Got Dark Circles?? Spots to cover up? Here's my fav concealer!

There is always something that I am covering up on my face - whether it is red blotches, dark circles, or blemishes I use concealer everyday!!  

My favorite is Alison Raffaele True Concealer ..... for anything you want covered.  I know that I have blogged about my obsession with her concealer before but I just had to mention it again...

Her concealer goes on beautifully and stays put until you wash it off in the evening (I know you are all cleansing your skin before you retire to bed :)).  It has a smooth consistency and covers better than anything I have ever tried.  It is creamy but yet does not leave your skin greasy or oily.  Plus it lasts forever - I used mine for at least 2 years until I had to purchase a new one.  

Love Love Love this product!!  

The best way to use your own concealer or Alison's is to - 

First apply your SPF, any moisturizers you use, and your foundation....that's right apply your foundation BEFORE you use your concealer.  I have found that you can cover up unwanted issues better after you see what your foundation has not taken care of.  

Then by using the sponge tip applicator apply to the areas you want to cover.  I dab on a small amount to all areas and then I go back to each one and use my ring finger (which applies the least amount of pressure thus not removing too much of the product) to slightly smooth out the product so to cover exactly what I need covered.  Less is definitely more in this situation!!  

Then you can finish your makeup routine and finish with powder to ensure your makeup and concealer stays put.  If you are too powdery looking use your Evian spray to make yourself look dewy!!

As for choosing the perfect color for your skin - I always go just a tad bit darker - I believe that a concealer that is too light just brings more attention to the area you want covered. 

I use Alison's True Concealer #3 - I have light to medium skin tones.  Similar to Jessica Simpson or Jewel.  

I am offering NEW peels!!

Great offer on Professional Peels!!

Salicylic/Glycolic peels - $45 for the month of MAY!!

Retinol/Glycolic peels - $45 for the month of MAY!!

Call (615) 356-0919 or go to www.waxnashville.com and book online!

**service available with Mindy ONLY**

Looking dull?? No life to your skin? Here's your plan to a glowing you!!

These are questions that I am frequently asked....

When you are a child your skin cells are turning over all of the time.  As we grow older and are exposed to the environment and the old bad sun our skin starts to take on a dull appearance.

If you are missing your youthful glow - here are a few steps to take to retain your youthfulness!!

AM Regimen 

1.  Start by using a Glycolic cleanser - use a gentle cleanser to remove traces of makeup and oil, after removing that, then add your glycolic cleanser as a treatment.  Leave it on for 15 seconds to a minute massaging it into your face, neck, and chest and then remove with water.  This will help to alleviate those dead cells and get things moving.  My 2 favs are MD Forte Facial Cleanser and Glycolix.  Start by using the glycolic cleanser 1x per day for a 4 weeks and then use 2x per day.  

2.  Next your are going to use a topical Vitamin C for added protection against the sun.  Vitamin C also helps with tightening, toning, brightening, and the texture of your skin.  A few of my favs are Cellex-C Potency Serum and  LaRoche Posay Light Active C.

3.  Next is your SPF 30 DAILY protection!!!!!  Rain, sun, snow, going outside or not...you must use a SPF every single day for the rest of your life!!!!!!!!!!!! If you step outside even for 1 minute you must be protected and ladies your foundation protection is NOT enough!!!!!!!!  My favs are MD Forte Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30, Cellex C SPF 30, and Biomedic Facial Shield SPF 30 (use this if you prefer Avobenzone as the main ingredient).

4.  Then use your foundation and any other makeup you prefer.  I love Bare Minerals!!

PM Regimen

1.  Gentle cleanser followed by your Glycolic cleanser. (see above)

2.  Next you are going to use a topical Glycolic product.  I LOVE the Glytone Essentials Boost Mini Peel Gel that I just discovered.  It is a great option!!! I also am obsessed with the REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask....these are both fabulous options for an at home peel!! If you are new to glycolic products  - please know that they are suppose to tingle a bit and they will turn your skin a bit pink.  This means that they are working!!

3.  Adding a Retinol product will then be your last step.  I love the La Roche Posay Retinol 15, 30, and 60.  They are so simple to use - start with the 15 if you are brand new to retinols, the 30 if you have been using retinols for 6 months or a year, and the retinol 60 if you are used to using retinols for many years.  Retinols will allow your skin to turn cells over like they did on their own when you were a child.  Start be using 1-2x a week - for several weeks.  You will gradually use every night.  You are suppose to peel and be pink!!  This is what the product does so don't freak out - just back off a few days and then start back up.

