5 Favorites from Kiehl's, Laura Mercier, Jin Soon & More

Since I'm just kicking off this feature, it's so hard not to do this post daily.  Of course, when it comes to beauty loot I have a ton of favorites, but I promise to always bring you a well edited list of the best of the moment.  When I walk into a drugstore, Sephora or department store, I am beyond overwhelmed with options so I hope this helps you cut through the clutter.  If you're looking for something specific and need a product recommendation, you can always reach me on Facebook! Truth is you hands and your neck give away your age quicker than your face.  That's thanks to the extra TLC we give our faces in preventative and corrective measures.  I was super impressed when I was introduced to Avon's Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector + Hand Cream, because it has SPF 15 for protection, but also helps to even out your skin tone.  I use hand cream about eight times a day and now don't have to think about getting old lady fingers.

While Laura Mercier's Cavier Stick Eye Colour, $24was created to help enhance a smoky eye, I like using it in Rose Gold as a wash of faint color all over my lid.  It makes me look more alive and is perfect for daytime.  Believe it or not, it consists of a creamy texture that doesn't crease and stays put all day.  Promise.  Since it's creamy, if you plan on layering it, let it dry between coats or it will be sticky.

While I normally like wearing dark greys or almost black shades on my tips, I am completely obsessed with Jin Soon's new Nail Polish in Blue Iris, $18.  The electric blue pigment is so bold that it's a conversation starter all on its own.

Anything that's labeled "stress-minimizing" is worth a try.  My latest conquest has been the Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator, $40.  Truth is, it helps minimize and prevent the effects that stress can have on your skin like fine lines, blotchiness and inflammation.  Yoga classes are still helpful.

While It Factor's new product Simply It, $21.50 cuts drying time, I'm kind of obsessed with it because it makes styling so much easier and let's just say that this bob isn't always willing to cooperate.  It literally does everything like adds shine, acts like a detangler, adds moisture and is a heat protectant.  I like it because it smells so clean.  I start my day using it and even use it mid day for touch ups as a style refresher.

Tan Skin is Damaged Skin, The Shocking Truth that I Swear By & You Should Too

Tan skin is damaged skin.  There's almost nothing I crave more than a "healthy" bronzed glow.  Especially during this time of year.  The way I used to feel, warm and relaxed inside the tanning bed day after day throughout college... those days are long gone.  Tan skin is damaged skin.  Damaged.  I can't stress it enough and feel many people hear it but don't actually comprehend it.  The "it won't happen to me" mentality is far too common.  But guess what, it will. As a BeautySweetSpot reader, you know how passionate I am about skin cancer awareness.  Last year's "Confessions of A Former Tanorexic" blog post lead to a Good Morning America feature and much more.  This week, as I prepare to vacation in Puerto Rico with my fiance, I'll be getting spray tanned before we go and of course, taking all precautions to practice safe sun while there.

“Skin cancer isn’t formed from just severe burns, continual tanning can play a role as well,” advises Dr. Marina Peredo.  Trust me, and if you don't believe me, trust the dermatologist.  Especially as the weather warms up and you begin to desire some color, remember tanned skin is damaged skin.  If you are at a higher risk for skin cancers, Dr. Peredo recommends her patients receive a full body check every six months to monitor any suspicious spots.

5 Favorites from Dr. Brandt, Elizabeth Arden, Valentino & More

I've gone through countless amounts of packages full of new spring makeup collections, skincare lines and hair products and am still putting new products to the test.  If you follow me on Instagram, you've been enjoying sneak peeks of the latest and greatest with me.  Some products are worth raving about as they've either become staples, blew my mind or impacted my beauty regimen in some way greater than the others.  This will be a new feature on BSS, a round up of a few of my favorite things.  Allow me to introduce you, because after all, it's my job to help you cut through the clutter.   When I was first introduced to Make, I fell in love with the concept before the cosmetics.  As part of the We See Beauty Foundation, the company partners with local artists to create products and gives a portion of the revenue to help women's start ups in the US . Make Matte Finish Blush, $22.50 in Limoges Pink has been my go to pick-me-up for spring.  Always thinking of myself as a pinky/peach girl, I've been wearing NARS Blush in Orgasm since the beginning of time, but this is a nice change.

