Wash-On Sunscreen?

Wear your sunscreen… everyday!

There are many misnomers about sunscreen, sun block and all of the rays out there. I would like to try and shed some light on the subject.

On my ‘About FACE’ show this morning (www.rhinoonair.com) I had an exceptional guest by the name of Allyn Armstrong who is a chemical engineer with the skincare/SPF line, Solise.  There are so many misnomers about sun care, ultraviolet rays, product ingredients and chemicals and today’s show struck a particular chord with me. And by writing this I also wanted to share this wonderful new invention with you, use it personally and then report on my findings.

Firstly here are some facts…

Experts say that consumers should not purchase sunscreens with an SPF that is greater than 50. SPF (sun protection factor) works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. It is in fact very misleading to put high SPF numbers on labels because it gives consumers a false sense of security and my research proved just that, there is very little difference between SPF 85 and SPF 30. The higher the number doesn’t always guarantee a greater protection.

Studies show that a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 can block about 93% of all incoming UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks out 97% and  SPF 50 blocks 98%.

The protective factors plateau from there and a product with a SPF of 100 plus blocks about 99.1 percent of all UVB rays. You don’t really need a high number SPF’s, it can end up being very expensive and you’re not guaranteed that much more protection than with a SPF 50. Also keep in mind that SPF protects only against UVB rays.

Cannot get enough sunscreen!!!

It’s very easy to get overwhelmed with the sunscreen options on offer on store shelves so here’s a quick guide to try and help find the best products to protect your family from the sun:

1.    Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and a maximum of SPF 50.

2.    Make sure that labels list UVA and UVB (or broad spectrum protection)

3     Choose lotions versus spray sunscreens for a more evenly distributed protection.

4     Remember to apply at least 2 ounces of lotion (about a shot glass full) and reapply often. The sun breaks down the ingredients in sunscreen that protect your skin and experts always recommend reapplying every two hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.

I would like to thank Allyn Armstrong for sending me this information: In 2012 the FDA made final a number of standards while proposing a cap of the SPF number at 50 plus and reviewing the efficiency of sunscreen sprays. The large body of data does not demonstrate that an SPF number higher than 50 provides any more benefit than an actual SPF 50 provides. An SPF 50 only provides 1% more protection than an SPF 30 and many experts question whether or not that extra 1% can truly be demonstrated outside of the testing environment. We err on the side of scientific research and not from the voices of an independent, un-biased, third party validation from an accredited testing source.

The Oxybenzone   http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/sun-safety-sunscreen-and-sun-protection

The SPF Graph      http://www.beautystat.com/site/skincare/2012-fda-final-sunscreen-monograph-new-ingredient-label-requirements-what-is-spf-uva-and-uvb-rays/

“If you are interested in learning or purchasing this new and innovative product visit www.solise.com , and use code SAE76729 for a discount””

I am looking forward to getting my product in the mail! I want to wash on my sun care!

‘The Beauty Blueprint Project #1

And so let the true therapy begin…

 

 

I was so grateful when Michelle Phillips contacted me asking to be a guest on my About FACE Internet radio show which broadcasts on Rhino On Air at 9am Thursdays EST. (www.rhinoonair.com)  As I do with all my guests, I googled her and discovered wow, she is not only an amazing and accomplished celebrity makeup artist but a motivational speaker, Life Coach, TV and radio host as well as being a bestselling Hay House author. Michelle guested on my show last week and what impressed me was, not only her extensive range of celebrity clientele but her grace and spirit.

 

Michelle presented me with her book “The Beauty Blueprint” as a personal thank you for being a guest and I promised her then that I would read her book, do the exercises and then blog about my discoveries. As I originally mentioned in my first blog, “In the Beginning” this is not only intended to be informative but I genuinely feel it will also act as great therapy for me. I cannot think of a better book than this to allow me to rediscover who I am from the inside and help reclaim the essence of what makes me uniquely beautiful.  I know that these findings and this deep inner self discovery will act as a satisfying and absorbing read.

