Un "bridal" ing Beauty

Wedding season is upon us Orange County! From the Montage in Laguna to The Villa in San Juan, these venues are booked! The brides have it all covered, from tiara down to their toes! However, there is one thing brides most commonly neglect and that's their skin! How so many classically let their faces fall to the wayside by forgetting that stress and lack of sleep along with improper skin maintenance can truly turn "The blushing bride" more like, "The blemished bride".
Here are some simple beautiful ways to ensure the angelic skin every girl desires on the day of her wedding!
First and foremost if hiring an artist for makeup, finding the right one can take time. NEVER feel stuck with the first one you try, always interview two to three different artists(expect your trial costs to run from anywhere between $45 to $100 each sitting), and making sure you have done this at least three months in advance of the wedding date as to ensure the one you choose doesn't become booked as well as giving you ample time to find the right one.
You shouldn't rely entirely on the makeup artist for perfect skin though. Skincare is an important primer to ensuring the makeup will look and stay as flawless from the moment it's applied to the moment she takes it "all off!" So the next concern is maintenance before the magical day. Keeping a regular cleansing regime morning and night, avoiding soap based cleansers that only dry out the skin. Look to Yum (vegan) Gourmet Skincares Oatmeal Apricot Creme Cleanser if your'e on the dry side or Lemon Soy Cleansing Lotion if you lean more on the oily side. Toning with an alcohol free toner after every wash to balance skins PH, try, Yum's nourishing bio-complex Pomegranate Toner. Being a big believer in serums, find the right one for your skin type, high in skin nourishing anti- oxidants, and restorative ingredients.(Melvita's organic, Regenerating Serum).
Take good care of the windows to the soul, especially when the groom stares into those eyes, you don't want him noticing the rings of sleepless nights. Take time out for a soothing eye masque once or twice a week especially right before the day of, (Shiseido's Pure Retinol Instant treatment Eye Mask). Exfoliating is key, once a week removing the unwanted dry(corneum) layers of the skin and allowing fresher smoother skin to come forth. Avoid harsh scrubs involving nuts and seeds of any sort, smooth jojoba beads, and ultra fine sugar scrubs such as Farm House Fresh's One Fine Day Flawless Face Polish. (You will have to TRY not to lick it off). A truly delicious way to pampering and caring for your skin. Hydrate and protect the skin your'e in everyday and every night. Moisturizers seal in the nourishing ingredients you have layered on prior, as well as shield the skin from outside free radicals such as smog, dirt, oils, smoke, and sun as long as you remember the SPF!(Oil free, and avoid oxybenzone because it can trigger allergic reactions). Now, for dry skin, gently hydrate with a weightless effect try Yum's Avocado Whip Moisture Creme and if your'e on the oilier side try Yum's Lychee Balacing Gel. One more savory step towards blissfully beautiful skin, take 20 mins. once a week for a relaxing, regenerating facial masque, appropriate to your skin type. On the dry side? Look to a gel or creamy based masque nutrient-rich in vitamin C, seaweed extracts and ultra hydrating shea butters to condition and restore natural suppleness.(Yum Nori Mango Butter Masque). If more on the oily side lean towards something clay based along with natural salicylic acids preferrably naturally found from papaya and pineapple which clarifies, detoxifies,and mildly exfoliates simultaneously balancing oil production, combating bacteria, as well as current and future blemishes.(Yums Red Earth Mineral Masque).
Along with remembering to drink your eight glasses of water a day, eating right, getting plenty of rest, and learning to deligate to relieve stressfull situations, these helpful hints and products will provide any bride "unblemished wedlock!"

