Powered by Max Banner Ads 

The gracious ladies at Kaplow P.R. in NYC know how to throw a breakfast par-TEA!  Remember St. Ives Apricot Facial Scrub…It was very grainy, even rough for sensitive faces like mine…But, everyone loved it!  St. Ives has not only revamped their commitment to clear, smooth skin, but they have refined their product’s ingredients.

At Dawn Cameron’s Sanctuary T, located in the landmark cast iron district of SOHO, N.Y., I had the pleasure to drink some of the best teas in the world.  Dawn is so passionate about tea and it’s history, you can’t help but to walk away from Sanctuary T feeling relaxed, charged, and healthy.  The place has such an organic, calming feeling. (Sanctuary T was named 1 of the top healthiest and tastiest places to dine in NYC…It is also 1 of Kelly Cutrone’s favorite places…she pop’s in all the time!)  But, I’m getting side tracked…

ST. Ives Green Tea Facial Cleanser

St. Ives has joined forces with some of the most powerful dermatologists and aestheticians available like Dr. Marsha Gordon who was at hand to explain the benefits of St Ives Green Tea Facial Cleansing Wash and Exfoliating Scrub…it all makes sense now.

ST. Ives Green Tea Facial Scrub

As consulting dermatologist for St. Ives, Dr.Marsha Gordon answered all of our questions and concerns.  Dr. Gordon was named by New York Magazine as one of New York City’s “Best Doctors,” for the 11th consecutive year.  Dr. Gordon  has a simple & straight forward approach to keeping skin looking young and healthy.  She often advises effective, gentle treatments and products over costly procedures.  According to Dr. Gordon, “St. Ives new facial product treats breakouts & reduces redness with soothing and organic green tea.  Green tea offers a completely organic solution to cleanse, detox, and support your skins healing properties”.

If you have sensitive skin that is prone to acne & redness, hold on to your knickers girls!  Now there’s a drug store product that costs under $12…For the pair!

First the essentials: St.Ives guarantees this product is:

*Non-comedogenic
*Hypo-allergenic
*Dermatologist tested
*Not tested on animals
*Does not contain animal products
*Has no formulated Parabens or phthalates

The St. Ives Green Tea Cleanser also supports at least 2% salicylic acid to refresh and renew skin’s surface.  The scrub supports 1% salicylic acid.
Green tea has always held microbial and anti bacterial properties. It is known to help the body maintain  internal and external hydration.

So girlie’s, I walked away not only hooked on these new products, but hooked up with the confidence with research that is simple, organic and so effective.

In with the old for youth fullness!

Yours truly and blemish free,

Lars  XX

ST. Ives is available at Target, Walmart and most drug stores nation wide.

Not too long ago a good friend of ours who works for Cutera Lasers introduced us to an amazing line of foundations that will cover pretty much any flaws on your skin including laser treatments.  It’s called Oxygenetix and was created by celebrity makeup artist Barry Knapp.

Barry Knapp Founder & Creator of Oxygenetix

This miracle makeup is breathable, will cover, help heal, minimize and even eliminate procedural scars.  Barry Knapp designed this for doctors to help patients with skin issues such as rosacea, acne scars, skin injuries, wounds, rashes and many more. Ceravitae, the super charged oxygen complex in Oxygenetix foundation proliferates collagen cell and connective tissue growth in aging or wounded skin.

You should also know this Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation is:

• Non-Comedogenic (it won’t clog pores)
• Oil-Free
• Fragrance -Free
• Organically certified ingredients
• Contains SPF 25 (for UVA/UVB sun protection)
• Not drying – allows retention of natural fluids – even following aggressive resurfacing.
• Hypoallergenic (less allergic reactions than with other cosmetics)
• Non-irritating to sensitive skin (safe to use it after most cosmetic procedures).

What I love about Oxygenetix is that it blends perfectly into your skin, stays on all day long (even if you sweat), covers all flaws, and is available in 8 shades.  Barry broke it down to 4 yellow base foundations and 4 blue base foundations.  When I’m wearing Oxygenetix people can’t help but stop and comment on how beautiful my skin looks.

