According to an article from ABC News, the entries listed below represent 10 cosmetic procedures that -- for most people -- are least likely to offer results that justify their risks.
1. Mesotherapy and Lipodissolve
2. Cosmetic Foot Surgery
3. Permanent Filler Injections
4. Injection for Breast Augmentation
5. Cosmetic Leg Lengthening Surgery
6. Buttock Implants
7. Permanent Makeup
8. Extreme Facial Procedures
9. Augmentation Mastopexy (Breast Lift with Implants)
10. Any Procedure by Untrained Hands
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Fish Pedicures
The latest craze in spa treatment: dunk your tootsies in a tank of water and let tiny carp nibble away.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Long lashes are possible
Found the best false lashes ever, that look pretty natural! The next best thing to lash extenstions that tend to look fake!
Ardel Lashes in #108
Ardel Lashes in #108
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Accutane for Acne
Accutane is some strong stuff! The chemical name is isotretinoin and Accutane is the best known brand name, though there are generic products on the market. It belongs to the family of medicines called retinoids, which are similar to vitamin A.
Accutane is the most effective drug on the market for treating severe acne. It is also a controversial drug due to the potential side effects (such as birth defects). People who are considering Accutane treatment must have a thorough examination by a doctor, ongoing blood tests and an analysis of medications currently used.
Accutane Treatment
- Skin dryness – use moisturizers
- Nosebleeds - apply petroleum jelly inside the nose
- Dry eyes - over the counter moisturizing drops
- Skin sensitive to sunlight – use a sunscreen with a high SPF rating
- Joint stiffness, bone pain – consult your doctor before using any pain relievers
Accutane is the most effective drug on the market for treating severe acne. It is also a controversial drug due to the potential side effects (such as birth defects). People who are considering Accutane treatment must have a thorough examination by a doctor, ongoing blood tests and an analysis of medications currently used.
Accutane Treatment
Because Accutane is a powerful medication, it should only be prescribed for severe acne cases. Patients must have ongoing blood tests and constant monitoring of cholesterol levels, liver enzymes and triglycerides in order to detect any adverse side effects. Doctors must be made aware of any medication and over the counter the remedies used by their patients. Certain over-the-counter acne products do not mix well with Accutane.
Women who are planning a family must not become pregnant during treatment because Accutane is known to cause birth defects. Some doctors order pregnancy tests and prescribe birth control medication. The FDA has instituted the iPledge program for women who decide to undergo treatment.
Accutane is administered in capsule form and is available in doses of .5mg or 1 mg. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1.5 mg. The average course of treatment is 15 to 20 weeks. If further treatment is required, the patient must wait 10 weeks after the treatment was discontinued.
It will take several weeks before patients experience the full effect of Accutane. In some cases, the skin will temporarily get worse but then there will be a noticeable decrease in acne.
- Skin dryness – use moisturizers
- Nosebleeds - apply petroleum jelly inside the nose
- Dry eyes - over the counter moisturizing drops
- Skin sensitive to sunlight – use a sunscreen with a high SPF rating
- Joint stiffness, bone pain – consult your doctor before using any pain relievers
In some cases, there could be more severe side effects. These require immediate medical attention:
- Headaches, nausea and vomiting
- Depression or psychosis
- Night blindness
- Jaundice, hepatitis or abdominal pain
- Diarrhea, rectal bleeding
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Eyeshadow Looks in Seconds
Now this I HAVE to try!! Going to stop by Sephora soon and let you know how it works!
EyeEnvy - Smokey Kit
What it is:
Revolutionary new one-size-fits-all mineral cream eye shadow appliqués.
What it does:
Designed by a celebrity make-up artist, the ColorOn Professional EyeEnvy Smokey Kit contains peel-off mineral cream eye shadows that are 100% hypo-allergenic, long-wearing, and crease-proof. With stunning colors and avant-garde designs, these appliqués fit every eye size and shape and can be applied in minutes.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Zits be gone!
What the heck are these pesky things?!
Pimples
Inside the pore are sebaceous glands which produce sebum. When the outer layers of skin shed, the dead skin cells left behind may become bonded together by the sebum. This causes a blockage in the pore, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage.
Common over-the-counter medications for pimples are benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both medications can be found in many creams and gels used to treat acne through topical application. Both medications help skin slough off more easily, which helps to remove bacteria faster. A regimen of keeping the affected skin area clean plus the regular application of these topical medications is usually enough to keep acne under control.
