01.21.2011
Reader Question: How do I get rid of embarassing blackheads?

Question: I need your beauty help! So embarassing, I have so many blackheads- more than I’ve ever had!  Nobody can see them, obvi, unless they are close up and personal but I feel gross.  What do I do?  Do I need a facial???  I’ve never had one!- “S”

Hi “S”!

I feel your pain.  I get tiny little blackheads on my nose that only I can see but it drives me nuts!  The best (and easiest) thing to do is to yes, get a facial.  The facialist will use a special tool to clear out the blackhead bacteria and while it is a little uncomfortable (especially around the nose area), it’s totally worth it.  Once you’re “cleaned out” you should use a blackhead specific product that also helps to minimize pore size.  Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner Blackhead and Oil Remover is, in one word, a-mazing.  It’s formulated with alpha and beta hydroxy acids that help loosen blackheads while absorbing excess oils from your pores, preventing new blackheads from forming.

As far as facials, you don’t need to go anywhere fancy just for a good extraction.  I’d suggest checking out SpaFinder.com and finding a semi-decent spa that has good reviews.

Good luck, girl- let me know how it goes. =)

xo,

Jamie

 

 

 

02.09.2010
Beauty editor favorites that I finally got around to trying

So working in the beauty industry, I’m privy to which products are REALLY amazing and what the beauty editors truly love.  I’ve been meaning to try these four classics for quite some time and I have to say, the rumors are true…they are all amazing.

Lancome Flash Bronzer Self Tanner for Legs – Lucky magazine’s Beauty Director, Jean Godfrey June, is a major fan of this product and for good reason.  It’s hard to find a good self-tanner that doesn’t streak or look too orange…this product is pure genius.

CARGO Bronzer – I had first heard about this bronzer about four years ago from a Beauty Assistant friend.  She is just as fair as I am and insisted that it’s the only bronzer that she’s tried and loved.

Dr. Brandt pores no more – More than one beauty editor has raved about this pore refiner.  In fact, a former Life & Style editor actually even carried it around in her purse!  This little wonder makes pores practically invisible and also absorbs excess oil.

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer – It’s hard to find the perfect concealer; this product has won multiple beauty awards and is a makeup artist favorite.  It blends sublimely to expertly conceal dark circles, spots and imperfections.

07.26.2009
My summer beauty essentials

So I realized that I always follow a very specific beauty routine in the summer. With the heat and humidity, a girl’s gotta know what works and what doesn’t…and here’s my list of faves.

DERMAdoctor MED e TATE: These little wipes prevent excessive sweating. Perfect for when you know you’re about to face the heat and you’re wearing fabric that shows sweat. Ew.

Earth Therapeutics Clean + Cool Foot Wipes: When walking around NYC all day in flip flops, you’re feet can get very dirty, to say the least. I clean off my feet at night before I get into bed with these pepperminty wipes.

Be fine Rough Spot Lemon Balm with Shea Butter & Avocado: Not only is the packaging super cute but after cleansing feet, it’s the perfect finish to moisturize any dry spot. It’s also good for elbows too!

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray to Go: This travel sized version of Oscar Blandi’s Dry Shampoo is fab to carry around in your purse or take on vacation.

Clinique Targeted Protection Stick SPF 45: You know when you’re walking around and enjoying the beautiful summer day but you can feel the tips of your ears burning? Is it just me? I carry this stick around in my purse for those random “wow, my skin is fair” moments.

L’Occitane Mosquito Repelent Towelettes: This product is incredibly hard to find, probably because it works so well. These lavender-infused towelettes repel mosquitos using geranium and citronella oils. A must for anyone visiting the “country.”

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist: This spray (that also comes in a travel size) moisturizes both skin and hair with the Awapuhi flower. It’s cool and refreshing and great for the plane and beach.

Dr. Brandt Blemishes No More Cleansing Pads: With extra late nights in the summer, I can usually get pretty lazy about washing my face at night…but with these pads, I don’t even have to get out of bed.

L’Oreal Serie Expert SOlar Sublime After-Sun Nourishing Balm: The sun dries out my already bleached hair, making an after-sun conditioning treatment super important. This after-sun balm smells lovely and really does a great job moisturizing.