Take a look for yourself…(I’m on the left…)

Te-see & Joanie (T is wearing her oxygenetix:))

I told Randy Fisher, Business Developer for Oxygenetix, that I should be the spokesperson for Oxygenetixs since I have had laser and other treatments done to my face and my skin looks amazing when I wear it…contact them directly if you agree…not to mention…I am NOT SHY…lol:)

Get your happy skin on with Oxygenetix…

te-see

image credit: oxygenetix, te-see

 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

One of the hardest areas to keep looking young is your neck…there are fillers for your face but what about the part that connects to your head…not too much out there except for surgery…which is not always the way to go.

Obagi Medical Products ELASTIderm Decolletage System

Check out Obagi’s ELASTIderm Decolletage System which launched in 2008.  Due to sun exposure and the natural aging process, your skin can develop hyperpigmentation (discoloration), age spots and freckles.  Not to mention loss of elastin which results in fine lines and wrinkles…Most people remember to put SPF on their face but neglect the most delicate area, the neck and chest.

Before Using Obagi's ELASTIderm Decolletage System

The ELASTIderm Decolletage System is a 2 step process that contains patent pending technology using Penetrating Therapeutics that are clinically proven to help restore healthy skin.  The first is The Skin Lightening Complex that contains 4% hydroquinone used to reduce hyperpigmentation and age spots.  Second is the The Wrinkle Reducing Lotion formulated with ELASTIderm’s Restorative Elasticity Complex. It’s unique bi-mineral complex helps replenish elasticity & builds collagen for more skin strength and resilience.  It also includes malonic acid to stimulate the production of healthy skin cells.  If used together, this therapeutic complex system will reduce the signs of aging, revitalize your skin, and give it a flawless more youthful glow.

After 12 weeks of using ELASTIderm Decolletage

Amazing difference in just 12 weeks…Imagine how great your skin would look after 12 more weeks!  It’s ideal for most skin types absorbing easily & quickly into the skin.  So, ask your skin care professional how ELASTIderm Decolletage can help you reveal the skin you were born with…

For more info visit:  Obagi Medical Products

te-see:)

image credits: obagi

 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

As we begin to age our skin slowly loses its moisture and elasticity, making our complexion less radiant. Every age brings along it’s own problems, but fear not, there are many effective skin treatments that can help fight these problems at different stages of your life.

Your skin in your twenties is likely to be at its best. Drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, exercising regularly, following a good skin care routine and eating healthy will ensure that your skin glows throughout your twenties. This will also ensure that the damage caused to skin by pollution, sun, and time is reduced.

Thing you can do:

• A deep cleansing treatment can be done every five weeks and is highly suited for those with oily skin. The skin gets nourished in using masks containing Evening Primrose and Rosemary Leaf Oil.
• A combination of treatments, such as Obagi Medical, along with a home care routine is prescribed to reduce acne, at regular intervals.
• Rain or shine, never, never, leave the house without sunscreen.
• No matter how tired you are, be sure to remove your makeup before going to bed. Makeup can clog pores and interfere with your skins rejuvenation process that occurs while you sleep.
• If you are prone to breakouts choose an oil-free moisturizer instead.

Your skin in your thirties begins to show the first signs of aging when the skin around the eyes, mouth, and neck area starts changing. After 30, the skin’s natural process of exercise slows down and the natural fibers decrease. More water is lost which leads to drying, and decreases the skin’s natural protection barrier. If you’re starting to notice fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, it’s time to take a good look at how you’re caring for your skin.