The Makeup Show LA

The third annual Makeup Show LA, if you haven't heard, was held at the downtown California Market Center, just this past weekend. Pro makeup artists, working artists, up and coming, to wannabe artists, came from near and far to catch a glimpse of the latest in cosmetic and supply trends within the industry. There were several booths catering to special effects and film makeup such as Make Up Forever, Graftobian, Mehron, and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics to name a few. A perpetual query throughout this venue and among the cosmetic booths seemed to be the concern about HD(high definition/digital) ready makeup. "Is this makeup HD approved, certified, ready, appropriate, etc?"
What!?
High definition makeup has made its way to the forefront of the cosmetic world not only catering to the film industry but for the everyday makeup wearing woman(and man, Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Touche Eclat). Within the past ten years makeup artists have been well aware of the need for this "finer", more perfected coverage. Since the introduction of HD and the quality imagery it provides the viewer, it was inevitable this would force the cosmetic industry to change the quality of how and what is applied to the skin and hair. High definition means we as the viewers see our actors six times as sharp as the previous, softer grained images, exposing more details, such as lines, wrinkles, skin imperfections, where basically makeup mistakes are more easily seen!
Pro makeup artists spoke on panels explaining their personal adaptations to this higher expectation for the flawless, unreadable makeup. For the everyday makeup wearer this has been the sought after dream product for decades!
Pro artists such as Ve Neill currently working on The Amazing Spiderman, Eryn Krueger Mekash of Glee, and Debbie Zollar from Mad Men, continued to explain whether how much more they carefully need to apply to actors and then there were some explaining how much less to apply. What was also expressed was the honest understanding that a makeup should be applied accordingly to what the situation demands. For example actor A who let's say has perfect skin, needs a natural makeup for a 40's era piece; give her the appropriate, flawless, undetectable finish with the accurate period styling of liner, rouging, and lip shaping. Then we have actor B who has level one acne, maybe an unwanted blemish square in the center of their forehead, requires special effects for an alien character where in "Quadrant 9", acneic skin doesn't exist. Now, the special effects pro can either use the blemishes to their advantage, or if smooth skin is a must, apply color and effects accordingly, then look to CGI(computer generated imagery) for the texture fix-ups. This is a given across the board, CGI is there to save the day when HD gets in the way!
Now just because we have CGI doesn't allow the artistry to relax just yet. The experienced artist knows the importance of accurate detail to the face and hair of their actor, along with the help of quality product, checking and double checking how it all looks on camera, and with the DP's approval, they then, maybe, can sit back and finally "take five".
High Definition may have taken away the subtleties, smoke screens, the veils that otherwise film provided the makeup artist with to hide imperfections, but todays experienced makeup artist must prove they actually can match the actors skin tone to the foundation, blend away the lines, and contours, and concentrate on those details in the looks they were hired to create, as this is also true for bridal, print, and video because across the board, the HD camera truly doesn't lie.

Achieving Katys Grammy Glow

There's the Golden Globes, the Grammys, the Emmys, to the highly anticipated Academies, where the women, (and men too), of Orange County are eager to catch a glimpse of fashions hottest looks displayed upon their favorite celebrities, and of course bare witness to all the fashion failures just as well.

This past week the Grammys were buzzing with beautiful faces and designer frocks, hair, the long and short of it, bodies fit, slim, to voluptuous, down to their very toes. Youthful glowing skin is what was dominating the red carpet, no matter the age really. Which gives those over the age of thirty who search high and low to get back that youthful "glow" a fighting chance!

At this past weekends Grammy award ceremonies, Katy Perry shined for all to see in a colorful palette of pastels, daring to wear the vibrant complimentary colors of both violet and metallic green on the eyes and finishing her look with a springy bright pink lip, but above it all you couldn't deny her flawlessly smooth skin. Her skin was well secured with a great matte base but her cheeks were dazzling, atop a shimmering highlight that truly kept her skin appearing fresh and a glow.
To achieve this look, whether you're one of the lucky pore-less types to the slightly "furrowed", reach for Chanel's Double Perfection duo foundation, wear it wet or dry layering it to your hearts content. If your skin is on the drier side, hydrate properly prior to application, choose an emollient moisturizer/serum that doesn't just sit on top of the skin, ( Melvitas Organic Regenerating Serum), blush or contour with a soft peachy-pink blush, ( Sue Devitt Studios Koh Samui), and lastly highlight from lash line to tops of cheeks, and even the brow bone (the area just below brows), look for an ultra fine shimmer or cheek glaze ( By Terry Sheer Liquid blush and highlighters) to give that fabulous glow. Avoid chunky, cheaper blends of shimmer powders that will just end up sitting in creases and lines, making your skin look crepe and dry.
Remember, celebrities may make it look as though they wake up looking naturally flawless as we dream they do, but, a little help from their pro. makeup artists and stylists, as well as their trainers, dietitians, managers, and a bit of photo shop, don't hurt either.