While it's not brand new, I just tried out Dr. Brandt's Laser A-Peel System, $78, when considering it for an upcoming segment.  A bit obsessed with peels, exfoliants and masks, I underestimated the power of the at-home peel that promised in-office-like results.  It's the first peel and mask that made parts of my face tingle in a long time.  One word: strong.  After leaving it on for five minutes, I rinsed and applied the soothing gel as instructed.  Immediately, it looked as if I had a facial with extractions.

Chip free polish for up to two weeks?  Sounds great, but I'm super anal about my gel manicures and will only go to one salon in NYC to get them, which happens to be all the way on the Upper East Side!  I began using Dior's Gel Top Coat, $24, which is a thick top coat that goes on like a gel, but dries normally.  My regular polish lasts about an extra two days (yay!), but stays shiny until my next mani, which is the real benefit.

Lots and lots and lots of lashes.  No lie.  I've tested about six mascaras in the past week and while I was impressed by a few of them for different reasons, Elizabeth Arden's Beautiful Color Lash Enhancing Mascara, $24, blew them all away.  I've been partial to Lancome's Hypnose Star  Mascara since it launched last fall, and I still love it, but this one gives a different look.  Full, separated, light-weight lashes.  Lots of them.

Finally a fragrance where the scent is just as delicate and precious as the bottle.  Valentino's Valentina Assoluto Eau De Parfum, $117 is one to covet.  It's a sensual fruity floral with a hint of vanilla.

Everything You Need to Know About Dark Circles & How to Get Rid of Them

One of my best friends suffers from dark circles and ever since I started my career in  beauty I've been giving her new products to test out that promise to help reduce, rid and conceal the pesky under eye nuisances.  When you see pics of celebs without makeup on, most of them have dark circles, too.  I spoke with Dr. Ellen Marmur, to find out the causes, best treatments and products to help put them at bay.  Did you know that all dark circles aren't created equal?

1. What are the main causes of dark under eye circles?  

Some of the main causes of dark under eye circles are due to extra blood vessels that make the skin appear maroon,  hemosiderin which is a pigment residue from red blood cells when they break down, melanin hyperpigmentation from sun damage, dry skin, and thinning skin. My patients always think they are from lack of sleep, allergies, or dehydration. All of those can all exacerbate dark under eye circles but are usually not the actual cause.  There are many factors that contribute to the overall problem of dark circles. Check with your dermatologist to help define the main causes for you.

2. Are all dark circles created equal? 

No, they definitely are not.  Some are more difficult to get rid of.  It really depends on the cause.  For instance, dark circles that are brown in color are normally caused by melanin formation and these are the most difficult to get rid of as they are likely genetic or related to sensitive skin.  Dark circles with a blue hue are usually caused by poor micro-circulation where the blue venous blood is more obvious underneath the eye, and if they are yellowish, then thinning skin is likely the cause. Whatever the cause of your dark circles, they can be improved or at the very least camouflaged with topical products. In the office, one of my favorite treatments is the Marmur Medical Total Eye Makeover , a combination of lasers and fillers to improve the skin texture, improves collagen, and reduce the shadow effect that darkens the under eye area.

3. Can they be improved?  If so, how?

Yes! Depending on the cause of the dark circles there are a variety of complimentary treatments ranging from lower eyelid surgery to the Marmur Medical Total Eye Makeover to topical eye creams. Excessive sun exposure can intensify dark circles, so I always tell my patients to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 every day as well as sunglasses to protect the delicate eyes area. Another tip: never rub the skin beneath your eye because rubbing, a habit many people have or from over scrubbing the area,  leads to hyperpigmentation and wrinkles from thicker skin!

4. What ingredients should one look for to help brighten them? 

Vitamin C is a great ingredient in skin care.  It helps to diminish melanin production and is a great antioxidant.  Caffeine is another popular ingredient in eye treatments.  It helps to constrict or shrink the vessels under the eye lid to reduce dark circles and puffiness.  Niacin has strong science showing it diminished melanin formation. Look for an eye product with light diffusing micas which help mask dark circles by instantly reflecting light for improved luminosity.

