Fall Back On The Basics - Natural Skincare Essentials from Borghese & Sublime Beauty

Natural Skincare Essentials for cleansing, toning and moisturizing this fall.

Autumn in New York and nearly everywhere else means a change in both heat and humidity. Fall mornings are generally cooler and less humid than those lazy summer days we've become accustomed to. This means upping your skincare game to off-set these harsher conditions.
I'm sharing some of my favorite spa inspired treatments from the French and Italian Royal Courts of beauty. That's because France and Italy put more emphasis on skincare than makeup. This is a good trend! So let's start with a clean slate as all the best treatments in the world are ineffective otherwise.

Remove ALL traces of makeup every night: Clarisonic Brush & Borghese Gentle Makeup Remover

1.) Deep Cleanse and Remove Your Makeup Each Night
I really can't stress this enough due to the fact that our skin needs to breathe. Not removing primers, sunblock and foundation each night is just asking for breakouts and enlarged pores. You don't want to strip your skin so use something gentle like this Gel Delicato Gentle Makeup Remover from Princess Marcella Borghese. Oil Free, it can be used around the eyes, (even for contact lens wearers) and lips to dissolve eyeliner and lipstick. I pump a few squirts on my Clarisonic Mia and it does an incredible job of removing all traces of makeup. Get this Gentle Makeup Remover at Borghese.com

Sublime Beauty Balance + Nourish Toner 

Bombshell Buffed Beach Body - Model Tricks

Model Tricks for smooth, toned and (faux) tanned skin!

Summer is in full swing and you may be thinking about that trip to the beach or a pool party invite. We all need a little extra "buffing up" so are a few tips and tricks from Victoria's Secret runway and swimwear models who have to look good for a living. You heard it here first:

Skin Prep-Exfoliate First
If you routinely practice Dry Skin Brushing, something I've recommended many times here, your skin may not need very much exfoliation. You can skip this section and move on to your cellulite cream application. If not, try a fine scrub with something like aluminum oxide crystals. Bioelixia Exfoliating Body Polish is a good one but there are others. You can also use a Clarisonic with a Body Brush Extension Handle. What you want is everything smoothed down so that the cellulite treatments and self tanners will take evenly.

Scrubs and or a Clarisonic offer excellent exfoliation 

Try Dry Body Brushing
Using a dry, natural bristled brush, start with the soles of your feet and move up with strokes towards the heart. This is like an external lymphatic massage and is very helpful in removing toxins and increasing circulation. Be sure to include the area of your arm pits and bikini line. Your skin will glow with a healthy pinkness! Jump in the shower to rinse away any excess skin cells you've brushed off. Now anything you apply on your skin will absorb evenly and completely.

Sublime Beauty Cellulite Whisperer - Crystal Springs Resort & Spa

Sublime Beauty Cellulite Whisperer Gel and Cream
The next step after your Dry Body Brushing and shower is to apply a really effective cellulite gel or cream. Even if you do not have cellulite, a product like this can help smooth the skin and add to a sleek body. Now I've tried nearly every cellulite cream out there from Lancome to Embryolisse to ones used exclusively at spas. None have them have even come close to the tightening and smoothing I've gotten from dry brushing PLUS using Sublime Beauty Cellulite Whisperer products. The Gel and Cream are made with mostly organic herbs, green tea, vitamins and minerals. They also contain the key ingredient in all good cellulite creams, CAFFEINE. First I apply the Cellulite Whisperer Gel and let it absorb. Next I apply the cream and I'm done.

My legs poolside in West Palm Beach

Get That Polished Look
Once your legs (arms too) have been treated with Cellulite Whisperer, you can add your self tanners, shimmers and leg oils. Kate Moss swears by a dry oil by St. Tropez and others rave over Brazil Nut Oil but you can do better with applying some Australian Gold Spray Gel with Instant Bronzer. The Australian Gold contains sunscreen and Tea Tree Oil to help protect your skin from sun damage. Top that off with a bit of Pure Certified Organic Sesame Oil which can also be combed through your hair before hitting the beach or pool. 

Runway Secret: Add a little gold shimmer highlighter down the center of your legs before going out for the evening for extra drama! It will make you legs look extra glossy and slimmer.

Pure Certified Organic Sesame Oil for skin and hair

Do a 3 Day Juice Cleanse
This is something you can do over the weekend because there is a lot of water involved so you might want to stay home. I like Chef V's Green Drink and if you live in the greater NYC/Metro area like me, you can have it delivered fresh to your door. This is a way to get rid of toxins which are the result of eating fast food and processed treats. I eat very clean but like to do a 1 day juice fast once a month. You can find similar Green Drinks at Wegman's and Whole Food Markets or just blend up your own at home using raw kale, spinach and beet tops. Chef V includes a delicious summer squash or sweet potato soup in with your Green Drink Cleanse. So delicious and you'll fit into that bikini in no time. 