 

The moment I received my book I devoured the first part of it and it brought me to tears.  “The Inspiration for the Beauty Blueprint” is the title of the preface of Michelle Phillips’ book “The Beauty Blueprint” www.michellephillips.com and in there I found just that, inspiration. I have been feeling less than inspired lately and this could be the catalyst to change that. I believe that everything begins with what is going on in the mind which ultimately affects your attitude.

 

I want to embrace change. It might appear scary at first but I know that with that change I will grow as a person. I WILL embrace it. I have felt for a while now that I have been in a rut and I am looking forward to this change.

 

I am looking forward to sharing with you what I learn from this book, my findings and genuinely hope it will inspire you in much the same way.

 

Cheers to therapy!

 

 

 

 

So Many Skincare Lines, So Little Time

I was stood in the middle of a huge expanse in the Miami Convention Center at the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa surrounded by hundreds of different skincare lines and feeling, not only overwhelmed but incredibly excited. There were so many lines biding for the attention of the professionals in the hope of a sale and for the opportunity to utilize their skincare line in the professionals practice.

While I think every line is great and  every line has its place, not every line is perfect. Every line is known to have its ‘star product.’ I used to say this all the time when I was a sales representative specializing in outbound sales. First I was careful not to speak negatively about any of the competitors and I would also make sure I was astute to all the ingredients, buzz words and new technology that not only my line had, but my competitors had too.

I have a standard in why I pick and choose the products I work with. My standard is that I have extensive knowledge of the company and the specific ingredients in each bottle. I also know that it works on a personal level as well. Some professionals make their choice by what they learned in school while others choose the philosophy behind the line.

I write this for anyone who is pondering what line to carry in their practice. The following list are specific elements that a line should have. They read as an A to Z.

Here you go then. Regarding the products you use on your clients:
1) Are they certified toxic free?

2) Do they contain no hormone disruptor’s or age accelerators?
4) Do they go beyond natural and organic to “inhibit” cancer?
5) Do they reach and feed the “mother cells”?
6) Do they restore and repair broken capillaries?
7) Do they provide a unique one-of-a-kind luxurious experience?
8) Are they made with organic ingredients and contains “live” fresh resveratrol?
9) Do they naturally contain antioxidants and phenolic compounds?
10) Are they all natural but deliver cosmeceutical strength with visible results on the first application?
11) Are they all backed by clinical human trials to “inhibit” skin cancer?
12) Do they reduce free radical activity?
13) Do they stimulate cell energy?
14) Do they rapidly improve and heal acne, rosacea, dermatitis, seborrhea or any other skin conditions?
15)  Are they healthy for the whole body?
14) Do they provide oral supplementation for body and skin?
Chemicals are OUT. The “baby boomers” want to look good. Luxury proven ANTI-CANCER is IN and spreading like wild fire!

I hope this helps you to make the right decision on what line to choose for your practice. I also hope this opens your mind to all the skincare lines out there and remember, every skincare line has its place and every skincare line has its star product.

So many lines, so little time. Just take your time and find the best fit for you!

Bring Home the Bacon… Now Where’s the Pan?

 ‘I’m a Woman,’ written by Lieber and Stoller and performed by the late Peggy Lee became famous for the Enjoli perfume commercials of the 1970s. Some however, may remember it differently as the duet with Raquel Welch and Miss Piggy on The Muppet Show!

It is a song of inspiration about the amazing feats that women perform every day and although I am constantly aware of this, do I really understand exactly what kind of feats they are referring to? I might not be saving lives, ending wars and giving all my money to charities but I do know of the amazing feats I perform for women every day. It goes a long way to helping women feel better about themselves, it’s rewarding and it inspires me.

This all began in my car this morning as I cruised over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and into the dawn of a glorious new day. (For those who don’t know, The Skyway bridge is the tallest, most majestic bridge in Tampa Bay connecting South Shore to Saint Petersburg.) Then suddenly as if by an amazing feat itself I found myself humming this very same song. I smiled.