 *** NOTE YOU MUST NOT GET INTO THE SUN AT ALL while using retinols or glycolics - they can make you extremely sun sensitive!!!!

Peels

Peels - what are they and how are they different?

Peels are preformed in either a salon/spa/or physicians office.  When I first started having peels done for my acne they were only performed by a physician AND they were paid for by insurance.  That was in 1995.  Not the case now to my knowledge no peels are covered by insurance now and most are given by an aesthetician or clinician. Peels range from very mild(with very little peeling) to having to be given some type of anesthesia because you are going very deep in the skin.  

Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular peels out there..

A glycolic acid peel is actually the same thing as an alpha peel.  Meaning alpha hydroxy and glycolic acid are the same thing.  When people hear the word acid they immediately become frightened.  Don't worry it is a very mild acid not battery acid.  Glycolic peels are excellent for sun damaged, rough skin.  They help to turn over dead skin cells making room for fresh cells to come forward.  They help with freckling, fine lines, and sun spots!  Great for anti-aging!!  You can expect to flake or "peel"  - peeling is what you want thus the name "peel".  You will not start flaking or peeling for about 3-5 days and then can expect to be flake free in about 10 -12 days.  You will be pink/reddish when you leave the salon or clinic - this is normal and expected.A series of these peels is recommended - I prefer a series of 6 and then a maintenance of 1x per month depending on the skin condition and texture.  

***Make sure that whomever is applying your peel is a licensed aesthetician with many years of experience.

Salicylic peels or beta hydroxy is another type of peel.  Salicylic acid is great for acne, pimples, blackheads, oiliness, and rough textured skin.  Again these are very safe and you can expect the same type of results from this type of peel.  

Combo of glycolic and salicylic peels  - these are one of my favorite peels!  I believe that by combining different types of acids you can provide the very best results!!!  This type targets anything from acneic  skin to fine lines.  Again you can expect the same type of reuslts as above.

Retinol peels - another excellent choice!!  These peels mainly target fine lines and deeper wrinkles.  Retinol is the cousin of Retin-a (tretenoin) - it is the over the counter version of the prescription treatment.  Retinol is a great way to target lines on the skin.  Your skin will peel anywhere from 4-5 days later and continue peeling for 10-12 days.  

Vitamin C peels  - light peels for those of you scared of the word peel this is your option.  Slight peeling occurs with this one.  You will not get the cellular turn over that you would from the others previously mentioned.  It is extremely mild.  These can bee added to a facial to brighten the skin.

There are many different types of at home peels.  I would recommend that after having a professional peel that for the best results and to keep your skin looking as fresh as possible that you use an at home peel or an alpha/beta hydroxy product 2-3x a week.

***YOU MUST APPLY AN SPF 30 AFTER HAVING ANY TYPE OF PEELS***

Skinstore SAVE 20%

Click on the Skinstore icon and SAVE 20% by using the MDAY20 code at checkout!!

Sale ends Monday May 4th!!

HAPPY MAY DAY!

So excited to announce!

I am starting to do aesthetics again!

YIPPEE!!  I am going to be working at an awesome waxing boutique called WAX NASHVILLE!!

I will be offering many services including the "Ultimate Brow" which is a full service brow experience all together :)  

I will also be doing ALL waxing services, including bikini, leg, brazilian, arms, backs...just about anything you need. 

I will also be doing spray tanning - which is awesome!  You will leave looking bronze and beautiful!!  

I will also be doing tons of new peels - which I am soo pumped about....

Check out the website and to make an appointment go to  - www.waxnashville.com

I look forward to starting my position and getting back to what I know and do best!!

Sale for Mother's Day and Earth Day!!

Click on the Skinstore icon to the right to SAVE 20% on ALL products!

At checkout use this promo code MDAY20

Tons of products on sale - including many skin kits!!!

Be nice to our Mother Earth today as well as your Mother on Mother's Day!!

SAVE 20% today only!!

Click on the SKINSTORE icon on the right of my blog

SHOP

Save 20% off at checkout by typing in this promo code:

APR14

Save 20% on "Natural" products

Use the promo code NATURAL at checkout to SAVE 20% on these brands.  Click on the Skinstore icon to the right.

Coola

Claudalie

Belli

Bieux Skin

Whish

SpaRitual

Do you need a prescription for your skin?

Do you need some skin care advice?  Would you like to know exactly what to use for your particular skin type?  