5. What products do you recommend? 

I tell my patients to try the StriVectin-EV Get Even Dark Circle Corrector. It not only brightens the eye area, it contains a patented niacin molecule that has a positive cumulative effect that clears away the melanin so dark circles are diminished and stay that way.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

One of my biggest beauty sins is the fact that I rarely clean my makeup brushes.  Then, as soon as I see a pimple pop up, it's the first thing I do.  Makeup artists recommend cleaning them weekly, but I'll admit I probably go about two months.  How about you?  Truth is, there's no excuse because cleaning them is so simple.  Here's the quick how-to.

1. Grab all of your brushes, a sulfate free shampoo or gentle face wash, hand towel and tissues (I like Puffs Ultra Soft and Strong, because they can handle the job).
2. One at a time, rinse your brushes under cold water and let the gunk fall out, then begin to massage your cleanser through the hairs.  Remember, the brushes are small so you only need a very small amount.
3. Rinse until the water runs clear and squeeze out all of the excess water.
4. Using a tissue, run it along the brush to place the hairs in shape.  This way they dry they way they're intended to.
5. Lay them out on a hand towel to air dry.

Check out my Vine on cleaning your makeup brushes here!

*This post is sponsored by Puffs, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

The Basics: How to Prep for A Big Event

Besides planning my own, I have eight weddings to attend this year and just began planning my looks for each.  Stalking sites like Gilt, I'm looking for new sleeveless dresses, ways to wear my short hair and makeup looks to compliment it.  All of that is the fun, creative part, but what I work on all year is the foundation.  By staying in shape and keeping everything in check, I won't even have to fret when it comes time for my wedding.  After all, it's the basics that can make or break a look, right?  Here's the plan: Fitness

Of course I'm a complete fitness junkie, but I switch up my workouts to make sure my body doesn't get used to one plan.  I rotate between kickboxing, Pilate's and spin, but you can do any workouts you like as long as you're constantly mixing it up.  People tend to get stuck in a gym rut and wonder why their bodies don't change.

Skincare

Whether it's getting a facial every three months or seeing your derm for a microdermabrasion or peel, cleaning out or resurfacing your skin is essential for maintaining your skin's overall tone and texture.  Through professional exfoliation, deep cleaning of your pores and professional strength products, your skin will continue to look radiant and fresh.

Finding the Right Products

From self tanners and mascaras to deodorants, you don't want to test out a new product the day of a big event.  Imagine sweating all over your cocktail dress!  You know I've been doing my job of putting products to the test!  Try Dove go sleeveless Deodorant.  It is formulated to give you softer, smoother underarms in just 5 days and provides 48 hour odor and wetness protection while being available in a variety of light fragrances.  Yes, there is such thing as having pretty under arms and check out Dove.com for more information!

*This post is sponsored by Dove, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

The Truth Behind Kim Kardashian's "Vampire Facelift"

Is there anything Kim Kardashian wouldn't do to try and create a buzz? This time (I'm sure you saw), she filmed herself with blood smeared all over her face calling it a "Vampire Facelift."  Of course, eager to find out what the treatment was all about, I heard from Dr. Bruce Katz, the Director of the Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Clinic at Mount Sinai Medical Center, who gave me the facts. “First of all, there is no such thing as a “vampire facelift," he stated.  "There is, however, a product that can be used which is mixed with your own blood as a platelet rich plasma to be injected into the skin to rejuvenate the skin and treat wrinkles.”

Feeling a little woozy, I had to go on and find out how this treatment actually works.  I'm not such a good patient and any sight of blood freaks me out.  Basically, your own blood is taken, spun and prepared, then injected into soft tissue areas that need restoration.  (I'm going to pass out).  Dr. Katz says patients notice a great improvement in texture in a short amount of time.

He did clinical studies using this technique he calls the "Twilight Plasma Renewal Treatment" to treat hollow, sunken eyes (Kim Kardashian) and dark circles and claims he's seen "impressive results."

