Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Truly Uplifting News


O.k. Orange County, there is hope for all you organic aficionados. To actually find a bio cosmetic that performs as well as feels great on the skin? It's finally here.
Melvita(Meaning "honey and life" in Latin) has just moved in to Fashion Island less than nine months ago. An organic skin and hair care company from France, created by beekeeper and biologist Bernard Chevilliat has found the right combination of organic farming and modern day natural science.
Melvita products are created to exceed the high standards set by ECOCERT, France's leading organic certification organization, meaning 95% of of the total ingredients are natural(including water) and at least 95% of the total plant-based ingredients are organic.
They have so far created 24 unique certified, undiluted, organic plant oils pressed from selected seeds, fruits, nuts, and roots, which are natural anti-oxidants, anti-aging, moisturizing, truly nourishing and soothing to the skin.
What's worth the "buzz", more than ever is their Naturalift Anti-aging Creme. The word has been out for a few years now on the wonderful effects of Argan oil, well they use the Argan nut which provides an immediate tightening and firming effect while wild beech buds, rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, energize the skin. The oligopeptides from Hibiscus seed, reduce the appearance of expression lines and Alpine buddleia works as a powerful anti free-radical agent. Now who doesn't need more of that? This simply beautiful product fights against aging organically and naturally and leaves the skin soft, supple, and ultra smooth.
SO put down the syringe, take a stroll to O.C.'s favorite shopping mecca, and visit Melvita for the best organic experience you've had in a long time!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Phase to face



There may come a time when you look in the mirror and wonder, "Where did those little brown spots come from?" Don't be alarmed when you are driving down the road and notice several new spots on the back of your hand or forearms.(Especially the left arm due to driving with this arm closest to the window). This phase in your life, typically begins by the age of 30, where both women and men alike will experience their first "age spot". What is an age spot a.k.a. liver spot? They appear as light brown spots, hyperpigmentation, or patches, usually found atop the cheeks, nose ,forehead, chest, as well as the back of the hands. These unsightly blemishes are results of over exposure to UV rays from the sun, also known as "photo damage". Some may experience the opposite reaction to sun damage known as, hypopigmentation where the skin loses it's pigment in result causing the loss of melanin and the skin appears white. There are ways to prevent future age spotting and thankfully for the miracles of modern science and technology we have many options to the removal of age spots. There are several grades of treatment offered to the public all depending on ones determination on the removal of their hyperpigmentation. The most mild, easy to use, accessible to most anyone as well as affordable, is a pigment lightening cream or gel. Most commonly used in these over the counter products is hydroquinone. This effective ingredient when used properly can dramatically lighten and brighten skin within one month of daily use.( PCA Pigment Gel). For those who are concerned of the controversies surrounding this ingredient or may be allergic, PCA has come out with HQ Free Pigment Gel that is a wonderfully nonabrasive topical product that by the unique formulation of kojic and azelaic acids, plus citric and lactic acids can lighten various types of hyperpigmentation and is ideal for sensitive skin. If one is looking for a more active approach to the removal of age spots and just evening out skin tone they may find what they want in microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non- invasive mechanical exfoliation by the use of either crystals, diamond or a bristle tipped brush along with the adjustable vacuum pressure, removes the outermost layer of the skin. With only a few visits(4 to 6 is recommended) one will experience softer, smoother, and more even toned skin for face, neck, chest, and hands. Then there is chemical peeling. As intimidating as this may sound there are some amazingly natural and effective treatments available that offer almost immediate satisfaction. There are alpha hydroxy(AHA) peels, TCA trichloroacetic acid, retinol, salicylic, Jessner peels, and then there's phenol the strongest and severe of peels. Through the professional guidance of your dermatologist along with finding an experienced/ licensed esthetician you can be well directed in choosing the appropriate treatment. Depending on the strength of the peel an the severity of the age spots one will see positive results by their second or third treatment.(4-6 visits or until desired result, is recommended). Expect peeling within two days that will last for another day or two. Avoid picking away the skin, your dermatologist or esthetician can provide you with protective and soothing after care while the "new skin" comes forth. Using an AHA face wash(PCA Facial Wash) along with a hydrating serum and protective moisturizer (PCA Protecting Hydrator SPF 30), especially with SPF during the day, you can minimize the dry, flaky after effects. Lastly there is the option of laser resurfacing. Performed only by dermatologists, there are several variations and levels of severity in terms of "down time" by the effects of these treatments. There are several versions performed by skin professionals such as Fraxel(R)/ photothermolysis skin resurfacing, photorejuvenation by the use of intense pulse light. These treatments can be costly and as long as you've done your research and find a reputable dermatologist, expect positive results.
Just as unique and distinctive each person is from another, so are the needs for caring for the body and skin. No matter what phase one must face, with the right guidance there are many positive and effective choices on the improvement and care for present as well as future health of the skin.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Wax On Wax Off!


