Tone It Up! - BioElixia's NEWLY Released BodyShapers

Want tight and toned legs like these? BioElixia's new BodyShaper Line will firm you up in only 4 weeks!

I first reported on BioElixia's BodyShaper Cellulite Control Creme in my Resorts Fashion Week Body & Sol article last month. First of all let me say that I am a fitness advocate and walk, hike and bicycle quite a bit. That having been said, I've seen a marked improvement in my skin's firmness and tone after only 4 weeks of using their BodyShaper creme. I've tried quite a few products over the years, many of them like one from Lancome which was expensive and painful. It consisted of a bar of soap and a bath massager with rubber nubs. I'm not making this up.

BioElixia's BodyShaper Cellulite Control Creme 
This is the first product that I tried from BioElixia and it is a GOOD one. After three weeks I noticed a difference in how firm my thighs and tummy had become. By week four I was sold. It boasts TMP Dermal Delivery Technology developed in Australia.

BioElixia boasts TPM Dermal Delivery Technology for maximum absorption.

How I Use It
I have used this product in conjunction with my Clarisonic Plus Sonic Cleansing System. This unit deeply and thoroughly cleanses the skin and with the handle extension attachment, it's now a back brush. Right after my shower, I apply the BodyShaper Cellulite Control Creme to my warm, moist, skin. I let it completely soak in before applying any extra moisturizing or self tanning products.

My Clarisonic Plus with Body Brush Extension Handle attached. Body Cleansers & Lotions by Embryolisse

NEW BioElixia November 2013 Releases!
Given how pleased I was with the original BodyShaper product, I was happy to learn that the BioElixia line was to be expanded starting this month! Mind you I've just started trying their new additions but I'm already seeing some front runners in the sleek and chic division.

New additions to the BioElixia BodyShaper line!

Radiance Body Cleanser - Made with green tea, trehalose, fruit enzymes and skin conditioning minerals, I like that this cleanser is pure and clear. Leaves no residue and rinses cleanly. 250ml/ 8.45 fl. oz.

Stretch Mark Diminishing Creme - Technically, stretch marks are tears in the skin's collagen. This happens when the skin stretches faster than the collagen can keep up such as when we have quick weight gain during a pregnancy. Yes, I know about that! There's not a whole lot you can do but I'm looking forward to some positive improvement. 125ml/ 4.23 fl. oz.

The Cellulite Contour Creme was the first BioElixia product I tried

Exfoliating Body Polish - Ding Ding Ding, we have a WINNER! Made with Sweet Almond, aloe vera, vitamin E and micro crystals, this product leaves you feeling like you just had a microdermabrasion treatment.
Skin is incredibly smooth, almost slick afterwards and deep cleansing like this allows the other BioElixia products to sink right in. 200ml/ 6.76 fl. oz.

Firming Toning Body Lotion - Another WINNER! You get an almost instant tone-up and tightening with this lotion as it contains aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin E and firming green tea, caffeine and maca herbal extract. 200ml/ 6.76 fl. oz.

Modeling for a photo shoot for Pistil Designs.

Tone it Up!
I model for a number of really great fashion designers and BioElixia BodyShaper products are now part of my over-all beauty regimen. I still have to work out and lift weights but these products really do it and shown results I can see. Like the icing on the cake, (I'm not supposed to eat)! Whatever your lifestyle or if you just need a little extra confidence to rock that bikini, I think you'll be pleased with BioElixia BodyShapers. BioElixia products are currently available at Henri Bendel or online at BioElixia.com

BodyShaper Skincare Products c/o BioElixia

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. 

Airbrush Makeup Artist Secrets: Kett Cosmetics, NYC & Embryolisse Labs-Paris, France

Kett Jett Airbrush and Cosmetics - NYC and Embryolisse Labs skin prep - Paris, France.

One of the things I've learned from doing live television and print work is to be prepared. Some of the smaller television stations often do not have makeup artists on set so you need to show up "with face on". This is also true when shooting on location where you are out in the elements. I met Sheila McKenna, the owner and creator of NYC based Kett Cosmetics about 9 years ago when after being in a fashion show, noticed the male models looked incredible on the runway. They had been airbrushed! So Sheila choose just the perfect shade for me in her Hydro Foundation and blush both of which I airbrush before all photo shoots, television and HD videos.

The tag line for Kett Cosmetics is "Makeup for the Digital Age" but McKenna says: "Makeup has to look good in person and on camera. My makeup has evolved with technology so as technology changes, so will my product line."  Sheila offers classes for professional makeup artists with her NYC series coming up in September.  Check out the Kett Cosmetics Website for Class Dates.

Kett Hydro Foundation is long-wearing can be applied with or without an airbrush.

I've always applied Kett Hydro Foundation through an airbrush, (try the Kett Jett compressor & gun) but you can also get a very lovely finish using a stippling or dual fiber skunk brush. This is a Pro Based makeup line and makeup artist gurus like YouTube's Wayne Goss say it is his "holy grail" foundation. Wayne, where have you been? I've know this for years!