Skin Brightening Tips from Dr. Debra Luftman

Lately I've been obsessed with brightening my skin.  Maybe because it's looking dull as I (dare I say it) age or maybe just because I have so many brightening products to test out and feel you can never have skin too bright?  I got the scoop from Dr. Debra Luftman on the ingredients to look for in your brightening products and why brightening is even a thing.  It has to do with attraction... "Psychologically, people are more attracted to women who have bright shinny skin," Dr. Luftman states.  "Overall confidence is generally improved when your skin is clear and bright." 

The best ingredients for brightening are: hydroquinone, kojic acid, azeleic acid, and glycolic acids.  Dr. Luftman recommends using brightening products at night and of course, an SPF with moisturizer during the day.  

Her favorites:  Natura Bisse-Diamond White SPF 50 PA Oil Free and Armani Beauty-Luminessence Bright Regenerator Concentrate, which can both be used nightly under moisturizer.  Some extras I've been using throughout the day include Simple Radiance Brightening Wipes, which uses natural mango extract and cleanses skin to make it radiant, and L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Face Mist  that refreshes and illuminates my skin throught out the day.  I've also been loving Shiseido's White Lucent Intenstive Brightening Mask once a week.  

Introducing My New Intern, Plus the 3 Products She Can't Live Without

A little help goes a long way, especially when you're an entrepreneur and feel the need to be in five places at once.  Often times I hire interns to help me be in two places at once (well, kind of...) and help organize my projects like SJP did with J Hud in SATC.  That being said, I'm excited to introduce you to my spring intern, Stephanie.  I'll admit, like my former intern Emily, I was a little partial when it came to hiring her.  She's a senior at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY (where I went), English major (just like I was) and journalism minor (just like I was).  Without further ado, I'll allow Steph to introduce her three must have beauty products so you can get to know her a bit better. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder

This bronzer is my absolute favorite. While it's matte, it still gives you a luminous look. With real cocoa as a main ingredient, it smells like powdered hot chocolate and gives you a natural post-Bahamas trip glow. It never gives me a “muddy” look so I never have to worry about looking like the tanning mom. The color's buildable so looks great on all skin tones and can be worn through all seasons. The best part: a little goes a long way so I usually only have to purchase a new one once a year.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture - Combination Skin

I have textbook combination skin: kind of oily in the T-zone area with occasionally dry cheeks. My skin also happens to be really sensitive so I look for anything that says “alcohol-free” and “fragrance-free.” This moisturizer is super lightweight so I use it before bed and under my makeup for a perfect base. It controls the shine in my T-zone and hydrates the dryer parts and leaves my face really smooth. One pump is more than enough to cover your entire face and neck. 

KMS California Hair Play Sea Salt Spray

This is my go-to summer product on the days when it's just too hot to even think about putting a blow dryer on. I even use it in the winter to give my hair a break from the straightener and curling iron. Even though my hair is naturally pretty wavy, this sea salt spray gives it that extra boost. I simply spray a little in my towel-dried hair and let it air dry. It gives me the perfect Colbie Caillat, tousled, beach waves without drying my hair out.

3 Beauty Breakthroughs to Watch Out for This Year

Each week I dump packages of products to test into the middle of my floor and start exploring them by swiping colored cosmetics on my hand, and sniffing and exploring the textures of creams and potions and by the end of the night I look like an insane person by the time Joe gets home.  Season after season new trends emerge and year after year innovations in beauty continue to impress me. This year there are a ton of breakthroughs already hitting shelves so before you face the endless isle of labels, here's a breakdown of what you're about to see.  And of course, there's something for everyone. 1. CC Creams

While BB creams aka Beauty or Blemish Balms, focused on being a tinted moisturizer with good for your skin ingredients, the CC Cream is taking it up a notch by owning color correcting.  Known as a better version of the BB Cream, the CC Cream offers more skincare benefits while offering better options for a wider range of skin tones and a mousse like finish as opposed to an oily one.

Product: Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer, $22 at drugstores

2. Gluten Free Products

Cosmetic, skincare and haircare companies are replacing gluten or wheat protein with other natural ingredients like quinoa and finding the replacements actually work better.  The demand is coming from savvy consumers, and is definitely not a fad.  It's all natural taken to a new level!