Things you can do:

• Along with daily sunscreen, your skin needs extra moisture, as it tends to get drier as we age. Consider using a richer moisturizer before applying your sunscreen each morning.
• To fight damage due to pollution, sun, and stress, use a cream rich in ingredients to regenerate the skin while you sleep.
• Protect the soft skin around the eye area by using a treatment gel or cream that helps to fight wrinkles, and tighten skin while moisturizing this delicate area. Try ELASTiderm from Obagi, a topical eye treatment that stimulates collagen synthesis while hydrating the skin.
• A good time to consult a physician for advice on skin care is in your thirties. Skin specialists have access to a variety of treatments to help reduce, or eliminate the signs of aging, and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

• Collagen facials can help accelerating the skin regeneration.
• As one grows older, the muscles of the face and neck begin to sag and fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Cutera offers non-surgical face-lifting procedures, and resurfacing procedures that are performed on the skin to tighten, and help to look younger. All are amazing.
• Using paraffin wax to maintain the hydration and suppleness of the skin, which will in turn, ensure softening the skin.
• And last, Using a night cream for the face and eyes will help renew, and replenish your skin while you sleep.
• The same apply’s to skin care in your 50s’, 60s’, and older.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I am checking out celebrities on the red carpet I always notice the ones whose skin is glowing. The ones whose dewy complexions are planted on all the front pages, and the ones who obsess over their skin as much as I do.

If you’re interested in getting this look, here are some simple and easy steps to follow.

A good hydrating mask is a great way to begin. It will prep your skin, remove any dry patches, and is essential to achieving a beautiful glow. Next, you will want to apply some moisturizer, before covering up any blemishes. Either a concealer stick, or liquid will do, but using a concealer brush will give you the perfect application.

Next, using either a foundation brush, or sponge, apply a touch of foundation, but only where your complexion needs it. This is only to even out your skin tone before the next step.

Once this is done, take your bronzing powder and apply wherever the sun hits your face, ie; your cheekbones, bridge of nose, chin and forehead. Next, add either a rosy or peach tone blush to the apples of your cheeks to make them pop, and finish the look. I usually like to add a touch of loose mineral powder with a brush and lightly go over to soften any lines. A cream bronzer and blush work really beautifully too.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but it seems to me that lately many young girls are altering themselves unnecessarily.  No one is longer happy with what God gave them and everyone wants to look better than everyone else.  Now I am all for enhancing yourself but really now…where do you draw the line and who is telling these girls that they need such adjustments at such an early age???

Unfortunately, once you start nipping & tucking, the up keep is a constant battle…and the younger you start, the longer you will be in and out of your doctor’s office.  I would hate to be a young girl today and I fear for my own daughter who is only 7…I will have to keep a close eye on her through her tweens and teens.  The sad part is that parents are buying their kids larger breasts instead of a new car for their 16th birthdays!!!  Are they also willing to insure their daughters breasts like a car since the chances of them leaking is higher than getting into a car accident.  And not to mention a lot more dangerous to them physically…do your research before you dive into plastic surgery.

The new Heidi Montag after several surgeries

After looking at this photo and reading, “I didn’t get them as big as I originally wanted,” said Heidi, I thought…really, if they were any bigger you’d fall over…Her nose has also been redone…again…to the point that she no longer looks like who she was…that’s when you know you’ve gone too far…any respected and knowledgeable doctor will tell you this.  They will also tell you that you want to make subtle changes to enhance what you already have…not make yourself look like a “character” of yourself.

Us women need to join together and embrace who we are in the inside…because that is what matters…looks do fade…Unfortunately, we do get older no matter how many surgeries or injections we have…it’s a fact.  And even if we look young for our age…the men will still glance over to the younger girls…just who they are!  Not fair…but true.

To all my moms out there…if you have daughters make sure you teach them the importance of being a spectacular woman inside…the rest will just happen on its own…

These young girls are future women...embrace them...

the girls at BSW

image credit:  us, tesee bender

 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Girls, it’s finally here…a 3 part whitening system by La Prairie of Switzerland that will give your skin that all around glow you’ve been searching for while targeting fine lines, wrinkles and now age spots!