Although I drive this same bridge everyday somehow today felt different, very different. Partial as I am to random humming, I have no idea why I began humming “I’m a Woman” this morning, it’s not as though it was on the radio or anything. In fact I hadn’t thought about the song in ages but just in that moment I was transported back and began thinking of how powerful women in business really are. I also began thinking how I feel when I am working on a woman’s face. How totally focused I am on getting her the results she is expecting, hand holding with every step. It is fulfilling and as I feel empowered, I am empowering them too. It is the most natural of motivations and makes me forever grateful for what I do.

I was also thinking about networking, due mainly to the rather large, bright pink directory of Working Women of Tampa Bay that is resting on the front seat of my car. (www.workingwomenoftampabay.com)  It made me think of all the women out there who are working and of those who are the only bread winners in the family. I paused to think a while.

Just prior to breaking in to my first hum of the day I had just finished a telephone conversation with Heather Sakelariou, owner and fellow Aesthetician of Heather’s Day Spa www.HeathersDaySpa.com. I had just booked her for my March 22nd. About FACE show on Rhino On Air www.rhinoonair.com and she shared with me about how much she does for her family. She is both gracious and humble. She is happy and she is inspiring. People like this are such a pleasure to work with, every day they stride forward with a purpose.

I also pondered over ‘About BEAUTY’ and I secretly hoped it would be a success.

As I said “In the Beginning” this is therapy for me. I reflect on my thought process, my own fears and insecurities and my hopes and aspirations for the future. With that comes a true, very real respect for women. We are powerful, we are strong and we are united.

We are women… now where was my pan?

Have Bad Skin Habits?

Do you do these bad habits? Look at the check list below… if your doing more than 3 of them; you need to break your habits!!!

1. Not removing makeup. This one is pretty basic, but it still needs to be said. Taking off your makeup before you go to sleep at night is so important.Think of your skin as the windshield of your car.  Toxins, oil, dirt, debris, makeup, free radicals, spores, mold, dust, and many more microscopic particles attach to your skin throughout the day. Wash once to get all the debris off and then wash again (it is like using Windex on the glass. To take it a step further, I love to use my Clairsonic brush too… www.clairsonic.com %60 more debris are removed by using the brush!!!

2. Not wearing sunscreen Apply a sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF everyday to protect it from the harmful rays. Your face (and health) will thank you later.  I use my makeup for my SPF. I apply in the morning and throughout the day. www.randejames.com

3. Not drinking enough water. Only %5 of all the water intake throughout the day ever reaches your skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and the lowest on the totem pole for water. Take your body weight, divide it by 2 and that is how many ounces of water you should consume a day. This is really a good challenge for you. Try it and you will notice your skin looking and feeling better!!!

4. Using bar soap to wash your face *Shudders*. There is no need, or excuse to be using a bar soap to wash your face with.  Every skin care line from an Over the Counter (OTC) to a prescription/pharmaceutical Skin care lines ALL have a wash. Figure out your skin type and choose accordingly.

5. Using moisturizer on the eyes. Use eye cream! The skin around your eyes is very delicate. Most skin care lines have an eye cream specifically for this delicate area. Most moisturizer can actually harm this delicate skin rather than help it… read the ingredients. Choose your eye cream in accordance to your skin condition (wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness etc.).

6. Wearing foundation that does not match your skin tone. NO ONE likes a demarkation line!!! If you’re unsure about what foundation you ought to be using, try a couple out at a cosmetics counter and have one of the makeup artists help you to find a formula and color that accurately matches your skin’s tone and texture. My favorite line is Randy James Lebrecque’s line Rande James Cosmetics. www.randejames.com He is in Saint Petersburg and time is running out to get a chance to work with him personally… get in to see him!!!

7. Smoking…. I can say a lot here but I think we all know enough about what smoke does to the body and skin. QUIT!

If you have any of these bad habits… break them. You will look better, feel better and your skin and health will thank you later!

The Birth of About BEAUTY

About BEAUTY started in my head during a Real Estate specific networking group I visited the last week. I was the only person attending who was not in the real estate business. One of the leaders of this group is a home stager. I thought how brilliant it was for him to be the leader for a group that buys, sells and finances the one thing he can stage? Brilliant.  I wanted to be him, but only in my industry.