Kett's NEW Fixx Creme Blush Compacts

Another makeup artist who's work I admire is that of Angie Mehlhorn. Angie has used her airbrushing system on her brides in the Pittsburgh area, television shows, (Dance Moms) and editorial work. It is truly her go to product. " I love that Kett is so versatile, I can simply match absolutely anyone's skin tone with ease. Also I can give someone a finished sanitary look with the contouring colors, blush, highlight etc."

Makeup Artist Angie Mehlhorn (right) airbrushing on set.

Angie M makeup artistry

angiemehlhorn@yahoo.com

Makeup Artist Secrets-The Kit
Angie shared some of her makeup artist secrets with me, which I am including here. This can work with an airbrush or a makeup brush application. I've also put together a suggested Artist Makeup Kit which is what I bring on set prior to a television appearance or on location photo shoot. The Kett Jett accommodates batteries so you can run it with or without a power outlet.

1.) Primer: Top makeup artists from all over the world use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate as a foundation base or primer. Shiela and Angie both use and recommend Embryolisse in their pro classes and the Emulsion Hydra-Mat can be used to help control oiliness. You'll find a little tube of Embryolisse in practically every savvy makeup artist's kit and European models often will not let you work on them without it. I also like L'Oreal Miracle Blur which J-Lo is said to also be in love with for red carpet photography.

*NOTE: You can also use less moisturizer under your makeup if you apply a rinse off moisture masque first. This will prep your skin and leave a dewy texture without being overly greasy. Try Embryolisse Hydra-Masque.

2.) Cream Blush  You can use Kett Fixx Creme Blush over her airbrush foundations. Use a damp Beauty Blender sponge to pick up pigment. I like the Fixx Creme Blush as it can be used for lips, eyes, cheeks, etc. but glides on and stays put as it is water-proof. It also contains vitamins and botanicals that are good for the skin.

3.) Airbrushing Benefits If you really want to experience the ultimate in makeup artistry, invest in an airbrush system like the Kett Jett. It holds two airbrush guns so you can switch between the two and goes up to 30 p.s.i.  You can actually use it to do tattoo coverage and air tanning. Airbrushing uses very little product, (6-7 drops of foundation is all you need for face and neck).

*TIP: Airbrushing is likewise very good for acne prone skin as the makeup sits on top of the skin, not down into the pores. You are also not introducing bacteria and germs from hair or fiber brushes and sponges. 

4.) Body Beautiful One of the top makeup artist secrets is the illusion that can be made with airbrushing arms, legs and abs. Magazine covers to Victoria Secret fashion shows all use the same sculpting techniques. Air tanning and bronzer applications look so real when done through an airbrush. Here's what to do:

Clarisonic Plus with face and body attachments.

*Exfoliate- You can use a Clarisonic Plus Ultrasonic Cleansing Brush to gently exfoliate the decolletage, shoulders, arms and legs...really anywhere you want a smooth application of color. On your face, use something gentle like Embryolisse Exfoliating Cream.

*Moisturize - Just like your face, be sure to plump up your body parts after you've exfoliated them. Once again Embryolisse wins out. The Lait-Creme Rich Corps does for your body what their Lait-Creme Concentrate does for your face. This is a new formula with a dual action that nourishes, moisturizes and repairs the skin.

All makeup application requires a bit of imagination and artistry.  If you want pro results, take a look at what the pros actually use, especially product wise. Airbrushing is really easy to do, just check out some of the great videos on YouTube to get started. If you are a professional makeup artist and want to explore airbrushing, there are seminars and workshops you can attend to expand your skills.  It will set you apart from the crowd and allow for quick and seamless results as seen here. 

Airbrush makeup artistry by Angie Mehlhorn using Kett Cosmetics & Embryolisse products.

Cosmetics and Skincare products C/O Kett Cosmetics & Embryolisse Laboratories

Back to School Cool Skincare

These are the essentials that nearly every high school or college student needs! Going back to school doesn't mean having to bring acne along too. With this little "care backpack", you can face the new term with ultimate confidence. Here's our Teacher's List:


NEW!!! Polar Bottle's Half Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle
We all know how important proper hydration is to beautiful skin. Water helps remove toxins that can show up as breakouts and rough skin. The best hydration begins within and these new Half Twist Stainless Steel bottles from Polar Bottle are just the thing! Since these are made of stainless steel, you can go beyond water and pack along your favorite green tea or smoothie. Either way, every drink adds to your water quota of the day which should be between 6-8 cups.
Right now the X-Training BLOG is doing a FREE Give-Away of a Thermal Polar Bottle & The Eat Clean Cookbook by Tosca Reno so click this link to enter!


NEW!!! BLUE Clarisonic Mia Ultrasonic Skincare Brush
Portable, blue and ready to go! The New Ice Blue Clarisonic Mia is the perfect gift for your favorite co-ed. Small but mighty, it offers the same benefits as its big brother, the Clarisonic Plus. Using ultrasonic technology, the Clarisonic Mia effectively removes, oil, dirt and makeup 6x more effectively than manual washing. The gentle exfoliation is perfect for acne prone skin, keeping it clearer and smoother. Better still, it does all of this in 1 minute! The smaller size also makes it easy to pack to take the school showers or dorm bathrooms. This allows the immediate removal of sweat and toxins after gym class which would usually get sucked back into the skin.