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Systeme

At the heart of White Caviar Illuminating Systeme is Golden Caviar, sourced from environmentally-regulated farmed sources combined with clarifying Whitening Complex with Larch Tree Extract, detoxifying Swiss Garden Cress Sprout Extract, Vitamin C and various bio-technology. To acquire your new illuminating skin you need to apply the white illuminating cream over your entire clean face.  Then follow by the illuminating serum, a potent anti-pigmentation serum which will interrupt the cycle that creates age spots, stopping discoloration before it begins!  And last but not least…apply the illuminating eye serum under your eyes to combat those dark circles & keeping new dark patches from forming.

This fabulous system is great for all ages and will keep your skin looking young and glowing.  La Prairie Illuminating Systeme is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and at La Prairie’s site.

te-see:)

image credit:  laprairie

There are many reasons why your eyes can look tired…not enough sleep, stress, illness, and genetics… just to name a few.  All of these can cause tissue damage to such a delicate area…not good ladies…Hydration is key to maintaining a youthful glow not only under your eyes, but all over your face…

What to do for tired eyes...

Recently, a friend contacted me with concern about her dark, puffy circles under her eyes and wanted my advice on how to improve them.  Besides fillers like juvederm and sculptra, the other alternative is over the counter products that specifically target that area.

Here are a few products that are available at most beauty stores nationwide.  They can make a huge difference for your under eye appearance…without costing a fortune.

Redermic Eyes by LA ROCHE-POSAY

Redermic Eyes is a daily anti-wrinkle firming cream that will visibly reconstruct skin tissue and redefine your eye area.  It will reinforce eye area skin support, it is fragrance free, allergy tested and safe to use by all.

• Madecassoside [95% pure] to help fill in crow’s feet wrinkles
• L-Ascorbic Acid [ 5% ] to help reinforce eye area cutaneous support
• Hyaluronic Acid to help fix water in the thin and delicate eye area and immediately smooth surface micro-grooves

A 0.5 fl. oz. tube retails for $36.90 and can last up to 3 months or longer.

Jason Red Elements Lifting Eye Creme

Jason Red Elements Lifting Eye Creme is loaded with polypeptides, zinc, copper & manganese which stimulates cellular renewal for firmer, smoother skin under your eyes.  The hyaluronic acid will help reduce your fine lines as well as lighten dark circles & reduce any puffiness.  Also, hypo-allergenic, paraben-free and fragrance free.  A 5oz jar retails for $23.  To find a store near you please visit:  Jason

After using these products for several weeks my under eye area is less puffy and more youthful

te-see:)

image credit:  la roche-posay, jason

After writing my post on The 15 Minute Nose Job, I was curious about the doctor behind this miracle transformation.  Who was he, what else was he known for and can he do my face???? LOL…Dr. Alexander Rivkin had just returned from Russia where he spoke at a medical seminar on the new techniques in cosmetic enhancements.

I walked into a beautiful brick building on Gayle Street in Westwood, California (near the UCLA campus) and into a very serene office.  The latest products were displayed on beautiful shelves as well as literature on all the procedures available at Westside Aesthetics.

Westside Aesthetics

At first glance, Dr. Rivkin resembles the actor Ed Norton…he was younger than I expected and I also discovered that he was trained surgically as an ENT (ear/nose/throat)…this is what inspired his 15 minute nose job, especially after doing so many surgical ones.  Dr. Rivkin has fixed many nose jobs gone bad with fillers.  He has been doing aesthetics for 6 years when all the fillers started becoming very popular and as an alternative to surgery.

