Botox or No Tox? Biotulin Injection Free Alternatives

Biotulin offers an injection free alternative to Botox.

This is the first in the Spring Fling Series of new, natural and lighter skincare products for the coming 2017 season. I can remember when Botox Parties were all the rage going on in select NYC apartments and lofts. What were they thinking? Horror stories of injections gone bad quickly appeared thereafter but was there any surprise? I know my dermatologist also began offering aesthetic procedures at his office such as facial peels in addition to cosmetic surgery because there was a demand for something a little extra. If you are not quite ready to go under the knife (or needle), keep reading!

Dermaroller with 0.5 mm Micro Needles

Skin Beautifying Antioxidants You Need to Try: MitoQ, Neocell & Dr. Perricone

Antioxidants work best when taken internally and used externally.

As you may know, I am a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Pharmacology expert,(Rutgers College of Pharmacy alumna). When I wrote, The Secret of Staying Young, (Lotus Press), I emphasized the importance of adding antioxidants to your diet and skincare routine. I stand by this advice as it means keeping my skin fresh and clear despite spending my summers swimming, cycling and running. All of that UV damage adds up so I've found a way to actually reverse it. Here how I do it:

My book published by Lotus Press

Vitamin C Serums
The best way to get a fresh antioxidant boost in the morning is to start with a potent Vitamin C Peptide Serum. Apply this after cleansing to help undo free radical damage and fade sun spots.


Top Two Vitamin C Serums to Try:

1).  G.M. Collin Vitamin C + Peptide Serum

2.)  Sublime Beauty Retinol Serum with Vitamin C

After gently cleansing and exfoliating, use a potent Vitamin C Serum

Antioxidant Moisturizers
After applying my vitamin C serum(s) which are very light and thin, I like to "seal the deal" with a really good antioxidant moisturizer. I've found MitoQ Power Antioxidant to be in a class all its own and have been using it since last October. It is very different in that it delivers a healthy payload of antioxidants, namely CoQ deep within the mitochondria of your cells and is 847 times more potent than any other topical cream containing this co-enzyme.

MitoQ Power Antioxidant Supplements and Moisturizer

MitoQ Power Antioxidant Moisturizer works by protecting both skin fibroblasts within the deeper dermis and keratinocytes in the outer layer or epidermis. This means more youthful levels of collagen and elastin. When I apply it, I can actually feel it sinking down into my skin. It is like a wave of moisture going deep into the layers. No greasy residue, just a plump, moist and very firm skin toning effect. MitoQ has scientific studies showing its efficacy but my proof is in the mirror. MitoQ has reversed some of the sun damage I've gotten as I am outdoors a lot. As you can see in this fashion photo below, my skin simply glows from within.

PHOTO by Kenneth Deutsch of Headshots, NYC

MitoQ Targeted Antioxidant Supplement
Getting that lit from within look also means taking a daily antioxidant supplement. I've been taking MitoQ Targeted Antioxidant capsules since last fall. I especially believe it works as a synergy with the topical MitoQ Power Antioxidant Moisturizer. The 5 mg capsules are easy to swallow and I take one or two every morning when I get up. This same supplement has been extensively studied for its efficacy in dealing with degenerative diseases like MS so it is something to seriously consider adding to your diet to help your skin and body both look and perform younger. It can likewise help slow free radical damage which accumulates with age. Learn more about MitoQ products & research studies online HERE

NeoCell Beauty Infusion
Another good antioxidant beauty supplement you can take is by NeoCell known for my fave Beauty Bursts Collagen Chews. Although I just started taking this, it looks like another winner but in a delicious Tangerine Twist flavor. Blend a scoop of Beauty Infusion in 8 oz of water first thing in the morning for a burst of beta carotene and vitamin C along with 6,000 mgs of collagen and 3,000 mcgs of biotin which is by the way, amazing for your hair.

Sunscreen Year Round
I'm sure you're aware that just because summer is over doesn't mean we can abandon use of sunblock. After moisturizing, the next step is to use a natural sunscreen with antioxidants and botanicals. I've been using Sulwhasoo Age Veil, SPF 30 and Elizabeth Arden's Triple Protection Factor Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 50 which is more like a tinted moisturizer. What you want are sunblocks with a physical sunscreen, namely the newer products like these containing titanium and zinc dioxides.

EA's TPF Physical Sunscreen SPF 50

Sulwhasoo Age Veil at Crystal Springs Resort this summer.

