Some have a love hate relationship with their skin, they love when it looks great, and hate when it doesn’t.  With this simple guide you will no longer be a prisoner to your skin behaving badly.

Start At the Beginning

Beautiful skin is attainable, without spending a fortune (consider this an investment).  Our skins needs will change from time to time, and our skin products should too.  Updating your product line is a must if you want to maintain a great complexion.  Here is what you do.  Consult with a reputable esthetician or dermatologist and have a list of questions prepared.  Feel free to ask them to explain things that don’t understand, and take notes.  Always feel free to get a second opinion.

Invest in a good professional product line. A good esthetician will be  well versed in more than one line, and can recommend you products that she may or may not carry in her spa.

The product line should be tailored to fit your skin.  It should contain a milk or cream cleanser,  an exfoliator that completely dissolves in water, no shells, pumice, and beads…allowed. It should also include a mask that suits your skins needs at that present moment.  If your skin is dry use a hydrating mask, to learn more about which mask is right for you click here.  You will also need a toner , and two moisturizers, one for day and one for night.

FYI- Feel free to be eclectic when it comes to your skin care. If you have a  toner that really works feel free to use it.  Realistically speaking there is no perfect product line. Being able to choose products from different lines will require knowledge in skincare and your esthetician should be able to assist you.

Here is What I’ve Found!

Guinot Has amazing milk cleansers and their gommage biologique is a must use.

Simone France’s line has several goodies. The sandwich, her moisturizers, and masks are awesome.

Ling carries an amazing purfying mask.

For a no nonsense approach to product selection give MySkin a try.  Use the code: msesthy to set up your profile.

Instead of opting for the very popular botox or rejuaderm injections, some have taken matter  into their own hands and given facial yoga a try. This is going to be the latest trend in the on going battle against aging. Yoga has been known to tone muscles, detoxify the body, and increase flexibility. These benefits are exactly what is needed to help us to age gracefully.

Using masks in your skin care routine is very beneficial.  The right mask can work wonders for your skin.  Typically they contain oils, vitamins, fruit, minerals, flowers, and herbs, and they can come in different forms hydrating, clay, collagen, and vitamin c to name a few.

The benefits that masks provide are endless, they can: hydrate, soothe, tighten and tone, clear up blemishes and rejuvenate your skin.

Masking According To Your Kind

Clay masks will gently purify your skin, and are ideal for normal to oily skin.

A soothing mask such as hibiscus & arnica, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps to soothe your skin.

Collagen masks help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, it also helps increase your skins hydration.

No facial is complete without a mask application.  They can stay on anywhere from 5- 45 minutes, and it is recommended that you apply a mask at least once a week.  Beautiful skin awaits.

If you want great skin give this a try:

Smoking Ain’t Hip

Cigarette smoking falls under the category of bad habits that are pretty hard to break.  After learning that it not only has been linked to cancer, it is also responsible for premature aging, and the dreaded wrinkling of  skin.  This may give mokers (that’s how my daughter used to say smokers) a little more of an incentive to kick that bad habits boo-tay.

Yeah I am sure you get that smoking is really unhealthy for your lungs, but OMG the damage that is does to your skin is insane.  First, it totally causes your blood vessels to constrict, on your skins outer layers (too much of this causes wrinkles).   Second, it has been known to cause dry skin, aka sand paper hands.  Third, um…if you smoke long enough, you’ll probably end up with smokers lips.

FYI- If you are not willing to kick the habit, but suffer from smokers lips, there are inject-able solutions that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around your mouth.  Go a reputable plastic surgeon, that has experience with this procedure.

Quench That Thirsty Skin

Moisturize, Moisturize Moisturize. Our skin can’t survive without it.  If we deprive it of moisture it can cause irritation, dryness, itching, and the socially unacceptable ashing of the skin (a/k/a ashy).

Rub, Rub, Rub Away

Exfoliating your skin once a week is an amazing treat.  It removes dead skin, bringing the fresh new skin to the surface.  It gives you a glow, that won’t stop. FYI- I am enamoured with Guinot’s Gommage Biologique

Don’t sleep in your Makeup

This is something that I have heard my entire life, but when I was in beauty school our instructor said “sleeping in your makeup can age you 10 years”.  Now that is very, very scary.  Get in the routine of washing your face with a cleansing milk every night before bed, tone, moisturize and sweet dreams.

With the economy on everyone’s mind; sticking to your budget is more important than ever before, and here are some ideas to keep you looking fab minus the tab.

The Ole Switch-A-Roo

Don’t have money in the budget for that new outfit? No sweat my pet, organize a clothing swap with your girlfriends, and get a few new-to-you pieces to spruce up your wardrobe.  Here is how it works: spring clean your closet, find things that you’d want to swap. The items have to be in good condition, trendy, and ready to be worn (no dirty clothes).

Take them to the designated location, and swap until your heart is content.  Jeans, handbags, accessories, and wives (according to ABC) are all swappable these days.   The sky is the limit, have fun, be creative, and most important you’ve got new clothes and stayed with in the family’s budget.