Dr. Rivkin works with most fillers such as  juvederm, artefill, radiesse, restylane, & sculptra.  According to Dr. Rivkin’s philosophy on fillers, he prefers to use a filler depending on the individuals face and the area being injected.  For deeper areas he uses radiesse and for areas that are not as deep, juvederm (which is a hyaluronic acid).  He also uses juvederm for under the eyes (tear troughs) and can last for up to 3 years.

before & after juvederm under the eyes

Most of his patients literally come in saying, “their face has dropped.” So, Dr. Rivkin proceeds to fill in the tear troughs and cheek area with juvederm.  He does not recommend ever filling the under eye area with artefill since it is permanent & this area is very sensitive and moves a lot.  With juvederm you can always fix it if it doesn’t look right.

before & after non-surgical cheek implants

Regarding fuller lips, “it is an art form,” says Dr. Rivkin.  He does it in smaller increments and then sculpts it into your lips for a more natural lip shape.  His filler of choice for lip enhancement it restylane also a hyaluronic acid that is long lasting, doesn’t form lumps and holds it’s shape.

I could have talked to him for hours since I find cosmetic enhancements so fascinating…as of now Dr. Rivkin is busy fixing noses, faces, and experimenting with permanent fillers.  He has been doing a study on fixing noses with artefill for 4 months and will continue for a full year.  His new miracle procedure is fixing “grinding teeth” with botox.  Patients who grind their teeth are losing the shape to their faces.  Using botox injections, Dr. Rivkin can reshape the face and stop the grinding…it’s amazing what you can do today!

Te-see and Dr. Alexander Rivkin

I felt extremely at ease with Dr. Rivkin and was impressed with his answers and knowledge about facial enhancement.  This Beauty Style Watch Editor would definitely refer him to any guy or gal needing facial & body improvements.

A special thanks to Dr. Rivkin for taking time out of his busy schedule to chat with me & to Roz May at RMPR!

For more info on any of the procedures or to schedule an appointment please visit West Aesthetics.

te-see:)

image credit:  te-see, west side aesthetics

It’s that time again boys and girls…I’ve decided to do a monthly list of all the items/things I can’t live without…my last post got such a huge response, not to mention how I’m always getting stopped for my beauty & fashion insight…so, here it goes…

Just call me the Julie Andrews of beauty & fashion…as in “these are a few of my favorite things…”

One of My Favorite Things!!!

1.  A Good Facial…Not only does this help stimulate your skin cells by removing the dead ones but it promotes youth!!!!  Your skin gets circulated by the motion of the facial massage which in turn stimulates the growth of new healthy, plump skin…a must for more mature skin!  Before a facial always make sure you find an esthetician who knows what they are doing…ask questions…it is your money…And healing hands is a must.  If it doesn’t make you feel and look better when you leave then by all means never go back! The best way to find a good esthetician is by referral.  Our BSW 411 is your yellow pages for just that.  We only refer the best of the best…and The Bender Sisters are quite picky when it comes to our skin!!!

One of my favorite esthetician’s is Pamela Ford Stevens at Wild Flower…she gives your skin what ever it needs and never ever charges extra.  Pamela has healing hands and can answer all of your skin care concerns…and please ask anyone I’ve sent there about how their “skin glows for several days after one of her facials!”

2.  La Prairie’s Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream The key ingredients are: Proprietary Protective Aquaculture Complex of Phytoplankton which works as a defense system against UV exposure & protects your skin against free radicals; Sea Mayweed, Blue Seakale, Inula & Sea Starwort which soothes skin and fights free radicals; Proprietary Firming Aquaculture Complex of algaes, sea kelp to firm your skin; Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Shea Butter, and Sea Lavender to hydrate your skin; La Prairie’s exclusive Cellular Complex that stimulates your skin’s natural renewal process while moisturizing & energizing it with nutrients that encourage optimal functioning.  When ever I wear this amazing SPF 20 which is practically every day…I get several compliments on how beautiful my skin looks…:)

La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream

3.  A Good Cup of Coffee I have to have a strong blend with a kick or my day is just not going to go well…lol:)  But it is true…It just makes me feel great…I love the taste of coffee…I have ever since I was 8 years old.  I am a fan of Starbucks, Peets and Dunkin Donuts (which unfortunately, do not exist in California)…that needs to change!  All have a good strong blend of joe to get my day started on the right track…

That’s it for today my friends…going to enjoy the sunshine for a change!

te-see :)