Do you have brown spots? Acne? Wrinkles? Dry patches? Normal? Oily? 

That is what I am here for...

If you have questions about a certain product or if you need a complete over haul for your routine...please let me know.

I would be more than happy to give you the best advice that I can.  

I can recommend products, tell you exactly what to use, when to use it, and how to use it...

I can take the guess work out of your routine giving you the best skin ever!!

Here is my email  - mreese@realtracs.com

And I look forward to helping each and every one of you!!!

You Are Invited!!

Everyone is invited to my RECYCLE YOUR GOLD PARTY FOR CASH!!

When: April 18th  from 6-8 pm

Where:  The Delta Fitness  - 3841 Green Hills Village Drive

What you should bring: Bring all of your broken gold jewelry, out of style gold, dental gold, any GOLD at all and take home CASH in hand!! 

Bring all your friends and  family as well!!  

If someone can not attend but wants to participate - email me and we can make arrangements to meet before and I can take care of it for you!!

RSVP - mreese@realtracs.com 

I had one friend that made over $700 and one that took home over $800 at the party I attended!!

Adapting to Weather Changes

A friend of mine once told me..."if you don't like the weather in Nashville, wait 5 minutes".

One day it is 75 degrees, the next it is rainy, and the next it is snowing and 32 out.

AHHH!!

It can not only drive you crazy but also wreck your skin, hair, and makeup regimen.

Here are a few things that I always keep with me either in my purse or car to ensure a "frantic free" look.

Must haves to ensure your gorgeous self through any weather!!!

1.  oil absorbing sheets for your skin - these help to blot away the "greasies" without over-powdering.

2.  water spritzer - this is the SECRET product that I always have with me.  After you blot and then reapply powder to make sure you won't look dry, cakey, and wrinkled - you must spritz on some water.  I learned this many years ago and man does it work!!!  All models do this before they hit the runway.  

3. If your hair is looking flat and it has the "end of the day limps" then you need to use a dry shampoo spray to give it some boost.  It will give you the "just blown out look" you crave!!

4.  No time to brush your pearly whites - put on the Gosmile gloss for fresh breathe and shiny not sticky lips!

Now you are ready for a night out, trip to the mall, or after school meeting.

Bronzer obsession!

I am a bit (ahem) obsessed with bronzer!!

I love the sun-kissed look that I get when I use it...I love looking like I have been in the sun without actually being in the sun.

Bronzer is a "recovering tanning bed fanatic's" best friend!!

I do not get in the sun at all - but I really like the look of having a bit of color on my face.  

Steps to a beautiful bronze look!!

1. Use a large fluffy CLEAN brush.

2. Sweep a small amount of bronzer on the planes of your face - temples, outside areas of your forehead, chin and the outside part of your face by your hairline.

3.  Without reapplying more to your brush and to avoid the "oompa loompa" look - sweep the last of what is left on your brush to your nose.

4.  Apply a bit more to your brush and apply to the inside area of your neck, jawline and down to your chest.   

*I prefer a bronzer with a tiny bit of shimmer NOT glitter*

Your done!!  Enjoy a lovely bronzed look - and expect your friends to ask if you just got back from  a Sunny Vacation!!

SHOP on my blog for my favorites!!

Concealer

I have been using Alison Raffaele concealer for about 6 years and it is the absolute best out there!  

I found her line of cosmetics when they first came out and last summer I had the pleasure of having Alison herself "make me over".  

Her concealer never creases, is not oily, has excellent staying power (even on my very oily skin), and covers oh so well!!

I had the same tube for over 3 years!!  It lasts forever!

I use the #2 or #3 color - both work very well on my skin tone.

I am soo excited to be able to offer Alison Raffeale products on my blog!  

Spring is here....well the First Day at least!!

I have new offers for you.

There is a private SALE with Skin store!!

So click on the Skinstore icon on the right and at checkout type in BEST20 to save 20%.

The sale lasts for 4 days ONLY!!!  So don't miss out on your favorite brands....

Skinstore also has all of their skin care kits on sale.  SO check those out as well!!

Paula's Choice has all of her products at 10% off!!  CLICK on the Paula's Choice icon to Save!!

Conclusion of.. my life in fitness!!

I had entered a 5 mile race in Ky back in 1999.  I thought well this will be easy - I have been "working out" for awhile.  HAHA!  I had NEVER run before!  I had the worst running shoes on - too tight, no padding, a cotton t-shirt, and of course some cool shades.  Let's just say that after an hour my parents started getting worried - finally I came across the finish line (little did everyone know that a golf cart picked me up half way back and dropped me off right before the finish line) PITIFUL!!!!