Wax On, Wax Off Surface Beauty Offer!

You don't have to be as "fuzzy as a bear" to have waxing needs.

From brow shaping to under arms, bikini, legs, arms or face, Surface Beauty wax pros. are there for you!

We don't use bees wax,(That can burn, irritate, and tear tender skin).
We use a synthetic Ultaflexxx wax by Mancine http://www.mancinecosmetics.com/ from Australia,
that grips only hair, virtually painless, leaving no sticky residue, and no allergic reactions!

We've heard it all before: "I had my brows done once and they burned my lids", "After they did my upper lip I broke out", "It's just too painful".

We use the most modern of wax and technology to ensure a comfortable and noninvasive experience!

From January 1st to February 28th 2011,
Surface Beauty wants you to have the
best waxing experience ever so we are
offering it to you 50% off!
Don't forget, WE come to YOU!

Wax menu
Brows: $45/
now $22.5
Lip: $25/
now $12.5
Bikini: $55/
now $27.5
Underarms: $40/
now $20
Back: $40/
now $20
Legs: lower $35/
now $17.5
Legs: full $45/
now $22.5

To make an appointment, call (310)801-2818 or email mikimakeup@hotmail.com. *Tell a friend and don't forget to mention this offer!*
*($20.00 drive/gas fee outside of Orange County.)

Peace and Beauty always,

Miki at Surface Beauty
Mobile spa & beauty services
phone: 310/801-2818
www.surfacebeauty.com

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Outlets. Beauty tip Tuesday 2011


I'm not talking about the malls you drive a long distance to, for a discount on last seasons jeans and sweaters. I'm talking about a way to release your inner angst. A way to drop a few pounds and feel better about yourself inside and out.

Some find it with food, some with exercise, maybe it's sleep, or shopping, etc.
My beauty tip for this Tuesday is finding the positive "outlet" for todays stresses and pressures. I had a deep conversation with a close friend about this subject and we compared and contrasted peoples options in stress release. When someone feels out of control with a current situation they almost by nature feel the need to create a feeling of control in something else they think they "can" control. Eating and drinking are the quickest and easiest areas to appease ourselves with. "Treating" yourself or your friends to lunch or a cocktail gives a person a false sense of control and self worth.

BUT,what if you instead took a friend out for a hike around the lake, or to try out a new exercise program to work out your mind and body tensions?

Two years ago, I didn't notice my weight increase twenty five pounds over a good six to eight months of over indulging and taking friends out for wine and cheese tastings. I regularly went to the gym and kept fairly active with my two kids but the month before I was to go on vacation I pulled out the scale and just flipped in disbelief when I saw the numbers!

With the combination of counting calories and finding no more excuses in starting up kickboxing again (my favorite sport), I had no problems dropping that twenty five and another five on top of that in less than four months. My good friend has found walking in the mornings the most effective way to relax and drop her weight and she feels proud to talk about it.

Nothing makes someone feel more rewarded when they successfully accomplish a goal, nothing makes you feel more attractive when you lose weight, you worked so hard to lose, and no pair of shoes or dripping-fudge chocolate cake can make me feel as great as I do after I kick the crud out of my kick bag and sweat out my stresses during a vigorous hour of kickboxing! (Check out OCKickfit or Reign).
So find your sport, your "outlet". Get yourself moving for at least an hour, three to four times a week doing something you love and even better, do it with a friend!