PRETTY GOOD ADVICE: be good to your skin

It’s that time of year again, when we make promises to ourselves that we will diet, exercise, and become more organized! This year, take your resolutions a step further and make a promise to yourself that you will make more of an effort to become “skin healthy.” After all, the skin on your face is your best accessory, not to mention the skin on your body is what holds you altogether. Here, Marina Peredo, MD, founder of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, NY, offers her tried and true skincare tips.

Skin Rx: Make an appointment to see your dermatologist for a full body skin check, once a year (if there is no history of skin cancer.) If you have melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, you should see your dermatologist every 3 months, the first year and following years, every 6 months for life. This isn't something you should put off. It can save your life!

Treat It Right: Make an effort to see your esthetician on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and get a microdermabrasion or chemical peel to rid your face of dead skin cells and bring on a new, fresh, glowing looking face, regularly. If you cannot see your esthetician, try a home-made scrub with Honey and Sugar. The Honey smoothes the skin and has antibacterial properties and the sugar exfoliates. Follow-up with an egg white to tighten your skin.

Stock Up on Skincare Essentials: Invest in good skincare products that contain essential vitamins and anti-oxidants that can help reduce the negative effects of free radicals, stress and other elements that can impede healthy skin. Start off with a gentle cleanser for most days and an exfoliating cleanser for a couple of days in between to help get rid of dead skin cells (this will hold you over until you can make it to the medi-spa for your facial!) Then, try a good anti-aging serum that contains vitamins and antioxidants to help with cellular turnover and of course, a daily moisturizer that contains a sunscreen.

Don't Forget the Sunscreen: Sunscreen is needed every day, not only at the beach or vacations. That is why it is important to find a sunscreen that provides protection as well as hydration.

De-Clutter Your Stock: Throw away outdated skincare products. Make-up that hasn't been used in a while and outdated skincare products may be hosting bacteria and can cause breakouts. Open the medicine cabinet and empty your make-up bag. If you haven't touched that skincare product or piece of make-up in a few months it’s time to say goodbye. Your skin will thank you later.

Come Clean: Sleep without make-up. Not removing your make-up is one of the worst don'ts when it comes to your skincare routine. Make-up clogs pores and can leave your complexion looking dull. Wash, tone, and moisturize your skin every night before bed this year.

Personal Tip: *My newest discovery is Macha Tea, a type of Green Tea that has antioxidants that help fight off free radicals. Not only do the free radicals break down collagen that cause wrinkles and sagging skin, Macha can also help to suppress your appetite and give you more energy…helping achieve your weight-loss resolution!

For more info, amazing skincare products and great skincare tips, go to www.spatiquemedicalspa.com.

time to detox

Just as the weather starts to change (finally!) and we enter the frenzied schedule of pre-holiday planning, I usually feel the need to refresh, recharge and, well, detox. EmerginC's Scientific Organics line is the perfect antidote. Thanks to an ingredient called Kombucha, a fermented tea known for its medicinal uses, the products are designed to hydrate, balance, minimize fine lines, protect from the sun, balance irregular skin tones, soothe skin ailments and provide antioxidants. The Kombucha Cleanser ($34) feels clean and moisturizing on my skin. The Phytocell Cream ($85) is super-hydrating and leaves my skin with a subtle glow. But the Phytocell Detox Mask ($50) is my favorite. The clay-based formula removes impurities, nourishes, tones and improves the texture of the skin. And it feels great. Lightweight and quick-drying, the mask is easy to apply (just smooth on with fingertips) and simple to remove (let dry for 10-15 minutes and rinse). My face felt smooth and radiant after two uses (one to three times a week is recommended). Learn more about Scientific Organics products at www.emerginc.com.

site focus: beauty connexion

A marketing and advertising veteran of 20 years, Roula Panagiotopoulos is an expert on promoting woman-focussed brands. She spent four years at an international skin care company and left there with a drive to provide woman with real honest information about skincare.

"The fact is, once my girlfriends found out my background they would pester me with all their skincare questions…like, "I have this, what do you think?" So she launched Beauty Connexion one year ago.

"We are a resource for women for all things beautiful from skin care, to style, to home, even down to their finances. For those savvy individuals, we provide expert articles, how to's, and new product launches. It's all about real information." Here, she shares her experiences with PrettyIsPrettyDoes...

Prettyisprettydoes: What is the inspiration behind Beauty Connexion?