Asking The Right Questions to Save Your Skin

Here are some common questions and concerns many women in Orange County face before they have entered a salon or cosmetic department. Yes, we all have been there at one time or another whether it's your "first time" or "about time", we find ourselves unsure of what we want, so here you can find some constructive answers to hopefully help alleviate these worries.

Such as:


"I don't have a lot of money and time to spend on things that don't work."

-Before ever entering any store or salon, analyze your own skin concerns at home first. Do you find your skin more on the oily side, combination, dry, or even sensitive? Do you have five/ten/or 15 minutes at night and in the morning to apply these new products to your skin? Are you looking for organic products, fragrance free, lifting, firming, and or smoothing effects? Taking some or all of these into consideration will better prepare you when you find yourself bombarded by the sales people standing around throughout the department stores insisting that their products are perfect for you.

"I don't know where to begin when picking the right skin care for myself so how will I know if the sales girl knows what's best for me?"

-Ask them a questions first. Armor yourself with one or all of these questions that can give you a better idea if they truly know their stuff. "How long has this line been around?", "Who is the creator of the line?", "What is their philosophy behind it?", "What are the prime ingredients in your best selling product?" You will know right away if they can educate you or that they need to go back to the home office for a better education.

"Is it normal to break out after my facial or did they use the wrong products on me?"

-Most of the time when the skin specialist uses proper procedures and appropriate product for your skin type you should leave feeling and looking fresh, clear and clean with few or if any after effects. If your skin had quite a bit of extracting done and your therapist couldn't get to all your areas of concern, you may experience some "purging" in the next day or two. If you leave the salon with irritated skin, break out in more than two to three areas, or just don't feel your skin is as "rejuvenated" as expected, you should find out what the therapist used precisely on you, and let the management know as soon as possible.

"What do I do if I think they are not answering my questions?"

-To begin with, always enter the establishment well prepared with your questions and concerns. If you still feel like the sales person is eluding your concerns and more interested in pushing the line and it's products on you. Never feel pressured, you have every right to request another associates assistance who may better provide you with the information you need and/or ask for the managers help.

"Do I have to pay more for quality?"

-This is not all together true. But, you do need to do a little research. This day and age we have the luxury of the internet and most any service as well as product available, will have a review, articles, editorials, write ups, and testimonials to help weed out the not-so-goods. You can compare and contrast on the internet before you even step foot into a store or salon. When it comes to skin care there are so many levels of creams, lotions, gels, serums, moisturizers, nutraceuticals, etc. What's best for one skin type may not be best for another. But, if a certain eye cream or lift serum is difficult to keep in stock year after year, it must be doing something right. Always ask for samples for at least a weeks worth of trial. No skin care line should expect you to jump right on the bandwagon before you have even tested the product on your own skin. Know something about the ingredients and whether they are efficacious to your needs.

"Do I really need to layer on five different things on my face twice a day, everyday?!"

-Not necessarily so. If washing, toning, applying serum, eye cream, and moisturizer, are just too much work for one person, there are ways to simplify and still enjoy healthy nourished skin. You can use a soap-free,(non-foaming) face wash, to avoid the stripping of the skins natural PH balance where now toner wouldn't be as necessary. Finding a combined hydrating as well as vitamin enriched serum can take the place of a daily moisturizer, unless your main concern is overly dry skin, a medium to full moisturizer can be more beneficial for your skin than a serum. An eye cream unfortunately is a totally different entity to your face moisturizer. The skin and pores around your eyes and your lips is a lot more delicate and sensitive where heavy creams can clog and possibly cause milia. Eye creams are beneficial for both preventative as well as corrective purposes and specifically cater to these areas of concern.

By asking the right questions you not only prevent yourself from going home with all the wrong things, they can empower your position as a consumer, as well as help the skin care and make up specialists stay attentive and better directed!

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!

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.

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