Dr. Perricone No Foundation, Foundation Serum - Sephora & Ulta
This is something new I picked up at Sephora. Dr. Perricone is well known for his acne skin care line but this new serum goes beyond your usual tinted moisturizers. The serum is very light, watery in fact and you only need about four drops to do your face and neck. Coverage is very sheer but offers a mineral sunscreen with a SPF 30. It feels like nothing on your skin but makes it look flawless. I did not need the optional bronzer as the color right from the bottle is just fine. I would mix it with Kett Shimmers to match my tan. Just be warned that No Foundation, Foundation Serum's universal tint is quite warm making it perfect for golden skin tones. 

I like that this formula offers sun protection and some antioxidants but you can find a less expensive dupe with La Roche Posay's Sunscreen which offers an SPF of 50. La Roche Posay is also available at CVS in case you don't have a Sephora or Ulta store nearby.

So give these products a try this season. They will go a long way towards undoing the sun damage from summer and repair your skin in time for the Holidays. Better still, you'll not only look fabulous but you'll feel incredible too!

Hair: Esther Tobias of Fortune Fashions, NYC
Makeup: Kett Cosmetics Hydro Air Brush Foundation, NYC
Photography: Kenneth Deutsch, Headshots for Fortune Fashions, NYC
Power Antioxidant Moisturizer & Supplements c/o MitoQ
Beauty Infusion c/o Neocell

Skin Perfect: NEW Moisture Blur Primer by L'Oreal Paris

New from the RevitaLift Collection - Moisture Blur is blurring the lines!

Paris-France Spring is here and most of us are ready for lighter clothes, shoes and makeup. The only thing is the challenge of sporting a fresh, natural look can mean showing your skin for what it is: uneven, full of large pores & acne scars. I've pretty much found my Holy Grail of primers, namely L'Oreal's Miracle Blur which I use in practically every photo shoot. Still that didn't stop me from trying something new from the same line. Oh, so glad I did!

Moisture Blur - Moisturizer + Primer
It's no secret now that red carpet stars like Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo) are in love with Miracle Blur. I liked it when it first came out over a year ago and was one of the first to use and review it. The original formula tends to get a bit dry and stiff in the tube.  It also separated so I've learned not to stock up as age does not improve this product's application. The newer Moisture Blur however seems a bit softer/creamier perhaps because of the addition of moisturizers.

Moisture Blur is creamier than the original Miracle Blur

What's the Difference?
Moisture Blur, as the name implies, has 24hour moisturizers built into the product in addition to the line filling primer action. It is also easier to apply than the original Miracle Blur. On the downside, Moisture Blur DOES NOT have sun protection factors like the original Miracle Blur which has a SPF of 20. This is not really a deal breaker for me because I use a dedicated sunblock no matter what. My sunblock goes on BEFORE my primer and the new one I'm using from G.M. Collin does not interfere with my makeup at all. See: The Top New Sunscreens for Spring-Summer

Less is more. Try a lighter makeup touch for spring.

The Results - Photo Ready Skin
Oftentimes I have to be on location at very short notice for a promotional appearance or photo shoot. The bigger magazines and TV Stations have hair and makeup artists on the set to get you ready. However, to save time and make sure my foundation matches, I'll often take care of that at home via an airbrush (Kett Cosmetics specifically). Using Moisture Blur is a major step up from the Miracle Blur primer because I don't have to remember to apply tons of moisturizer. In fact in the photos above and below, I'm only wearing MitoQ Advanced AntiOxidant Moisturizer under the Moisture Blur. MitoQ is super intense and light, leaving no residue as it sinks completely into the skin. It also helps even out and correct sun spots and freckles due to UV damage.

Moisture Blur offers 24hour hydration.

The Wrap
Suffice it to say, I'm really pleased with the application and all day hydration of Moisture Blur. My pores and acne scars are nicely hidden and after using it on my lids, my eye shadow went on easier as well. My skin is generally oily so winter time makes it just about right. As the weather warms up, I'll see if the Moisture Blur is too heavy or not, however I think it will be fine. You really can't feel it on your skin! I all of these photos I am wearing:

MitoQ Advanced AntiOxidant Moisturizer
Moisture Blur
Lancome Teint Miracle in Bisque (W) 
HourGlass Nectar Lip Gloss
Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss
Victoria's Secret Brightening Highlighter
Bare Minerals Top Shelf Eye Duo
Sephora's Color Proof Eyeliner in Navy Blue
Physician's Formula Bronzer