Product: Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner, $32-34 at rahua.com 

3. Gentle, Effective Skincare

The latest crop of OTC treatments provide results sans harsh side effects.  When dealing with discoloration and at-home anti-aging peels, most products are super drying.  Think about it: you’re bleaching and peeling your skin.  Now, brands are upgrading their drying solutions by combating the problem with moisturizers and deep peels still remove build up without leaving redness and irritation.

Product: DDF Discoloration Reversal Moisturizer, $60 at Nordstrom

Emily Blunt's Makeup Artist Reveals the Secrets Behind Her Flawless Complexion

I just got off the phone with Emily Blunt's makeup artist, Jenn Streicher, because I had to know the secret behind her completely flawless complexion.  Since I currently have dry skin like Emily, I'm about ready to swipe my vanity and replace my products with everything she uses on her.  Streicher gave me the scoop on prepping for star for the Golden Globes and the miracle products behind her look. "I've been working with Emily for years so it makes it nice and easy," Streicher comments.  "It's always a collaborative effort."  Since Emily's dress was a bit edgy, they decided to go more elegant with the hair and makeup.  The whole look was clean.

Streicher's a big skin person.  The night before a big event she gives Emily a SK II Facial Treatment Mask for added hydration.  "It's great if she's been traveling and really does wonders to rehydrate the skin."

To prep before makeup, she uses Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum underneath Creme de La Mer  and La Mer Eye Concentrate.  The combination is a hydration powerhouse. To ensure a flawless application, primer is one of her go-to products and Streicher relies on Hourglass #28 Primer Serum.  "It's great because it has 28 essential oils in it, so again, it's hydrating and and gives off luminosity," she says.

"On the red carpet you don't want to look like you're wearing foundation," Streicher explains.  "I blended out a tinted moisturizer using a wet sponge on Emily to achieve a nice finish."  Using the Beauty Blender, she wet it and then rung it out to press the foundation (Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer) into the skin and blend it out.

My Winter Skin Challenge: Beat Dry Skin, Here's How

If you could bring one beauty product to a desert island what would it be?  Mine would be moisturizer.  It's always been my #1 cannot live without.  All my life within minutes of stepping out of the shower, I lather it on from head to toe.  In the wintertime, my obsession gets worse.  My boyfriend finds me sleeping with socks covering my freshly lubed up feet nightly and I barely make it an hour with out reapplying hand cream.  This winter, I have a been put up to a dry skin challenge... Vaseline asked if I would test out their Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Lotion, which promises helps relieve dry skin in  one day and heal it in three.  It also doesn’t feel sticky or greasy, like other heavy moisturizers.  Game on!  While I try my best not to ever have to face the dry skin dilemma, my legs (specifically my shins) and feet act up.

In the winter, besides simply using a heavier lotion continuously, exfoliation is also key to beating dry skin so I'll be exfoliating twice a week while using the lotion daily.  I'm going to celebrate the holidays by doing outdoorsy activities with my boyfriend, friends and family that are far from pampering.  Visiting the Rockefeller Christmas tree, shopping the Bryant Park Holiday Market and ice skating! Stay tuned for results!

*This is a sponsored post by Vaseline, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

3 Tips To Ensure You'll Look Flawless at Holiday Parties

I've often been asked why my Facebook photos are private.  My answer, "Why aren't yours?" The fact that we can be tagged in unapproved mobile uploads is not OK with me!  Obvi we want to put our best selves out there, so if we can help it (unlike the Kardashian's), why not? According to a Dove Deodorant Survey, six out of 10 women will be wearing something sleeveless to holiday parties, which means beauty's going beyond the blush brush.  Here are some tips on how to be photo ready at your holiday parties so you can wear that LBD with confidence and not worry about dreaded uploads. Tip 1: Exfoliate

Since your skin is drier in the winter you tend to use heavier creams and lotions to compensate, which can also build up leaving two reasons to exfoliate.  Exfoliate once or twice a week to keep it fresh.  Choose a gentle exfoliator with rounded beads so they don't scratch your skin and remember less is more.  I'm currently using Diptyque Exfoliating Body Cream, which is super luxe!  Follow up with a smooth shave and self tan.

