Lip Treatment contains soothing ingredients such as Shea Butter to heal the skin on your lips. Your lips will look sinfully sexy and richly hydrated. Plus they will be smoother which will make your lipstick go on better.

Don’t forget the other “kiss ruiner,”bad breath! The only toothpaste I would trust for a date night kiss would be Colgate Max White ($3.29, Mass Retail and Grocery Stores Nationwide). This is the only whitening toothpaste infused with hundreds of Mini Breath Strips that dissolve in your mouth. It delivers an intense rush of icy, breath refreshment with extra whitening power. Now all you have to do is add your favorite lip gloss (not to heavy) and you are good to go.

Q: Every time I go to the mall I see lots of kits and sets of beauty products. They look like good deals. Is there one beauty kit for the summer you would suggest to buy?
The good news for beauty junkies is that especially in this economic downturn companies are creating kits and collections to entice buyers. In the past the sets might have been products that weren’t the best colors but now the sets are packed with top quality products that can create several looks for really good prices. One such kit that is out just in time for the summer is Laura Geller’s Bring on the Bronze – The Ultimate Baked Bronzing Kit ($45, sephora.com). This kit is complete with golden glow essentials for skin, eyes and lips. It is perfect for summer skin to add or enhance a fabulous glow. The products are all high quality and you will look effortlessly beautiful. The Bronzing Kit includes a Spackle Tinted Under Make-up Primer in Bronze, Baked Eye shadow Duo in Candied Bronze, Lipshine SPF15 in Sun Drenched, Split Baked Body Frosting All Over Body Glow in Honey Glow/Sugar Glow with Puff and it all comes in this super chic Cosmetic Bag in Metallic Bronze.

Q: I want to try to switch out my old shampoo and conditioner for something new. Do you have tips on what might be some good products to try for kinky/curly hair?
There is an amazing line of products from a company called Hair Rules. They specialize in hair care and styling solutions for a multi-textural world and they have a fabulous shampoo and a conditioner specifically for kinky hair. The Aloe Grapefruit Clarifying Shampoo ($20, hairrules.com) is perfect for the summer. The formula combines soothing aloe with clarifying grapefruit and mild cleansers to clarify and decongest hair, without stripping the scalp of natural oils. It gently removes product buildup and environmental residue from scalp and hair, restoring movement and shine.

Follow the shampoo with Quench Deep Conditioner ($24, hairrules.com). This daily, ultra-rich conditioning and softening treatment promotes suppleness, manageability and shine in parched, frizzy and lackluster hair. The deep conditioner is formulated with honey and glycerin to help enhance moisture penetration and protect against breakage. The super-conditioning shea butter, coconut and olive oils, extracts of avocado and jojoba in the conditioner help to keep kinky, curly and wavy hair healthy and lustrous. If you go to their website they have great testimonials and before and after pictures.