So when I moved to FL - I thought I am going to become a runner.  I got better shoes, ordered some running clothes from Runner's World...and starting running.  That is from mailbox to mailbox....b/c that was all I could do.  It was soo hard!  I then started going from light pole to light pole.  Then I joined a gym - started using a few free weights and I would run outside on the track around the gym.  After months and months I had gotten up to a mile without stopping.  Let's just say I am not genetically blessed with good cardio genes.  

I decided it was time for my first 5k as a more prepared runner.  It was on the beach - I had never run on sand before.  I had to stop a few times because of a horrible side cramp (at this point I still had not figured out the food part of running).  I finished about 35 minutes later. Hysterical - I won my age group... but there were only 3 of us in my group!!  

I was hooked - I started signing up for race after race.  I started running 3 miles at a time (4 days a week)...I got to be a pretty good runner.  I knocked minutes off of my time while training in FL heat.  I had lost a lot of weight and had gotten pretty thin without adding any muscle at all.  I probably weighted about 115 or so.  I was 27/28.

I then moved to Nashville.  I continued running after work on a treadmill in my apartment complex. Scrapping up enough money I joined a gym (who knew that years later this decision was the best I could have ever made - I met my husband at this gym) - it was 2002.  

I signed up for the Country Music Half-Marathon.  I trained like crazy and finished with a good time.  I then did another one the following year as well as several 10k's and 5k's.  

In 2004, I met Brad.  I was thin .....actually pretty darn skinny.  I remember having a discussion with him about weight training and running.  The comment he made to me changed my way of thinking.  He said "Mindy you can be a runner or you can be fit".  I remember thinking - whatever I can be both!!  

It took awhile for me to understand what he meant by this.  

I was a runner but that was it!!

 I could not bike, do the stairmaster, or lift anything  over 10 pounds.  

In mid 2004 - I started strength training and lifting heavier weights, I kept running but added biking, sprints, doing squats, lunges, abs, chest, and back.......

After about 20 years I feel that I have finally figured it out.  

I have it down to a science now.  

I run a couple of days a week.  Looking at caloric burn instead of mileage.  I do the "beast"  (the large rolling stairmaster) and I spin.  I typically do 4 days a week of cardio now.  Burning from 425-550 calories per workout. Followed with 2 days of challenging weight lifting and strength training. I also have my diet pretty clean as well.  I usually eat about 1200-1600 calories per day - I drink at least 100 ounces of H2o a day.  I have not eaten a bean burrito in almost a decade.  I have not had a drop of alcohol in over 4 years.  I feel strong, confident, not frail and weak like I did when all I did was run.  I have muscles I never knew I could have and I actually think I look better now at 35 then I did when I was 20, 25, or 30!!  I have the body I have always wanted - I just needed the tools to help me get there.  

Thank you Brad Reese for giving me those tools and for your constant motivation!!  You are my biggest fan and I love you!  Here's to many more years of fitness the right way.  

My Life in Fitness....cont.

I was not the girl that gained weight in one area.  I had gained weight all over like a marshmellow.  My face looked like a moon pie, my legs were much bigger, my butt was waaayyy bigger,  my arms, stomach, everywhere!  I was fat!  

So I traded my 4-5 cans of Dr. Pepper for water and chocolate milk.  My bean burrito from Taco Bell for "Lunchables" and dinner was a bowl of cereal. I pretty much just cut calories a bit.  In a few months I had lost about 12 pounds.  Call it youth... because I certainly was still not exercising at all.  And as you can see my diet was not much better.   I was doing my student teaching so I thought I didn't have time to exercise. 

When I got a job as a full-time teachers aide, I decided to join Curves.  It was soo silly!  A bunch of women at different stations for a minute or so....bouncing, kicking, lifting 2 pounds...it just was not for me.  I remember they took my body fat by having me hold onto a machine and input my daily workouts...I believe my fat was around 25-27%.  Then after 2-3 weeks of "working out" at their facility they calculated my fat content again - same machine holding it in front of me...they then calculated that I was "working out" 3-4x a week and low and behold I had lost like 10% body fat!!  YEAH RIGHT!  In 3 weeks, not changing my diet at all, no water intake, and at most burning 100 calories a session.  

So I quit Curves.  

It was 1998.  