Tip 2: Check your underarms

Let's be honest, it's crucial to tend to your underarms or you'll be in for some hairy situations. Exfoliate them too and use a deodorant that keeps you dry and moisturizes like Dove go sleeveless Soothing Chamomile Deodorant, $3.99 at Walgreens.  Dove go sleeveless gives you softer, smoother underarms in just 5 days with the help of Vitamins E and F.  It also gives you 48 hours of protection.  Check out their FB page for more info.

Tip 3: Highlight your best assets

Brush a little bronzer or shimmer on your decalotage and down the front of your shins.  This is always my finishing touch before heading out in a little dress.  Try Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, $50 at Sephora.

*This post is sponsored by Dove, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

3 Skincare Breakthroughs Driven By Results, Not Side Effects

While I'm obsessed with swiping new colors and feeling the textures of the latest cosmetic launches all over my hands and will try anything for the sake of beauty once, it's skincare I'm most passionate about because the science behind it blows my mind.  Here are three skincare launches that recently caught my attention  (two of them use salmon enzymes).  I know you'll be into them, because they deliver results without harsh side effects.

DDF Discoloration Reversal Moisturizer

Most products that fight discoloration dry out the skin, but this one conquers the harsh side effect by combining niacin with moisturizers.  Use it at nighttime as your cells regenerate and watch your brown spots disappear.

Restorsea Rejevenating Day Cream & Eye Cream

This all natural multitasking moisturizing day cream and eye cream lays on thick, making it perfect for wintertime.  Made up of enzymes given off by baby salmon that naturally exfoliate, Vitamin C to brighten and brown algae to reduce inflammation, it depuffs and proves smoother, vibrant skin.

Perricone Blue Plasma

Known as the 'unpeel,' this one uses salmon roe enzymes and copper to exfoliate without leaving behind red, irritated skin.   It breaks the barrier and lies somewhere between a face scrub and chemical peel by ridding dead skin cells, extracting the pores and getting rid of build up to leave you with luminous, fresh skin.

5 Things to Add to Your Holiday Wish List, from DermaDoctor's Dr. Kunin

I fell in love with this niche line of problem/solution skincare years ago, but when I met the brains behind the brand, Dr. Kunin, I took a liking to it even more.  Not only is she intelligent, but she's a truly dynamic woman with a passion for her work and her family.  Every time I have dinner or a meeting with her I'm constantly haggling her about my own skin!  It's like a personal dermatologist appointment during an interview.  Here are Dr. Kunin's top five things to add to your holiday wish list. 1. Photodynamic Therapy Eye Lift Lotion

Who doesn’t want their eyes wide open and gorgeous, especially during the blur of holiday parties?  This eye lift lotion offers 5 benefits at once.  Results are both immediate (lifting of brows and relaxation of crow’s feet) and long term like flattening out unsightly bags under the eyes.

2. A statement-making handbag

Every girl deserves to show off her style identity with a purse.  My pick is the Louis Vuitton Artsy bag in the classic Monogram pattern.  Lots of style, lots of room, lots of fun!

3. A fabulous pair of casual tall boots

My pick –dark brown Frye Jane Tall Cuff Boots let you change up the look and no worries about zippers for ample calves!

 4. An iPad mini

Love it in silver and white!

5. A charm bracelet

I especially love the look and feel of vintage charms, the history behind them and the romance.

I Replaced All of My Skincare with This and So Far, It's Worth It

When it comes to skincare I'm a snob and why wouldn't I be?  My dermatologist is my BFF and I have the whole market at my fingertips.  Literally.  I'm used to using a combination of highs and lows like expensive anti-agers from SkinCeuticals with drugstore day creams with SPF like CeraVe.  Always up on the latest technology and trying to "age gracefully" I seek out nothing but the best.  Recently, I had an experience that blew my mind with a brand that has a cult following, but one I never thought I'd get into and did something I never thought I'd do. I have my mom to thank for this one.   My real BFF's (not my dermatologist) mom is a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and advised my mom to start using their new Time Wise Repair Collection.  After about five weeks of using the entire collection, she looked different.  I can't even explain it.  Her skin looked vibrant and even her dry cleaner asked her what she was doing.

Jealous, naturally, I worked with the Mary Kay PR team and asked to try the new collection.  I actually swiped my medicine cabinet and placed all five pieces of the collection in it.  After only two weeks of use my skin feels softer, looks more supple, alive and any little imperfections like pimples or cuts are healing quickly.  What is going on?  I have to give it a fair eight weeks to really see the impact, but am super impressed by what's happening already.