Hey There, Sleeping Beauty

Adequate sleep is one the most beneficial things we can do to instantly improve our appearance.  It also boosts our immune system, as well as helps the nervous system function properly.  Adults generally need between seven and eight hours of sleep each night.  If you experience problems sleeping, consult a physician as there may be an underlying issue.  Sweet dreams.

Polish Your Nails

Nail polish has the ability to transform boring and drab into totally fab.  Choose a color that you haven’t worn in a while.  This will make your nails pop.  In 30 minutes you can have a fabulous nails and an improved look, all without spending a dime.

How have you reinvented yourself for FREE?

I’ve had many a pair of hands in my head, and some I’ve liked more than others.  When I started the discussion; What do you like or dislike about your hairdresser, the responses ranged from one end of the spectrum to the other.

Punctuality, professionalism, time management (double booking), answering the phone during service, creativity, ability to listen, and the cleanliness of the salon were some of the responses that were thrown out there.

It’s a wonder that anyone still goes to a salon if they have to put up with this kind of behavior.

I’m a Beautician, Not A Magician

Going to a reputable salon and finding a stylist that is a perfect match for you is possible, it just requires a little effort on your part.  Have a clear idea of what you are looking for, and be realistic.  It is nothing more frustrating than a client with unrealistic expectations, and a hairdresser that can live up to them.

Speak Now or Forever Sit There

We each get 24 hours in a day, if we are lucky.  For a technician to double book their clients it is unprofessional and greedy. One could argue that ‘people do make appointments and then don’t show up’, and this may be the case.  Salons that have a high rate of no-shows could try operating on a walk ins welcome, first come first serve basis.

I remember my first experience with a double booking.  I showed up for my 10 am  appointment with a hairdresser (that shall remain nameless), and another woman came in the salon and had a 10 am with the same person.  I started looking at her, and she started looking back at me, and then we both looked at him like he was crazy. Needless to say I lost that battle.  She definitely pulled rank, as a weekly standing appointment. Hey, at least he valued his loyal clients.

It’s A Sign Of The Times

Are they keeping up with the trends in hair dressing, or do they pride themselves on having graduated in 1980 from beauty school and never taken another class? Sites such as Citysearch, Yelp, Salon & Spa, and the up and coming E Salon Space, are all designed to help you find a hairdresser in your area that is keeping up with current trends and safety regulations.

Do You Understand The Words That Are Coming Out Of My Mouth?

Communication is very important in any relationship, and having your hair dresser 100% understand your goal for your hair, that’s major.  Be specific in communicating your ideas.  Bring pictures, visual aids work wonders in helping get your point across.  Be consistent, set a regular routine and stick to it.

This Place Is A Mess

An unsanitary salon is not acceptable. It not only puts you at risk and potentially endagers your health, but it is also a direct violation of state board regulations. Here are a few things to look for: Are the combs and brushes cleaned and soaked in barbicide after each use, do they wipe down their entire station in between clients, are they sweeping up the hair and disposing of it properly?  Just a little something something to think about when choosing a hairdresser. When is enough, enough when it comes to your technician? Please share your thoughts.

Indigo Zuri lead stylist and owner of p2styles (pronounced p squared styles) a professional image and consulting company, gave me the biznazz on why a white tee in your wardrobe is important, and since you know how much I love my tees, I just had to share this. Here is what she had to say:

Ask practically any celebrity or fashion stylist to name their favorite wardrobe staple and the classic T-shirt almost always makes the list. A wardrobe without a T-shirt is simply incomplete. The classic white tee can look different on singer Rihanna, Taylor Swift or you. Throw in a variety of colors and necklines, along with the following tee styling tips, and never worry about “what the wear”.

• Invest in a seamless bra or T-shirt bra for a smooth silhouette.
• A tee-shirt’s shoulder seam should sit properly at the widest part of your shoulders.
• A fitted crewneck tee is a classic for all ages.
• Scoopneck and V-neck types are great for those with fuller busts; be sure to avoid loose-fitting ones that can be unflattering.
• Cap-sleeve tees show off those toned biceps well.
• Want to give the illusion of a more elongated silhouette?  Push up long sleeves.
• Wear an open-neck fitted tee under a smart jacket for boardroom chic.

Ms. Indigo has exclusively invited Body Waxing Saved My Life readers, and fans of Ms. Esthetician to attend her Her Color Expert webinar at no-cost.  The official invite goes out to the public on Thursday February 18th, so reserve your spot, Today.

Webinar with Color Expert, Indigo Zuri @Colourgurl

Ever wondered what colors look best on you? Well wonder no more!  Join in on a free one-hour color introductory webinar, Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST.  The Colour Gurl, Indigo Zuri, introduces the five properties used to determine one’s personal color palette.  Also, have your color questions answered by this industry expert and certified color consultant.

Why Is This Color Analysis Webinar Vital to You? First and foremost, wearing colors that are in harmony with your personal color palette help you to look younger, healthier and yes, thinner, instantly.  Moreover, many people feel a psychological boost knowing that they look their absolute best.