When I got my first teaching job I joined Gold's Gym - I still pretty much ate the same horrible diet except by this time the water craze had started so at least I had added the "recommended" 64 ounces a day.  I also added a Mexican snack after I would get out of school.  I would pound chips and queso daily!  I discovered Body Pump and the Elliptical machine.  Little did I know that the Elliptical was waaayyy off for caloric burn so when I was thinking that I had burned 450 calories it was really only 250-300!!  So little caloric burn combined with heavy weight lifting and a horrible diet equals a puffy fat bloated look PLUS.....I also was still drinking a lot of  alcohol on the weekends.  NOT GOOD!!!

By the end of 2000 I was still about 27-28% body fat according to Gold's Gym....fat pincheres/aka calipers.  

I then moved to Florida.  I decided I wanted to take up running....surely this would help get some of this fat off my body and make me look the way I wanted.  Little did I know that running was HARD!!!  AND...the elliptical really had not gotten me into very good cardio shape. 

Conclusion tomorrow.......

My Life in Fitness....

I have been consistently exercising for pretty much my entire life. 

I joined my first gym with my mother back when I was in 8th grade.  She stopped pretty soon after but I continued going to an aerobic style class.  I loved it - it was dancing Jane Fonda style.  I was a skinny dorky kid but I loved wearing my shiny pink and turquoise leotard.

In high school I got my hands on a "real" Jane Fonda aerobic tape and did it faithfully in my living room for years!  It was actually challenging and I would sweat like crazy!  I started high school around 5'3" and grew to 5'8" in a year remaining at 100 pounds.  I was really skinny - I hated it!  I would pray nightly to be like the other cheerleaders - curvy, muscular....well it never happened (at least not in high school).  I ate fast food, candy, soft drinks...whatever I wanted!  Ohhh the good ole days!!

College began and I was still a "stickly" gawky girl.  I began going to an aerobic class with an awesome teacher named Julie....I loved her!  She was so positive with an awesome body!  I longed to look just like her.  I did her class for many many years.  4-5 days a week.  I remember getting my body fat checked by her once every 6 months or so - it was around 18%.  I was probably around 110 pounds.  Still ate whatever I wanted - never really thinking about it at all.

During my last years in college I grew away from exercise....and I put on about 38 pounds!  That's right almost 40 pounds!   Not the Freshman 15 but the Junior 40!!

 I never really noticed that I had gotten so fat until I was in Chicago one day walking by the Sears Tower with all of the large mirrors and I said to myself "WOW look at that fat girl in the tight purple shirt....she thinks she is sooo cute....she really should not be wearing that..."....well that fat chic was me!  I cried all the way home from Chicago and immediately went and bought a scale.  I bought the one that made me weigh the least....it was 1996.

to be continued......

Spring Hurry Up PLEASE!!

I love Spring...the newness to it! 

The purging of old items, the freeing feeling of getting rid of old things, and don't forget Spring cleaning!!  I just love it!!

Fresh flowers, lighter colors, PINK, Easter, new makeup, less lotions, spray tans, sandals, pedicures...ALL OF IT!!

So to celebrate the almost arrival of Spring I am going to add of few of my SPRING favorites!!

So Spring we welcome you!!!  Let the warmth begin!!

Self-Tanning

If you know me at all....you know that I have been absolutely obsessed with tanning my entire life!!

Now that I am older and much much wiser - I don't dare tan in the sun or the tanning bed!!

I only self-tan!!

I use a daily tanning moisturizer (even in the winter) for a nice light/medium color all over.  Lately I have been using Rodial Daily Brazilian Tan.

Then about 1-2x a week I do my weekly lotion or spray tan for a medium to darker color.  I have several that I really love...anything by Fake Bake absolutely ROCKS!!!  They always give a smooth non streaking look....they have a new one that is for the look of cellulite and tanner in one called Sunless and Skinny.  Depending on what you prefer - Fake Bake has formulas in lotions, a light mousse, a spray, and a new darker formula for those of you that have darker complexions.

If you are terrified of self tanning or if you have had problems with it in the past....your very best bet are the Tanning Towels.  You can't go wrong!!  There is no color on them and you basically just smooth the damp towel all over your body until the towel is dry.  EASY!!!

The newest "IT" item

I always love finding the newest "IT" item....and then researching to see if it really does what it says it can.

I had a client email to ask about the newest "mascaras" that claim to make your eyelashes grow.  I was a huge skeptic at first.  But WOW the before and after pics were amazing ...could this really work for people that have little to no eyelashes or shorter thinner lashes??

Let the research begin!!