The one thing that seperates me from all the other Aestheticians out there is that I use Micro-current technology from Beautiful Image for Non-Surgical Face-Lifts. That is my niche. That is what stands me apart. Not to mention that there are only 2 machines in the Tampa Bay area and I have one!!! www.beautifulimageLLC.com

I started About BEAUTY with that thought in mind… to have people in my industry come to me, get educated, find support and network with each other all the while get to know me and my talents and how I can help them in business! Brilliant! The name was easy. It is a play off from About FACE which is my internet radio show on Rhino On Air that airs Thursday mornings at 9AM EST.

About BEAUTY is an Open Professional Group for Education, Inspiration, Business Information & Networking, Beauty Industry focused.

This is a group that is open to Beauty Professionals: Hair Artist, Makeup Artist, Massage, Salon & Spa Owners, Photographers, Nails, Boutiques and Fashion Experts.

The meetings are more of a workshop: brainstorming, open forums, announcements and networking.

 1st Monday of every month at 6:30-8 AT … Remmel Wellness Center and Anti Aging Institute 6416 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N. St. Pete FL 33702 727-525-1141 www.remmelwellness.com

Find US on Facebook and get hooked up! https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/327600967272177/

Making your bottom line as beautiful as your clients!!!

What Grade Does Your Makeup Get?

There is a HUGE difference between over the counter products and professional products. Effectively it all boils down to how you get the products, did a woman behind a fancy department store counter help you, did you get a facial with an Aesthetician and did she recommended it to you? Believe it or not, there is a huge difference between the two.

There are three different grades of makeup to choose from, over the counter, professional or medical. Let’s look at them in a little more detail.

Everything you are able to use on your face is regulated by the FDA and the percentage of active ingredients in the product will determine just how you can buy it. Over the counter (OTC) constitutes less than 2% of active ingredients. You can acquire these products by means of TV, radio, department stores, grocery stores, beauty consultants (working with a MLM line) CVS, Walgreens etc. The products aren’t strong enough to hurt your skin providing you use them correctly. Many of my clients are happy with their products and being a professional I respect their choice. However, I think it all depends on what your expectations are, if a client is really happy using an OTC product then that’s good. Personally I’m happy to let my facials speak for themselves as my main focus is my client’s satisfaction.

Professional: 2% and higher, up to 10% of active ingredients. The professional has a license and education that pertains to application and you can find these products in a salon, spa, dermatologist and plastic surgeon’s office.  As these products are result orientated the focus and motivation behind the product is change. But for real change you’ll need a higher active ingredient in the product .

Medical: 10% and higher of active ingredients. This is a prescription product only. The doctor prescribes the product for real change but it is mainly the patients who receive prescriptions for skin conditions and diseases.

I hope this sheds some light on the subject. If you’re confused and want personal attention in this matter then I’d be happy to help you. I conduct a comprehensive 2 1/2 hour appointment in the comfort of a woman’s home, a one on one with emphasis on my clients concerns together with any questions they might have. This is a great opportunity to examine the makeup and skincare she has in her drawers and is currently using. I go though their makeup and pitch the old, dated, wrong and expired. Believe me there are a lot of crazy things in a woman’s purse, I can understand why men are afraid of them. I then give suggestions for positive changes.

Although Mary Kay started this idea I approach it from a slightly different perspective  where my focus is on education not sales. I also do a step by step makeup application with a detailed instruction. The makeup is removed and my client can then apply the makeup herself with further instruction. I will demonstrate the most progressive techniques in makeup application and teach you how to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.

After I leave clients are so happy that they ask me to do closets, kitchens and garages…but I think I’ll just stay with what I know. I do love what I do especially when I see the proverbial light bulb go on when a client figures out her daily regime and gets the look she is needing. It is magical!