The collection includes the below for $199, which is a great price for all of the skincare.  You need to work with a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant to obtain the products, I recommend Fran Dellegrazie and you can find her here: marykay.com/fdellegrazie.

Foaming Cleanser Lifting Serum Day Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Night Treatment With Retinol Eye Renewal Cream

Exclusive Video Interview: The Courtin-Clarins Daughters Spill Their Skincare Secrets

When I visited the Clarins lounge at the Empire Hotel this week I expected to hang out with my PR friends and learn more about their new blog, the Beauty Flash Blog, which showcases the world of the Courtin-Clarins girls, the four women who are the granddaughters of the founder of the brand.  To my surprise, I was able to catch the girls when they got back from lunch (at PJ Clarkes no less) inbetween shows and did a fun video interview!  Check out what these chic Parisians had to say about their NY Fashion Week experience, their grandfather's skincare secrets and how they beat cellulite.

The Fraxel Diaries... Photos of My Week of "Down Time" and My New Skin

Now that I tried Fraxel everyone's asking me if it was worth it... truth is, I'm not sure yet as I'm not completely healed.  Here's a diary of the recovery so far with some really embarrassing pics, but I wanted to give you the full experience minus the discomfort.  Would I do it again?  Since I had fairly good skin with some hyperpigmentation and was just being anal, probably not.

Day 1: Check out my blog post.  My eyes and cheeks were swollen, face was beat red and hot.  Picture the worst sun burn you've ever gotten, only it's only on your face and neck.  I iced and moisturized like there was no tomorrow.  Before Joe got home from work I wrapped my face in a scarf leaving out only my eyes and lips.  Once he made me de-robe from my masking job, he described my new look as "a raw burn victim."  Go to product: Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30.

Day 2: I touched my face as soon as I opened my eyes and it felt like sand paper.  OMG.  I actually skeeved my skin. I ran to the mirror and saw a brown, crusty face.  Attractive.  At least it didn't hurt, wasn't swollen or raw.  Ok, I'm healing.  Hiding behind sunglasses and a scarf I only left the apartment once to take a train home to NJ where I can hibernate.  I looked bad enough to cancel appointments for the rest of the week.  Moisturizing every half hour.  Go to products:  Cerave and Skinceuticals Epidermal Repair and Aquaphor at night.

Day 3: Sandpaper.  That's what my face feels like.  It still looks pretty much the same as it did yesterday.  I noticed that all of my brown spots are brought to the surface including those I didn't even know I had.  It's all brown.  Daytime routine: Skinceuticals then Cerave with SPF 30.  Nighttime routine: Skinceuticals then Aquaphor.

Day 4: My face is falling off.  I thought the peeling I would experience would be like peeling form a sunburn and my skin would come off in strips.  Nope.  Everything that turned brown and feels like sand paper is literally crumbling off like sand.  It looks better today, I guess because it's half fallen off.  At this point I'm just hiding my identity behind my sunglasses.  It's impossible to hide my face.  Still laying low.

Day 5: Fresh skin!  Most of my skin has crumbled crumbled off and my fresh skin looks brown spot free.  I'm beyond excited.  However, I still have rough brown patches around my hair line and on my nose that need to flake off.  It's frustrating.  The fresh skin is pink.  Nothing hurts, but it looks raw-ish.  I can't moisturize enough and have been applying SPF 30 like it's my job.  It's like starting over.  A new chance with new skin.  I'm not going to mess it up.

Day 6: My skin looks awesome.  It's all done peeling except for a few rough spots around my neck.  I have a party to go to tonight and I was nervous all week about how I was going to manage my face.  Well, I've never felt more confident.  Truth is, my skin never made me feel insecure, because it wasn't bad to begin with, but seeing how clear it looks now is definitely an added confidence boost.  My parents said I look like a porcelain doll.  The only brown spot that didn't fade is a stubborn one on my nose, which got significantly lighter and I plan on attacking it with a hydroquinone cream.  Over time, I'll get that one too.