These mascaras which really are not mascaras at all...yes they are in a wand but you actually apply them to the base of your lashes like you would liquid liner.  Then within several weeks your lashes are suppose to start growing.

Here's the discovery story...

Evidently when patients with glaucoma used specific drops and then they came back for their follow up..they had noticeable longer, thicker eyelashes.

Thus the invention of the mascara!

Then came a few lawsuits....each claiming to have the patent for the ingredient etc.

Now having renamed the ingredient there are several out there that according to the research I have found truly do work making your lashes noticeable longer and thicker.  

They are not cheap...ranging from $125 - $175 a tube but for better lashes I am all in!!

Check them out on the right side of my blog.  

Click to purchase - remember today is the last day for the 15% off using the GLAM15 code at checkout!!

The Best Organic GREEN Products!!

I have not always been  a fan of green/organic/natural products....being that even though a product has "natural" ingredients does not necessarily mean that the product works better or does something different for your skin than a non-organic product.

And I am not really a "natural" girl myself - I have had botox, have highlighted my hair for over 2 decades, love a spray tan, and wear makeup daily......

BUT....

I do recycle and I try to do my part in not leaving a giant size eco footprint.

So if GOING GREEN is important to you...here is my list of favs!! 

I LOVE products by Juice beauty, Korres, Skyn Iceland!

All of these have eco friendly packaging, ingredients that are safe and effective, and no synthetic fragrance.

So GO GREEN and try a new product that is good for you and our beautiful environment!

Laser Hair Removal.....does it work?

Does Laser Hair Removal work....to this I say YES!!

Being that I performed this service for many many years to hundreds of satisfied clients...I am a fan of the laser for getting rid of unwanted hair.

To get the BEST results possible you must do the following...

1.  Have realistic expectations...that is if you want every single hair to be completely gone forever than laser hair removal (lhr) may not be for you.  Depending on the area you are treating you can expect a 75-90% reduction of hair.

2.  You must follow the exact prescription for the area....in other words...different areas need different amounts of treatments and you may be coming in every 4 weeks or possible every 10 weeks....again it all depends on what area you are treating.

3.  If you skip treatments - you will not have as good of results.  Have your treatments as directed by your aesthetician or laser technician.

4.  Do not tan the area prior to treatment, after treatment, or during treatment. That goes for fake tans and spray tans as well.  This can cause all sorts of issues including hyperpigmented skin, scarring, hypopigmented skin...

5.  Make sure the technician has been certified with the laser he/she is using.   You should not be the first person the tech is working on...ask questions!!

6.  Do not wax or tweeze during treatments.  This can cause a disruption in hair growth thus not working as it should.

7.  You may shave before, during, and after....this does not affect treatments as all!!

8.  Do not come to the salon or office with any lotions, tanners, perfumes, powders or anything on the area to be treated.  

9.  My favorite question of all time....does it hurt?  This depends on how motivated you are to get rid of the hair....if you HATE the hair then you most likely won't care if it hurts or not.  Yes, you can feel the laser hitting the hair...it feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin.

10.  The odor....you will be able to smell burning hair....think about it...a laser is targeting hair so yes you will smell it.  Again this to me always meant success!!

Wrinkles Beware!!

Fine lines, wrinkles, creases, crevices,#11....whatever you call them here's what to do to get rid of them!!!

You don't need an arsenal of products to help alleviate your wrinkles.

Here's your plan to be crease FREE!

AM

1.  After you cleanse in the am - you absolutely must apply an SPF 30 BEFORE you put your makeup on and AFTER your moisturizer.  

2.  By mixing your SPF with an antioxidant you are keeping those free radicals at bay.  Try the Vitamin C by Philosophy....my ALL TIME FAV!!

PM

1.  After you cleanse - I prefer cleansing with a makeup remover and then a treatment cleanser (only use the treatment cleanser with glycolic acid 2-3x a week to start out- working up to 7x a week)

2.  Then apply your retinol product - a double pea size amount is all you need for face - be careful if applying to the neck as the neck is more sensitive than your face.  I prefer to use all the way down my chest with the retinol.  If you are just starting out using a retinol product only use 2-3x per week building up to 5-7x a week depending on dryness.

3.  If you have DRY skin you may then apply a separate moisturizer over your retinol - if you suffer from acne , blackheads, or oily skin do not use a moisturizer over the retinol.  

4.  If you have dark spots/hyperpigmentation now would be the time to spot treat those areas with your hydroquinone.

5. Next eye cream - using your ring finger - lightly tap your eye cream under your eye area on the cheek bone and towards your hairline.