When it comes to products ask yourself a simple question, are you happy with it and is it helping you? Are you getting results? If not then I suggest you go up a grade level. It can make all the difference in your skin! I love and recommend Randy James LeBrecque’s line Rande James… check it out www.randejames.com and GloTherapeutics http://www.glotherapeutics.com !

If you are interested in any further information or would like a consultation then please visit www.skinchicinc.com for my number and special pricing, mention my blog and receive 10% off.

 

A+

What Are you Worth in the New Year?

I am aware that most women were looking for advice on how to do a smokey eye for a special occasion however, I have decided to reflect back on this year and ask a very important question to all the service providers out in “beauty industry land”, what is your worth? Have you cherished your worth more this year than the past? Are you getting closer to knowing your true worth for the New Year?

I am feeling very reflective. Lately I have been asking myself “Do I really know my worth?” and “What does worth mean anyway?” This all stems from when I had Foster Fox as a guest on a recent internet radio show of mine, ‘About Face’ (www.rhinoonair.com)  It struck a chord with me, so strongly in fact that I just had to blog about it and as a result I’m dedicating my next About Face show to the subject of knowing ones worth. Most beauty service providers, in fact most people don’t know their worth. It was exactly the same for me for almost all of my 20 year career.

Knowing my worth as Founder/Owner of Skin Chic Inc., Paramedical Aesthetician, Professional Makeup Artist, Beauty Industry Educator, Public Speaker, Radio Personality and Writer has been one of the hardest lessons for me personally to learn. To know the balance between offering freebies, doing charitable pro bono work and even to ask for the right and fair price for what I do can be tricky. This requires the confidence in knowing the cost of my overhead (my makeup is not cheap), taking consideration of time and travel (wear and tear together with gas), doing my field homework and matching/beating my competitors prices. And so on. This knowledge comes from the experience gained in my chosen area of expertise.

This past year I have gotten closer to knowing my worth. Do I base my worth on that 20 years of experience? Have I been doing enough networking, blogging, tweeting, Facebooking and other forms of marketing to get my name out there? Do “they” know who I am and what I can provide?

I think the proverbial light bulb came on for me this past year. When it comes to knowing my worth, the past three years have been the most challenging of my career, I realized that I have given so much away. Isn’t my knowledge worth something? I think it is. It takes extensive knowledge to set up a fully equipped Aesthetic room in less than two weeks in order to run a successful practice. I have set up and equipped three rooms for free and I now feel I need to get compensated for all that work. Is that being unreasonable?

The Bible says: A workman is worth their hire.1 Tim 5:18. Wages should be fair and relative for what the workers skills require. Myself, I know that I have been around long enough to know my worth and for people to value my work, talent and professionalism. As with any experienced professional, I have paid my dues.

A casing example was this past month. I did a fashion show, pro bono where I worked for five and a half  hours non stop providing make up for over twenty 20 models. When other makeup artists had left I chose to stay until the end of the show because a friend was in need. I valued her worth not just mine and in return I got valuable exposure in a city I haven’t really worked in before. It made sense for both parties and I was so thrilled with the on site picture of my work that I have used it on both my website and Facebook page. I wouldn’t have done it if I hadn’t known and respected the designer as the show was in an already saturated market. This was all based on knowing my worth and seeing a situation where not one but both parties benefited.

I have been asked to write articles for Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa magazine. I am thrilled. I know that this is a pro bono writing gig, I know this national beauty industry magazine will give me national exposure. I am humbled by this. I know all the work I will pour into writing a few articles (I am an over achiever), however I wouldn’t pass this opportunity up!

I think people can often see makeup artists as playing dress up, I know because I have experienced it myself and been treated exactly that same way. I don’t think people fully appreciate the work and the artistry behind the technical craft in a makeup application. Some think, “I’m doing you a favor by giving you an opportunity to do something for free”. This can be seen as insulting to a professional and,  where previously I might have felt guilty in saying no  I now value my true worth and I politely decline. I thank them for thinking of me and I move on.