NYC's Chef V Green Drink

Summer Haircare & Style Secrets
If you are going to the beach or pool, be sure to add a little protecting oil or cream to your hair. Comb it through and pull it up in a bun and pop on a swim cap if you are going in the water. If you are going to be near the water but not necessarily doing swan dives, you can lightly flat iron your hair with Theorie's Heat Shield Thermal Spray. It adds a super high gloss while protecting your hair from the flat or curling irons. It also blocks humidity for up to 24 hours which should keep the frizz away until you get home.

Theorie Saga II Classic Flat Iron
Speaking of flat irons, Theorie's Saga II Classic is so luxurious. State of the art Titanium floating plates have rounded edges for snag free styling. It heats up in seconds with LED temperature settings from 310 - 450 degrees. Far infrared technology helps hair retain moisture for a silky-smooth finish. Get the Heat Spray and Flat Iron both at YourTheorie.com

Theorie's Saga II Classic Flat Iron and Heat Spray

Spring Clean Your Beauty Routine - New Natural Skincare Products

Freshen up! Time to spring clean your beauty routine.

Springtime in NY: The (slightly) warmer temperatures this week just makes us want to throw off layers of all sorts including makeup and skincare products. If you've been battling the cold dry air of winter, then now you may not need such heavy creams and foundations. I've rounded up some of the best new skin pampering products and gadgets that may be flying under the radar. While you are at it, this is a good time to toss out your old toothbrush and makeup sponges for a really fresh start this spring. Here we go:

Clean up your act: Sonicare Toothbrush, Ayurvedic Soap & Lotus Softsonic Brush + Cleanser

Philips Sonicare Toothbrush - Spring is time to chuck your old toothbrush. Why not upgrade to a Sonicare?  I've used one for years and usually replace the brush heads every 3-4 months. It does an amazing job of cleaning your teeth and this model, the 2 Series is great for plaque removal.

WaterPik Sonic Toothbrush & WaterFlosser - The Sensonic Professional Plus actually blows the Sonicare Flexcare out of the water...literally! You also get THREE unique brush heads, a carry case and a very well made re-charge stand. This model toothbrush also has a 30 second quadrant pacer and two speeds. It is very effective and in my opinion, a better value than Sonicare. WaterPik Water Flossers have been around for a number of years and this Aquarius designer unit is very posh! Fill it and enjoy water-flossing for incredibly clean teeth. Available at most retail and department stores or visit online at WaterPik.com.

Waterpik products for superior dental health.

Chandrika Ayurvedic Soap - Made in India, it is vegan and free from any type of animal fat. Made with high quality vegetable oils and genuine herbal extracts, it smells of sandalwood and is very gentle on your skin.

Lotus by Dr. K Softsonic Skincare - This is a very soft and gentle sonic cleanser which offers 10,000 sonic vibrations per minute and is waterproof. Much lighter and easier on my skin than my Clarisonic Face Brush, my pores are ultra clean now. Their Foaming Cleanser is good but you can use any type of facial cleanser. This brush travels easier too with the replaceable brush heads lasting between 3-6 months. Made in Korea. Visit Lotus-dr-k.com

Organic, natural skincare creams and lotions for face and body.

100% Natural and Organic Cremes and Lotions for Face & Body
We are literally swimming in chemicals and additives every day through cleaning products, air fresheners, polishes, etc. We don't need to add to this list with creams and lotions we put on our skin. Here are a few new favorites that are VERY pure and made without any additives: Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care Custom Blended Formulations, Incredibalm Whipped Lemon Clarity Body Balm AND Hydrating Face & Neck Anti-Aging Night Balm, Suki Rescue Ultra Protect Body Balm. 

Let it all sink in: Derma Roller and JeNu Wand

The Derma Roller vs JeNu Wand This is getting major buzz on the beauty scene this spring. The Derma Roller has 540 tiny stainless steel needles that you run over your face to: stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, reduce enlarged pores, tighten and smooth the skin. Put your serums on and roll over your skin with this device to drive it down into the skin. Relatively painless, I did see an almost immediate improvement after two uses. A bit scary but they are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

The JeNu Wand This unit uses ultrasonic pulses to drive serums down into the skin. Much more comfortable than the Derma Roller, the success of this unit may depend more on the quality of products you use. I don't really have many lines around my eyes or mouth so I can't say there was a marked improvement after using the JeNu Wand for several weeks. It did seem to increase hydration under my eyes and my lips do appear a little plumper and more moist. If you are looking for more drastic improvement for deeper lines and wrinkles, I think the Derma Roller will give better results. The JeNu Ultrasonic Infuser is rechargeable (charger included) and very easy to use.
Visit JeNu.com Online.

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation and Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Creme Foundation

New Trend in Makeup Foundations
Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Ink Foundation is by NO means a "natural" cosmetic. However I am including it along with NARS New All Day Luminous Foundation & Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Flawless Fluid as examples of the newer, LIGHTER yet highly pigmented, long wearing products coming out. All three have a lot of dimethicone added to them (which I think is a BIG mistake) so they get major razzies on that point. However, if you are not sensitive to silicones, you may find you are able to get away with just a touch of these foundations as you need so little. I'm literally talking about one DROP of foundation. A minor concession then? 

NARS All Day Luminous Foundation

They look absolutely flawless, natural and feel like nothing on your skin, especially the NARS All Day Luminous Foundation.