Getting in on the Spring/Summer Color Trends.  Expect to see lots of vibrant colors during spring and summer 2010.  Find out how to select the perfect shade or tint of practically any hue.  Get in on this webinar and learn ways to inject the right hues into your personal wardrobe for pure fabulocity.

Be a part of this dynamic hour-long event.  Simply Email us – p2styles[at]gmail[dot]com – your name, email address, source for learning about this event (if twitter, whose @ account) and your fashion related questions*.  We will send you a confirmation email with the call-in information.

Date: February 23, 2009

Time: 9:00 pm EST

*We will only answer pre-submitted questions for this webinar.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall…

Great skin is the fairest one of all.  To some, having amazing skin is as illusive as winning the Mega Million Lottery.  Your odds of winning are 1 in 135145920, yet you play the lottery twice a week.  Hoping that one day, you will have the winning combination.

You Get It From Your Momma, or Daddy

Our skin and in all of it’s glory, or disdain is predominately hereditary.  It’s a family thing. Now, there are other factors that can contribute to your skins condition such as: environment, diet, lifestyle (I am talking to my smoking, drinkers), and medical conditions, but we inherent more than our parents hair color, or height.

When To Much, Is Enough

If your linen closet resembles an isle in the local drug store, let’s talk.  Continuing to stockpile an arsenal of skin care products, will not help you win the war against bad skin.  With all of the zapping, peeling, scratching & sniffing that our skin has to endure, it’s a wonder we have any left.

Over The Top

Browbeating does nothing for the psyche, and an overbearing skin care routine does even less for your skin.  Yes, over cleansing, exfoliating, and whatever else you may be doing, can have quite the opposite effect on our skin.

Dump That Zero

Here is what I recommend. Start incorporating milk cleansers into your beauty routine, and kick those foamy face washes to the curb.  You are washing your face, not your dishes.  Add a gentle exfoliant, I prefer one that completely dissolves in water.  No more nutshells, pumice (is ground up volcanic rock), and beads on your skin. In my unsolicited professional opinion they do a lot more harm than good.

Bringing Up The Rear

While we are at it, I am going to throw in a toner (skin tonic).  Toning is an often over looked key ingredient to great skin.  Not to be confused with astringents, or fresheners.  Toners contain between 4-15% alcohol, and are designed to tone and tighten the skin, in addition to restoring the skin’s natural pH after cleansing.

Last and certainly not least, mask at least once a week.  Yes adding your skin appropriate mask will help draw out impurities, tighten and tone the skin, as well as clear up any blemishes you may have.  The possibilities to having great skin are endless.  Some may have to work a little harder at it.

How often do you mask?

Last week in my post ‘Beauty Fixes That Will Get Noticed‘ I went on and on about the benefits of the O.P.I Axxium Soak Off Gel System.  I am five weeks into the system and love my nails.

Tragically, I abused my nails for years: biting, picking, peeling, and clipping them until they were nubs, oh and let’s not even go there when it came to my cuticles.   *in my best spanish accent* HORRIBLE!

The Juice

Lori, my manicurist (I still get tickled to say that…I have a manicurist) is an awesome person, but I really like that she is HUGE on sanitation, she stands behind her work, and she’s good at what she does.  All things that can really make or break your experience, Right?

The Axxium Gel Soak Off System is being marketed as a natural nail alternative.  Which is awesome, because it is virtually odorless, and lasts much longer than a regular manicure.  I will tell you this, that instead of cracking or breaking as the gel ages you can get air pockets underneath, and you can literally peel the gel off the nail. This can be a potential con for using the system. After it peels off it kinda resembles what your nail looks like after acrylics are soaked off.  A little rough and ridgy, but my nails did not break, split or crack.  I was able to keep the length until my appointment.  That was very exciting!

In the 5 weeks I’ve lost 4 nails all at the two week point.  2+2=4 Tiffany, not 5.  I know, but we did a trial run and I wore the gel for one week and then we did a retouch.  Technically I have 4+1 weeks into the system. Whatev! My nails are growing out and they look nice.

This is difnintely having nails your way. You can have the gel base coat and a color of your choice, or you can opt for one of the gel colors.  I’ve done pink and whites, and lincoln park after dark.  I love both of them. I am still a China Glaze nail polish Fanatic, but O.P.I. has my heart on this. Has anyone else tried it?  Please do tell.

If you’re in the Metro D Lori is available at Rochester Esthetics. Tell her Tiffany sent you.

BTW-I am treating my dry cuticles with A&D ointment, and Restorative Cuticle Oil by Envie Bath Body.

I recently learned of this new “thing” being offered at Script Wax Bar in San Fransisco. My prayer is that this is filed in the circular filing system, alongside inventions such as the sponge mic, and the tape measure belt.

Talk about things that make you go, yeah that’s weird. The Vajacial (a facial for your vagina) involves cleansing, exfoliating, extracting your ingrown hairs, and a mask.

As a courtesy I will take care of my clients ingrowns during waxing, but this is some next level stuff.  I feel there are some things that could be done in the shower, and this is one of them.  Would you get a vajacial?

Thanks Christine for the Inspiration.