Roula Panagiotopoulos: "The inspiration was two-fold. First, there were my girlfriends. Knowing my background in skincare, they would continually ask me about new products and what I would recommend for their skin type. The light bulb went off in my head quite quickly, making me realize the need for real information that was out there. In addition, there was my desire to support budding women entrepreneurs and give them a place where they can introduce their products. One of our recent features highlights woman entrepreneurs (5 Minutes With:) We have received great feedback on it. At the end of the day, it was about connecting the two."

PIPD: How does Beauty Connexion differ from other beauty oriented websites?

RP: "It is our experts that lead the way. These are industry experts that are currently working in the field in which they are writing about. And we feel that this manifests into articles with information that is unbiased and real. What we always strive for in our articles is to provide our audience with a little nugget of information they may not have been found anywhere else. For example we recently covered a launch of a new skin care treatment and, being curiously minded, we wanted to know what ingredient provided the effect so we dug a little deeper and shared that with our audience."

PIPD: Where do you hope to see Beauty Connexion five years from now?

RP: "We turn one in this month. It has been a tremendous year and we have been growing and learning along the way. Our goal for beauty connexion is to become the wikipedia of beauty and, in doing so, continue to help woman launch their beauty brands and bring aspiration to younger women."

For more info, go to www.beautyconnexion.com.

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Fashion's Night Out: at C.O. Bigelow Apothecary

New York Fashion Week is just around the corner! Kick off the week at Fashion’s Night Out on September 10, 2010 at the C.O. Bigelow Apothecary store from 6-10 pm.

The downtown landmark Apothecary store, located at 414 6th Avenue, is a neighborhood favorite to New Yorkers and celebrities alike and will have specials during the event from some of their top-selling brands. Vinny Guadagnino of MTV’s hit show The Jersey Shore will be at the store from 7pm to 8pm to meet and greet with C.O. Bigelow consumers. He will also showcase his essential grooming products and favorite beauty products for the ladies in his life that are all sold at C.O. Bigelow. Bring your cameras!

Learn how to boost body confidence and feel great in your skin with the experts from Mama Mio Skincare. Mama Mio will be serving complimentary mocktails while sampling its Get Waisted Body Shaper to reduce fat cells, tighten and firm tummy flab. Come on girls! Let's Get Waisted!

In addition to body treats and beverages, C.O. Bigelow will also have a makeup artist from Jane Iredale giving consultations and tips to stay fresh-faced all week long, a manicurist from Barielle for a quick polish change and a skincare specialist with Rilastil sampling the latest eye cream. Additionally, Soap & Paper will be giving away a free shea butter soap with any purchase in the store!

For more info on Fashion's Night Out, go to www.fashionsnightout.com.

Fashion Night Out: With Korres

WHO: Korres Natural Products

WHEN: Friday, September 10, 2010 – 6:00pm – 11:00pm

WHAT: Head to the Korres store in SoHo on Friday, September 10th for an evening of cocktails, cupcakes and makeovers. The event will feature ‘Detox Bubbles, Cupcakes & More’ for guests to enjoy as they help VOGUE magazine celebrate a night of fashion. The stores will include a detox bar serving complimentary antioxidant-infused cocktails based on the Greek skincare brand’s natural ingredients – Wild Rose, Pomegranate, Thyme Honey & Raspberry – along with delicious cupcakes also ‘packed’ with natural ingredients. Attendees can detox on the outside as well with a complimentary Korres makeover or advice on how to wear VOGUE’s hottest color looks of the season using 'green' make-up. All guests will receive a product samples including global bestsellers.

WHERE: KORRES / 110 Wooster Str. [btw Prince & Spring, SoHo, NY]

RSVP: Korres Store 212-219-0683 or Woosterstreet@korresusa.com

WHY: In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals. The first evening of New York Fashion Week, Fashion's Night Out will encompass an array of festivities.