Lauren Brooke Cosmetique Natural Creme Foundation This is THE WINNER. 100% Natural vitamins, minerals and pigments blended into a 97.5% Certified Organic Base. 

Formulated with beeswax, jojoba and argan oils, it may be a little rich for hot summer-wear. However, it is a fair trade-off to have an all natural foundation that melts into your skin like butter. Highly prized by makeup artists, MaqPro Palettes from Paris, France (Makeupfirst.com) are also beeswax based and look incredible on the runway. Lots of shades in Warm, Neutral and Cool. Visit Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Online.

Toss your old makeup sponges! Disney Fairy Sponges collaboration with Soho Beauty

Disney Fairy Princess Sponges - I don't know about you but I'm not too old to play with Disney Fairy Princess stuff. "Each fairy sponge grants you a flawless application!" These are very dense "Beauty Blender" type make up sponges which are great for all types of sheering out. These are what you should use to apply the new wax based palettes. They clean up well and are very durable. You get a set of three in the Grace Beauty Aurora Set (Sleeping Beauty) and a single large blender sponge in the Snow White set. See them at SohoBeauty.com

100% Mulberry Satin Pillowcases

Try Sleeping on Satin Pillowcases 
These ultra soft 100% Mulberry Satin Pillowcases from Sleep n Beauty are amazing for your skin and hair. These work to keep your skin smooth and soft partly due to the presence of silk amino acids which pamper both your skin and hair while you sleep. Sleep n Beauty gives you a set of x2 silk pillowcases per box presented as you see here. Change them frequently to help keep your skin clear of acne and breakouts. Spritz with a little Lavender Mist for an extra good night's sleep! Visit SleepnBeauty.com online.

Book a Dermatologist's Check Up...Online
The season's changing weather can bring new challenges to skincare: breakouts, sun damage, increased oiliness, etc.  This would be a good time to reassess your skincare routine moving forward into the warmer months. I had the chance to try out an online dermatologist service called YoDerm for my Acne.
You fill out a brief online form, upload three photos of your face and a certified dermatologist helps you to choose the skin care protocol that's best for you. This includes writing prescriptions for Retin-A and oral medications. This works for me because I am often traveling and may not always be able to get in to see my doctor before I leave. Check them out at YoDerm online.

On the go and ready for summer! Winter Garden Dress by Cindy + Johnny, CA

Makeup: Kett Hydro Foundation, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick
Sonicare Toothbrush, YSL Foundation, Derma Roller and Soap - mine.
Skincare products and accessories c/o the companies included herewith. 

Bringing the Spa Home with Clarisonic and Embryolisse

The Clarisonic display at Sephora, 42nd Street, NYC.

SEPHORA, 42ND ST. NYC: Earlier this year, we were doing a photo shoot in Midtown and stopped by Sephora on our way to Times Square.  They have a really large selection of all things Clarisonic so we went over to the display and saw this cool attachment for the PLUS. If you're not too familiar with the Clarisonic Line of sonic cleansing systems, the PLUS has interchangeable heads for both your face and body.

Clarisonic's Body Brush Extension Handle turns the PLUS into a back brush! Pair it with Embryolisse Soap Free Cleanser and Lait Creme Body Lotion for a full spa treatment.

Clarisonic PLUS
I've had my Clarisonic PLUS for about three years now and I wouldn't be without it. I even take it with me camping! When you snap on the facial brush head, the unit senses this and automatically selects those settings. Pop on the body brush-head and it goes into a 2 minute cycle for the bath or shower.

The Clarisonic PLUS with both the facial and body brush heads.

Sonic Cleansing All Over
The Body Brush Extension Handle just makes the PLUS that much better. Now I can more comfortably reach down to the small of my back, knees, legs and feet. The PLUS easily snaps into the cradle which is angled to more effectively access your back. If you're like me and have acne on your shoulders and back, this brush attachment is a great way to treat it. The handle of the extension is comfortable and easy to grip even with soapy hands.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Moussant (Sans Savon) & Lait-Creme Riche Corps
My Clarisonic PLUS came with several tubes of gentle cleansers which are perfect for traveling. At home, I prefer to use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Soap Free Cleanser.
Since it is soap free, it does not dry your skin or leave a film. Rich in sweet almond oil and shea butter, I just squeeze a little on my wet skin and begin massaging with my PLUS.  This is a multi-tasking cleanser as I've also used it on my face and as a shampoo. It's even gentle enough for use on babies.

Moisturizing After your Spa Treatment
The icing on the cake is going to be your moisturizer. My favorite by far is Embryolisse Lait-Creme Riche Corps.  I love the delicate fragrance of sandalwood which is a signature note of this French line. It contains shea butter, oils of sandalwood, cork and barley with vitamin E.  It is SO rich, a little goes a long way especially on moist, freshly cleansed skin. I've been to several day spas and enjoy what they do but you can treat yourself at home EVERYDAY to a facial and body scrub with Clarisonic and Embryolisse!

Body Brush/Attachments & Cleansers-Moisturizers c/o Clarisonic & Embryolisse respectively.