Air Brush Tan

On a whim I got an air brush tan the afternoon before going to Kauai. Here is what I learned from the process. First, prepare your skin: exfoliate and shave before you come. In addition, do not add any lotions to your skin. Second, come in old clothes (even braless if you can). The stain will rub off when first applied. (It does wash out.) Third, plan on not showering for about 12 hours and then just with water at first. (I watered my plants shortly after the spray tan and got a drip mark on my leg--it did fade). Forth, when you shower the first time, do not be alarmed that lots of brown tan goes down the drain, you'll still have a tan. Fifth, the tan will last about 4 days, so if you are going on vacation you're natural tan should kick in by then if you get out into the sun. Sixth, buy the tan extender to keep the air brush tan skin moist. Last, be aware that rubbing will wear off the tan. I went hiking with sock and boots and guess what--the tan wore off from ankles down.

Was it worth it? YES. I loved wearing all my resort clothes with this great tan. I saved my skin from lots of sun damage. It was not the expensive either. I may occasionally just have my legs done to cover all the blotchy spots I have.

I used Integrity Skin Care Salon at 350 Lake Ave. in Pasadena. www.integrityskin.com

Healthy Skin and Your Diet

I recently attended a talk by Dr. Jessica Wu, M.D., a very stylish and attractive dermatologist, who wrote the book, "Feed Your Face". I was very impressed by the information she imparted that did not involve invasive procedures. She recommended certain low cost over the counter products and changes in your diet in achieve more radiant healthy skin. Naturally I bought her book. It covers all the areas of concern from acne to aging skin, plus hair and nail health. Did you know that the lycopene in tomatoes can help prevent sunburn and UV radiation damage? Dr. Wu writes in such a personal style that you feel like your best girlfriend, who just happens to be a dermatologist, is giving you some woman to woman advise. The book is very organized and formatted with tip boxes, case studies, chapter summaries. I highly recommend it.

www.feedyourface.com

Part I

Skin Basics and top skin enemies

Part II

Chapters on various skin concerns with causes and solutions

Part III

Feed Your Face Diet

Part IV
Make-at-home skin care products

Dermatological procedures

Hanger Tip

Whenever I do a closet audit, I always check out the type of hangers men and women use. I tell clients to toss or recycle the wire hangers from the dry cleaners. Jackets especially will loss their shoulder contours. Heavier woolen jackets should be on cedar hangers and blouses / shirts on sturdy plastic hangers. Most sweaters unless they are very light weight should not be hung as they will stretch or "grow" on a hanger. Occasionally I use the padded fabric hangers for thin delicate sweaters, but the hanger thickness takes up room when space is limited. I am not a fan of layered skirt hangers as it is hard to see exactly what you have in your wardrobe.

My favorite inexpensive trick for tops that slide off hangers is to put few inches of weather stripping on each end. You can buy it at any hardware store. It's called sponge rubber tape. It has an adhesive backing and is easy to cut with a pair of scissors. This wide scoop top (which slips off hangers) is from A'Nue Ligne and comes in multiple colors. I have five in assorted colors as they are the perfect under pinning piece. A'Nue Ligne has other styles also. They are washable and made in the USA.

Spring Fashion Trends

This lightweight jacket called Spotlight is one of my favorites in the Carlisle Spring Collection 2011 for several reasons. First of all, it reflects two important trends: the trench coat and polka dots. This is a purely fashionista trench: it wraps with a sash belt, has a shirred collar for drama, and has 3/4 length sleeves. The large polka dots make a statement, yet the neutral colors of black and taupe keep it subtle. Secondly, Spotlight is reversible: black with taupe dots or taupe with black dots. This makes it so versatile! Wear the black side with a black pencil skirt and heels and it's very dressy. Then wear the taupe side it with black legging or slim ankle pants and ballet slippers and it's very casual chic. It is priced at $595 and is available in sizes 0-18.

Instant slimming

Every New Year we all resolve to watch our diets and exercise more. In the mean time, you may not be able to fit into some of your favorite clothes. This is when shape wear really comes in handy. Above is a garment my clients have loved for immediate results. This TC Intimates shape wear sucks in the tummy, waist and thighs. It stays in place and creates no lines under your outfit. DSC stands for dynamic stretch control which provides comfortable wear. I always keep some in stock for clients. This wonderful product is available in nude and black.

Here are some other tips while working on losing those extra pounds. Does your bra give you the lift you need?. A poorly fitted bra can make you look much heavier than you are. Adjust the straps or if your bra has lost its elasticity toss it. Draw attention to the center (vs. sides) of your waist with an interesting belt buckle. Watch your posture: just raising your rib cage takes off inches. A column of monochromatic color works wonders, but try another color besides black. A great fashion coat that conceals yet makes a statement and is an excellent addition to a January/February wardrobe.