For more info on Fashion's Night Out, go to www.fashionsnightout.com.

holiday gift guide: give H2O+

The trick to gift giving is to give someone something they want that's also something they really need. And everyone needs skincare products that feel good but also really work. Tucked away in this handy beauty bag, the Sea Pure Natural Skincare gift set (a $42.50; a $56 value) features three marine-based beauty essentials. There's a gently foaming Creamy Facial Cleanser, an ultra-hydrating, antioxidant packed Deep Moisture Cream and a line-minimizing Perfecting Eye Cream--all enriched with ingredients that boost the body's sirtuin levels to naturally stimulate skin cell regeneration. Blended with marine botanicals, shea nut butter and sunflower oil, this rejuvenating collection helps smooth skin and deflects daily free radical damage. Give it early for great results by the holidays! Go to www.h2oplus.com for this and other gift set options.

cyber monday: www.shuuemura-usa.com

From rouge unlimited lipsticks to ultimate expression mascara to primal mix blush, shu uemura has your makeup needs covered. To celebrate cyber monday, fans get an extra special treat. Shu Uemura offers seven deluxe samples to customers who spend $125 or more plus free shipping and the 20% discount! The deluxe items include a mesh bag filled with mini-gloss, brightening cream, red:juvenus intense vitalizing concentrate, pleasure of Japanese bath – hinoki, cleansing beauty oil premium A/O, deep sea water mist in chamomile, and powder foundation. Just enter the promotion code WISHDELUXE09 upon checkout. Bookmark www.shuuemura-usa.com for regular deals and great beauty buys all year long!

get nude now!

Who doesn't want to look good in the nude--especially when it comes to your face? Luckily, Nude Skincare products revive your skin, making you look and feel younger after just a few uses. I've been applying the Age Defence Moisturizer ($100) and Advanced Eye Complex ($108) for two weeks and couldn't be happier with the results. Here's how they work: Probiotics, the good bacteria found on skin, and prebiotics the natural sugars which bioselectively feed these good sugars, join forces to rebalance and strengthen skin's natural protective barrier. So what's inside? Only good-for-you stuff, like botanicals, peptides, COQ10, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. I love the facial moisturizer and its silky smooth texture. Sure, it glides onto your skin and absorbs quickly like you'd expect a good moisturizer to but it also offers a subtle firming action and leaves skin the way it feels post-facial. It's especially soothing for sensitive skin as well. The eye cream promises its own anti-wrinkle remedies while offering an immediate lift, reducing dark circles and eliminating puffiness. Plus, it increases collagen production to banish that hollow, sleepless effect. The same super-smooth texture left the skin around my eyes feeling smooth and helped soften unfriendly crow's feet. Also available is the Hydrating Water ($34), with prickly pear to lock in moisture, vanilla floral water to tone skin and rose floral water to soothe the complexion. The bottom line: Use Nude products and you'll feel like you can venture out without makeup because your skin looks THAT good. I even got two unprovoked comments from friends...something about a radiant glow! Go to www.nudeskincare.com to view the entire collection and make your purchase...or head to your nearest Sephora, Barneys, or Whole Foods store.

rodial sale

Want to rid your skin of wrinkles? Say sayonara to stretch marks? Tighten your tummy? Cancel your doctor appointments and hit this amazing Rodial Skincare sale, exclusively for Hautelook members on hautelook.com. Get 45-60% off, October 19th and 20th only. Rodial Skincare products include Glam Balm, Glamtox Peel, Glamtox Eye Light SPF 15, Glamtox SPF 18, Glamtox Night, Glam Balm Wipes, A-List Cleanser, Jet Set Cleanser, Bum Lift, Body Sculpture, Tummy Tuck, Boob Job, Crème de la Crème, and Power Body Buff. Celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes and Angelina Jolie are fans--why aren't you? Go to www.hautelook.com to get your A-list treatment.

beauty score

This past weekend, Serena Williams took the Wimbledon Women's Tennis title in London and announced the launch of her new luxe beauty line with MISSION skincare. On July 23rd and 24th, she'll appear on HSN to give you a preview of her Mission Skincare Active Beauty Line: featuring Serena Williams. The products offer proven solutions for the active lifestyle of today's woman. The Oxygen-Active Daily Facial Cleanser ($39.99), with a unique self-foaming, oxygenating technology, cleans skin, removes makeup, nourishes and renews in only 90 seconds. Also try the gently exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub in Honey Sugar ($29.99), the Restorative Body Butter in Honey Sugar ($24.99) designed to protect and hydrate skin, the Lip Balmer SPF 15 in Pomegranate ($3.99) with broad spectrum sun protection, moisturizing cocoa butter and soybean oil to nourish and hydrate, and the Lip Balmer SPF 15 in Pink Lemonade ($3.99) designed to moisturize lips for up to eight hours. Check out the products on www.missionskincare.com or win a chance to meet Serena herself! From July 8th to July 21st, the tennis star turned beauty guru is hosting a contest to see what you can do in 90 seconds. Enter at SerenaMISSION.com for the chance to meet her and win two VIP tickers to one of her upcoming tournaments among other prizes.

help for dry skin: mayday! mayday!