Please don’t misinterpret this, I have donated much to charity and will continue to do, I am always thinking of how I can donate more. Just by way of an example, I have done over $3,000 worth of facials at my last place of employment (approx. 67 hours of free work). I do understand that any job I do can lead to more work however, that doesn’t fill my lipstick palette. I have learned to scale back, be wiser and make better choices for the new year. People value people and as someone once said to me, ‘Is it up to standard or down to price?’

I hope you know your worth in the new year. Happy New Year!

Tis the Season…

Tis the Season for SPF…

Tis the season to be beautiful, properly cleansed and well protected with a sun protection factor of at least 15. This time of year, even though it is cold outside the sun is still shining and with that the snow reflects it’s damaging rays. Always remember your Sunscreen no matter the weather.

Personally I like to get my SPF from my makeup. I get questions about makeup all the time on my Skin Chic Inc. Facebook page, what I use and where my loyalties lie. I use a mineral makeup line for both my practice and my personal use. There are many lines out there and very few are made alike. I have used Jane Iredale since 1996 when I worked alongside her at a Philadelphia Aesthetics Trade Show. Jane herself turned to me and said, “You remind me of myself when I was your age.

“Wow, that changed my life, and my loyalties! It was an added bonus that the minerals were amazing too. Jane Iredale was the very first mineral line ever to be patented. She was simply the pioneer in minerals and as a result I have continued to use her powders for my foundation and SPF ever since.

I know many other lines out there as well, one I personally helped to develop was the GloMinerals mineral makeup line from Caleel+Hayden www.glotherapeutics.com . You would assume that if I helped develop a makeup line that I would be loyal to them. Not the case, I much prefer Jane’s products. Makeup is personal and it’s emotional and with that I make my own choice.

Some experts say that primarily wearing your SPF in your makeup is a mistake, that it wears off and it doesn’t last. I agree, that is why I reapply every few hours. But don’t get me wrong I still use an SPF moisturizer when I know I will be outside for hours that day. This has always worked for me. I also love Rany James LaBrecque’s line Rande James, check them out at www.randejames.com

The moral of this blog is that no matter the time of year and whatever the weather wear your sunscreen. Merry Christmas to you and your choice!

In the beginning….

Skin Chic Inc. Picture

Hello out there in blog-land!!!

I have been told that I needed to start a blog, yet another tentacle out there in cyber space linking my two pages on Facebook, my personal Facebook page, my Twitter account and lastly my web site. It all seemed like more work but I really think this could end up being therapy for me, a diary of sorts. I might not be known especially for my writing but this doesn’t stop me having something to say and blogging is the perfect vehicle. So now I’m here and just like you, I’m hungry for knowledge.

By trade, I am a licensed Paramedical Aesthetician, throw in a little singing and there you have it. But let me stop right there because I realize not too many people understand what “Paramedical” means. Paramedical means that not only do I have advanced training hours outside of specific Esthiology but I also have an internship with a Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist. This training has given me a complete understanding of what skin conditions like Psoriasis, Rosecia and Eczema, the specific histology of the skin that goes with these conditions and what to do to minimize, control and treat each patient. I just love to help others with skin issues. I am a survivor of a skin condition called Cystic Acne. I literally stuck to my pillowcase at night, not only was it painful for my face, the pain went much deeper than that. After three rounds of Accutaine and some wonderful facials from a Paramedical Aesthetician, a passion grew deep inside to help others with similar skin troubles.

I am also a Professional Makeup Artist. This started from sitting on my mother’s floor watching her get ready to go out. I was fascinated by how a face could look so different, so colorful and so beautiful after one hour of work. I was transfixed and from there a seed was sown. I love make up, it is so easy for me, so natural. I can see a women’s face and know just what to do to make her natural beauty shine. I love for the light bulb to go on and then when I am finished for them to look into the mirror. The smile, the hug, the appreciation makes it all the while. That makes everything well in my world…. and theirs.

As you follow my blog, I ask you to open both your mind and your heart. I will be tearing down the beauty myths we all grew up with and sharing with you some of the wonderful stories from my 20 year career together with some helpful hints along the way. So join me, I am humbled to do this and looking forward to the therapy that awaits not only me but you too!