*Note: I took all of the photos myself with my iPhone and lighting wasn't controlled.

Determined to Rid My Brown Spots, I Tried Fraxel and Here's What Happened

I've had my post-summer Fraxel appointment booked since summer began and it finally came. The last week of August seemed like the perfect time.  Even though it was right before Labor Day Weekend, I knew my plans wouldn't have me basking in the sun.  Yesterday, I entered my trusty derm's office, Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz, anxious and excited, but more than anything nervous as I'm big on instant gratification and this is as close as it gets when it comes to clearing your complexion of hyperpigmention.  I was ready to say good by to my brown spots – all of them. So what have I done so far to get rid of them?  Most recently I've been using topicals like Vitamin C, but I've even bleached my face out in an unsafe way with hydroquinone in the past.  I've also done an IPL (targeted laser treatment that gets rid of brown spots), which worked, but obviously like any obsessed beauty guru who is about to turn 30 (in 6 months) I wanted more.  After speaking with my derm about whether or not to do a few more IPL sessions she recommended one Fraxel treatment as it would be more cost effective and get the job done.  I was after a perfect complexion.  Fraxel is a cosmetic laser treatment that helps to renew the skin.  Depending on the setting, it can rid brown spots, acne scars and help diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

Prior to lasering, Dr. Lefkowitz coated my face with a thick numbing cream and I sat for an hour checking my emails as my lips went numb... then, everything else.  She explained that she was going to do eight passes over my face with the laser and I would feel a tingling sensation.  The machine has a cooling agent attached to the laser so I felt cool air blowing on my numb skin as I felt an irritating, yet tolerable scratching pins and needles like sensation. My forehead was the most sensitive and I just kept breathing as Dr. Lefkowitz fried the skin on each section of my face.

Overall the treatment took about 20 minutes and then I iced.  I left embarrassed as I left her office as I looked like I had a horrible sunburn on my face and neck with puffy eyes and cheeks.  Being that I'm so pale everywhere else I really looked ridiculous.  Wishing I had a scarf to wrap myself up in, I did my best to hide behind my sunglasses and ran home.

This week, as I hibernate I'll experience peeling (new skin!) I'm using gentle cleansers and moisturisers with SPF provided to me by Dr. Lefkowicz.  One of them being Cerave.   This time next week my face will be as soft, smooth and clear as a baby's bottom.  The type of setting my Fraxel treatment was set for was key for targeting photo-damage: brown spots from the sun or aging.  Dr. Lefkowitz did mention that treating melasma is tricky and this may not be the answer.  Some patients may also need more than one treatment to rid their photo-damage.  Looks like I'll only need one (I hope).  I'll write next week and post "After" pics to show you how it came out!

Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz can be found at 875 5th Ave, New York, New York 10065.  Call her for an appointment at (212) 288.3200.

Summer Beauty Buys that Help You (and Him) Beat the Heat

It's still summer!  I know, you're probably already shopping for additions to your fall wardrobe (Get your printed pumps yet?), but live in the moment and embrace the last few weeks of sundress season!  Here are some summer staples that are on mine and Joe's A-list thanks to their refreshing sensations.  After all, the subway will still be sticky until late October! Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh, $3.99 at drugstores.

In a survey 80% of consumers who have tried Vaseline in the past said that the improved Vaseline Total Moisture is better than the old lotion.  What's better?  It feels great on my skin and level of moisturization is top notch, but I really love the aloe factor.  Just like the one I used to use it moisturizes without feeling greasy, but the added aloe makes it refreshing.  Perfect for summertime.  Joe likes it too!

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes, $12.50 at thebodyshop-usa.com

I carry these on me during really hot days because public transportation in NYC in the summer is not pretty.  I gave Joe a pack to keep in his desk drawer at work for an afternoon refresher too.  The tamanu oil helps to soothe your skin and lemon tree oil keeps your pores clear.

Jason Soothing Aloe Vera Organic Oil, $6.39 at jason-natural.com

One of those summer must-haves.  It's a miracle product that soothes, calms and helps heal everything and anything.  I use it on everything from burns I give myself on my fingers from not wearing the glove that comes with my clampless curling iron to my bitten cuticles.

*This post is sponsored by Vaseline, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.