So that's it!  Wrinkles be gone!!!!!

All of these products are available from my blog - just CLICK on the picture on the right side to purchase!  

Thank you!  Trendy Mindy

Diamond of the Week!

I am sooo excited to announce that I will be offering  "The Diamond Deal of the Week"!

Kendall Moore is the best jeweler around and I am thrilled to have him be a part of my blog!

If you are interested in the item of the week - please email me for more details!!

mreese@realtracs.com

Using an Entire "LINE" of products

I am all about being loyal BUT when it comes to make-up and skin care it really is not necessary.

I like some products from some lines and some from another.

In fact, if you were to look into my bathroom drawer, purse, or shower - you would find very few items that were from the same cosmetic "line".  

Now that being said - once I find something I really like I usually stick with it for a loooong time....I may veer away but I typically come back to what works well.

So girls - shake it up a bit you don't have to use all items from one specific brand.....be loyal to your friends don't worry the products they won't get their feelings hurt!!

DuWop Blush "AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOW"

DuWop warming blush was featured on the Today Show this morning!

Click on the icon to the right and SAVE 20% using the LOOK20 code at checkout!!

This deal ends Monday February 23!!

Thank you to everyone for your orders!

I wanted to thank all of my loyal readers! 

Thank you to everyone that has purchased products and for all of your support and kind words since the inception of my blog!!

If it were not for all of you I would not be able to continue doing what I love!!

I am not able to view exactly who bought what so I will say thank you to everyone out there in blog world.

I plan to continue listing weekly specials on products and specific clothing items....

So keep checking back in!!

Hyperpigmentation, Sun damage, and Brown Spots Oh My!!

So you spent way too much time in the sun, laying out on your mylar tanning blanket, with iodine and baby oil....or you went to the tanning bed everyday your senior year or you were like me and did both!! AHHH!!!

So now 15 years later you are left with all kinds of ugly spots, brown blotches, and unwanted freckles.  What can you do?

First off you can't actually "get rid" of hyperpigmentation but you can suppress the melanin that makes the brown pigmentation.

Here is  my plan for the smoothest, creamiest skin around....

Daytime/When the Sun is out!!

1.  You must commit to wearing a Sunblock with a sun protection factor of 30 everyday for the rest of your life.  My favorite is MD Forte Aftercare Environmental Protection.  I my SPF moisturizer with SPF 30 and then my Bare Minerals over that!  

Before you go to bed!!

1.  In the evening after you cleanse - use the MD Skincare peel kit.  It has the alpha hydroxy (which is your glycolic acids) the one needed to help "unglue" the cells that have created the sun damaged skin.  It is also loaded with beta hydroxy (which is the ingredient needed for those hard to deal with blackheads and acne - by helping to keep the pores cleaned out) 

Use this 3-5x a week.  I have been using this kit for over 8 years and it truly helps to keep my brown spots at bay and adult acne issues at bay.  I use it on my neck and chest also - but always remember the neck is a very sensitive area. 

2.  Apply your topical Retinol to all areas of your face, neck, and chest.  Again case sensitive on the neck.  A pea to a pea and a half is all you need for the entire area of your face.  If you are doing your neck and chest use another pea size amount.  I prefer one of these 2 products - PCA Retinol or MD Formulations Vitamin Plus.  Which both have excellent formulations.  

3.  Last before you hit the hay...you will need a topical hydroquinone to spot treat those brown spot.  Apply a very thin layer to the individual spots you want to treat. Don't worry - this will not "bleach" out your other skin areas...it only helps to suppress the melanin in the brown damaged areas.  Use your hydroquinone for 3-4 months and then stop for a month or two and then start back.  These products also work really well on the acne pigmentation spots that won't fade on their own.  My favs are - NeoStrata Lightening Gel and B Kamins Skin Lightening which also contains Kojic Acid another great lightener.  

***Remember - you MUST stay out of the sun or your spots will come back.  Protect yourself DAILY for the very best results***

ALL OF THESE PRODUCTS ARE FOR SALE ON THIS BLOG!!  

CLICK ON THE PRODUCTS YOU WANT TO PURCHASE TO THE RIGHT OF YOUR SCREEN!!!!

You can SAVE 20% now with Free shipping by using my blog!!

How to Use this blog!!

Hi there my dear loyal readers!

Basically this is an advice column and a store.

I am an affiliate for several online store...meaning that I receive a percentage of the sale.