Got dry, irritated, chapped or peeling skin? I do. I have been known to try every extra-emollient, ultra-rich skin cream out there in the hopes it works its magic on my rough elbows and knees. While some work better than others, I have always liked the texture of thick petroleum-based formulas more than those with a cream base. For some reason, they just feel more healing. That's one of the reasons why I love Ren Skincare's Mayday Mayday Rescue Balm with Bio Actives, which hit stores in April. Designed to deeply moisturize, soothe and strengthen dry skin with Omega 6 essential fatty acids and trigyceride-rich Shea Butter, it's great for really dry hands, elbows, knees and lips. It feels really soft when you smooth it on and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. After just two uses, my knees felt much smoother. And I LOVE the fresh scent! I'm not sure what the ingredient is that's responsible (maybe the soothing chamomile and pink violet) but it makes you smell like you've just left the spa. It comes in a palm-size tube that fits easily in your hand (although I'm sure I'll need more very soon!) and is packaged in a simple white box with purple accents. And--not that this is a reason to buy a skincare product--I love the pretty graphic design on the inside cover. It's a nice surprise when you open the box! Get your dose of Bio Actives at Space.NK, Sephora, Blue MercuryBarney's, Fred Segal and www.RENSkincare.com.

total revival

It seems like such a basic concept: skin care products that speed up the natural action of your skin. In your twenties, skin regenerates itself every two or three weeks but, as we age, skin regeneration slows down to every eight or nine weeks which means dead skin cells gather on the surface leaving skin looking dry and dull. Dr. Greg Brown, a plastic surgeon who was growing frustrated with the limits of his trade, created the ReVive Skincare System to bring the enviable glow of youth back to his patients. I've been using two of the products for the past couple of weeks and I LOVE the results! Great for normal to dry and sensitive skin, the Sensitif Cellular Repair Cream, a reparative day cream with SPF 15 for designed for sensitive skin, boosts cellular turnover and reduces signs of premature aging and overexposure to the sun. The Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream, a perfecting night cream with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), the Nobel Prize winning ingredient exclusive to ReVive, gently exfoliates, retexturizes and renews facial skin. Perfect for all skin types, it's goal is to diminish imperfections and the appearance of fine lines for fresher, glowing skin. Both products feel silky smooth when you apply them, absorb quickly and smell nice. After trying so many products that promise to do so much for your skin, I was relieved to feel that ReVive products felt so natural. They didn't feel annoyingly tingly or tightening the way some of the other products do so you feel better about using them. In addition, the company created a beautiful brochure that not only explains each of the products and how to use them but explains the technology behind them and provides a glossary of skincare definitions. To learn more about ReVive products or to order, visit www.baysbeautyboutique.com.

mission possible

Skin care products often promise you the world--with claims that they're sweat-resistant, vitamin infused, skin healing... But do they deliver? Some of the world's top athletes have said no--until now. Introducing Mission Skincare, a collection of skin care remedies designed and tested by professional athletes. Since they're always looking for gear that might improve their performance and are big fans of sunscreen, moisturizers and balms, cosmetic industry veteran Josh Shaw asked athletes for their feedback when developing a line of skin care products just for them. There are five products in Mission's Get-Fit Skincare Kit (all under $20): Revive Gel High Performance Moisturizer for face and body designed to soothe, heal and condition; Anti-Friction Cream to defend skin and relieve chafing, Foot Synergy Gel to energize and condition before an activity and soothe and relieve inflammation afterward; Daily Offense SPF 30 stick with UVA/UVB protection; and Lip Protector SPF 20 All-Star Lip Protection in a tiny tube with a pointed applicator. All products are totally totable and easy to apply during a workout. In further pursuit of their Mission, the company has developed a line of athlete engineered lip balms: Try Tennis star Serena William's Pomegranate Lip Balmer SPF 15; pro snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler's Sweet Vanilla Lip Balmer SPF 15; pro skateboarder Ryan Scheckler's Orange Lip Balmer SPF 15 for long lasting protection and great orange flavor; gold medal swimmer Amanda Beard's Organic Strawberry Lip Balmer SPF 15 in a delicious strawberry flavor and a classic Mission Mint Lip Balmer SPF 15 which offers unbeatable protection. Check them all out at www.missionskincare.com. Mission accomplished!