Retin-A (Trentinoin) Micro Pump - REBATE!
Retin-A is only available by prescription but has a 30+ year track record for its effectiveness in dealing with acne, fine lines and wrinkles. A new innovation in the Retin-A line is the Micro Pump. The pump allows for a metered amount to be dispensed so there is no guessing and less waste. The new microsphere delivery system means that the product is gradually released into the skin, not all in one shot as with the regular gel. The Micro Gel is in fact more of a creamy consistency and not irritating or drying. Worth taking a trip to the doctor's office! Even better is the above offer for up to a $50 rebate on your purchase of Retin-A Micro Pump, (0.04% and 0.1%)

NEW!!! Coconut Microdermabrasion Crystals Soap
One of the problems many us face with the fall is the dryer air + dryer skin = flakiness. I developed this new Coconut Oil Microdermabrasion Soap primarily for the newly discovered health benefits of this plant oil but found it to be very moisturizing! Highly emollient and rich, it is perfect for dry skin. Can be used on the face or body and removes mascara and makeup like a dream. The spa grade Microdermabrasion crystals in the "bumpy face" of this new soap gently remove dead skin cells revealing fresher, plumper, healthier ones underneath. It really is an all in one skin treatment bar for face and body that you will not want to do without. See all of my 4.5 oz full sized Microdermabrasion Soaps in Original Blue, Rose, Seaweed and now Coconut.

Eating healthy is also very important to beautiful skin so make sure to include a few of these beauty foods in your diet every day:

• Avocado

• Shrimp

• Kale

• Salmon

• Wheat Germ

• Yams

June Bride Give-Away!

Gavethat.com
is are celebrating all of you June Brides with a Bridal Registry Give-Away! Visit and enter to win a full sized bottle of Clarisonic's Skin Renewal Serum and Dinair's Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit!

Bridal Registry Give-Away

Dinair Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit

Ah yes, June is the month for weddings and anniversaries! If you are looking for the perfect gift, check out Gavethat.com's Bridal Registry Special. Not only will you get fabulous gift ideas for that special bride, (could it be you?), or an anniversary treat for someone special.

Better still is Gavethat.com's GIVE-AWAY of this fantastic Dinair Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit and Clarisonic's Skin Renewal Serum! Dinair is THE name in makeup artistry using the airbrushing technique. In fact they have been doing in longer than just about anyone else. This kit pictured here gives you all of these items including the airbrush compressor and gun. Once you see what a difference airbrushing makes, you may not want to go back to the old conventional way of applying makeup!

Be sure to visit Gavethat.com during the month of June to enter this beauty bonanza of gifts from Dinair and Clarisonic. Bells will surely chime!



Clarisonic Skin Care

Airbrushed Dinair Makeup is applied best over clean, exfoliated skin. That is why we recommend a deep cleansing with the Clarisonic Ultrasonic skin cleansing systems. Follow up with Clarisonic's Skin Renewal Serum and you'll have even better results with your airbrush makeup. The perfect compliment! Visit Gavethat.com during the month of June to enter to win Clarisonics Skin Renewal Serum AND a Dinair Studio Airbrush Makeup Kit!

Clarisonic & Opal Give-Away!

Right now, Gavethat.com is holding a Clarisonic Mia & Opal Skin Care Systems GIVE-AWAY!!!! Read our article: Spa Pleasures at Home to find out what these incredible products can do. Follow this link below and enter before midnight, May 31st, 2010!!!!


Enter Gavethat.com's Clarisonic & Opal GIVE-AWAY

Clarisonic & Opal: Spa Pleasures at Home

The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System and the Opal Skin Infusion System make the perfect pair for your "home-spa".

Clarisonic & Opal: Spring Skin Detox is my article on the Clarisonic Skincare Line. It was published at Gavethat.com so click on the link to read the full review. One of the nicest things you can do for yourself is take a vacation away from the everyday. Now that may not be too easy but considering that stress can elicit a whole host of unhealthy symptoms, we should take time for ourselves.

I have gone away to some wonderful spas for European facials and herbal body wraps. They are wonderful for both mind and body. However for a bit more than you would pay for a visit, you can invest in your own home spa essentials such as pictured above.

The Clarisonic Plus Skin Cleansing System offers interchangeable heads for your face and body. It is completely immersible and does and incredible job cleansing your skin, much in the way the Sonicare toothbrush cleans your teeth. It is the same technology after all. The Opal is the newest addition to the Clarisonic line and offers a very effective skin infusion system to plump up fine lines and wrinkles. The target areas for the Opal are the eyes but it is just as effective around the mouth, neck and forehead. When used in tandem, you have a complete system that will give you spa results at home. In fact the Clarisonic Skincare brush is already used in some of the top retreats in the world. Now you can have these same spa pleasures at home for yourself!