I have chosen certain online stores that I have been a customer of in the past.  Tried and true ones that I believe in and use myself.  

These stores ALWAYS have great deals - Free Shipping offered several times a month, discounts, deals, coupons!  I assisted someone last evening chose products that are right for their specific skin type - and she saved $20 on the products she purchased and FREE shipping.  If she had gone to a store at the mall or drugstore those products would have been

 full price.

If you are interested on a specific product on my blog just click on it and it will take you to the store and you then just purchase directly from that store.  That's it - it is that simple!!

Thank you for all of your support!  

Email me with any questions you may have on the products you are currently using or something that you want to try.

mreese@realtracs.com

The Best Eye Creams

First of all you must wear DAILY SPF including the delicate area around the eyes.  I prefer a SPF 30  - of course don't get it in your eyes and make sure to use your ring finger to apply.

So I have researched many eye creams and these are my favorites!

Bliss The Youth As We Know It - good for pretty much every kind of issue. Dryness, wrinkles, darkness and shadowing!!  Really nice texture!

B Kamins Eye Cream - Soothing - helps to reduce puffiness and bags

DDF Nourishing Eye Cream - ingredients include Green Tea and Vitamins A, C, E, and B

Always use your ring finger to apply eye cream - which applies the least amount of pressure.  I prefer to only use under the eye area and on the orbital bone.  

Mascara

I love mascara!  It is the one item that I truly don't leave the house without wearing it - well that and SPF of course!!

Mascara can make you look awake, wide eyed, it makes your whole face light up!!

I LOVE Kiss Me Mascara by Blinc!

It actually makes tubes on your eyelashes so it DOES NOT run, smear, flake, or drip!  Perfect for those runners or if you sweat or if you just want to look great at the end of the day!!

The only way to get it off is to wet your lashes and slowly and gently with your fingers slide them off.  The first time you will think you have pulled your lashes out but I promise it is just the mascara.

If you always have problems with your mascara this is for you!!!  

2 Easy steps to the best lashes ever:

1.  Use a lash curler - I prefer the one I have on my site from Tweezerman.  By placing the curler close to the base of your lashes then press and hold for 20-30 seconds for each eye.  Then "TADA" presto an instant eye opener!! Curled lashes!!

2.  Then take your Kiss Me Mascara - I prefer black - and use the wand to use a zig-zag motion from the base of your lashes all the way to the tip.  Start from the outside to the inside of your lashes going back and forth until your reach each lash.  With Kiss Me Mascara - you only really need one coat and you can not go back over your lashes once they have dried!!!

***Do not ever curl lashes that already have mascara on them***

***Do not use mascara for more than 3-4 months - can be dangerous for your eyes***

***Do not pump your wand in and out of your mascara - only gets bacteria in the container!!***

Get Out Of That Box!!!!

It is time for you to step out of your comfort zone the proverbial box!  I know it is warm and cozy in that box...but let's step out just for a moment.

This coming from someone who has never sky dived, rarely goes into the ocean (I am scared of all creatures great and small), never gets in the sun (can't have spots), BUT I do use my "good" dishes daily, wear my "better" jewelry all of the time, and I dance and sing like I am on Idol.  

Let's try to live our "Glory Days" now - let's live today like there is no tomorrow - live in the moment - try something new!!

Sooooo today I challenge you to do something you would not normally do!  

Jump out of your box if for just a moment!  

Try that yoga class you have been meaning to do!

Use your silver or your china!

Wear your cashmere!

Start to write your novel...short story, or poetry....

Try lifting weights, spinning, or that other intimidating piece of gym equipment.

Try a new lipstick - eyeliner - gloss - perfume!!!!!

Sign up for that 5K!

Put those diamond earrings on!

Learn a foreign language.

Rock climbing...

Cut your hair into that cute new Posh do'

Whatever it is just do it today! Do it with Vigor!!

What would you do if today was your last day?  

Valentines Day Goodies!!

I have NEW products perfect for your Valentines Day!!

If you are a single chic in the city or if you have been married for years!!  

There are choices for everyone!  

ENJOY the deals, discounts, and new products!!

Now Offering Spanx at 50% OFF!!

I am now an affiliate of Fresh Pair!!

They are offering FREE SHIPPING to all of my customers!!

They have men's and women's undies including the famous SPANX shapewear!!

If you have not heard of Spanx - they basically make all of your clothes look better and fit better because they smooth everything out.  It is as if you have been working out for a lifetime!!  

They rock!!!!