Severe acne usually indicates the necessity of prescription medication to treat pimples. Prescription medications used to treat acne include isotretinoin, which is a retinoid. Historically, antibiotics such as tetracyclines and erythromycin were prescribed. While they were more effective than topical applications of benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria eventually grew resistant to the antibiotics and the treatments became less and less effective. Also, antibiotics had more side effects than topical applications, such as stomach cramps and severe discoloration of teeth.
For the severest cases dermatologists may prescribe oral isotretinoin (Accutane), or a vitamin A derivative called Retin-A, which unblocks pores and prevents pimples. This treatment is highly effective but has many side effects, including birth defects in some babies born to women using it.
Some helpful tips are sure to improve the skin:
• Keep your bed linens clean, as dead skin, oil, cosmetics, hair preparations and dirt on the linen will be picked up by your skin while you sleep and help clog pores.
• Products containing benzoyl peroxide are also very beneficial topical cleansing agents. However, if you are using products containing benzoyl peroxide, make extra efforts to screen yourself from the sun.
• A soap with aloe vera is good, too, as aloe is a natural wound healer.
• Allergies to cosmetics may be a cause, too, so if your acne started after using new cosmetics, eliminate them for a week to see if the acne clears up.
• Keep your hands away from your face or other affected areas. They contain oils and bacteria that promote acne. Wash your hands frequently.
• Take a steam shower or boil some water on the stove and put your head over the vapors for a few minutes. This will open up the pores and they can be cleaned out more easily.
• Avoid greasy creams and cosmetics, especially ones that contain oils and dyes, and avoid medications that contain bromides or iodides.
Caution! It is very tempting to pop whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Whiteheads are clogged pores below the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and should not be squeezed. Blackheads are clogged pores on the surface, and also should not be scrubbed or squeezed, but removed with an extractor that you can buy at a pharmacy. Pimples may be squeezed when they are infected and have yellow pus if the proper procedures are followed. Apply a warm compress to the area for a few minutes to open the pores, then squeeze with a clean tissue until all the pus runs out. This will allow the pimple to heal properly. Using fingernails will promote scarring and may be covered with bacteria that will enter the area and cause inflammation.
Pimples
Inside the pore are sebaceous glands which produce sebum. When the outer layers of skin shed, the dead skin cells left behind may become bonded together by the sebum. This causes a blockage in the pore, the sebaceous glands produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage.
Common over-the-counter medications for pimples are benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both medications can be found in many creams and gels used to treat acne through topical application. Both medications help skin slough off more easily, which helps to remove bacteria faster. A regimen of keeping the affected skin area clean plus the regular application of these topical medications is usually enough to keep acne under control.
Severe acne usually indicates the necessity of prescription medication to treat pimples. Prescription medications used to treat acne include isotretinoin, which is a retinoid. Historically, antibiotics such as tetracyclines and erythromycin were prescribed. While they were more effective than topical applications of benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria eventually grew resistant to the antibiotics and the treatments became less and less effective. Also, antibiotics had more side effects than topical applications, such as stomach cramps and severe discoloration of teeth.
For the severest cases dermatologists may prescribe oral isotretinoin (Accutane), or a vitamin A derivative called Retin-A, which unblocks pores and prevents pimples. This treatment is highly effective but has many side effects, including birth defects in some babies born to women using it.
Some helpful tips are sure to improve the skin:
• Keep your bed linens clean, as dead skin, oil, cosmetics, hair preparations and dirt on the linen will be picked up by your skin while you sleep and help clog pores.
• Products containing benzoyl peroxide are also very beneficial topical cleansing agents. However, if you are using products containing benzoyl peroxide, make extra efforts to screen yourself from the sun.
• A soap with aloe vera is good, too, as aloe is a natural wound healer.
• Allergies to cosmetics may be a cause, too, so if your acne started after using new cosmetics, eliminate them for a week to see if the acne clears up.
• Keep your hands away from your face or other affected areas. They contain oils and bacteria that promote acne. Wash your hands frequently.
• Take a steam shower or boil some water on the stove and put your head over the vapors for a few minutes. This will open up the pores and they can be cleaned out more easily.
• Avoid greasy creams and cosmetics, especially ones that contain oils and dyes, and avoid medications that contain bromides or iodides.
Caution! It is very tempting to pop whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Whiteheads are clogged pores below the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and should not be squeezed. Blackheads are clogged pores on the surface, and also should not be scrubbed or squeezed, but removed with an extractor that you can buy at a pharmacy. Pimples may be squeezed when they are infected and have yellow pus if the proper procedures are followed. Apply a warm compress to the area for a few minutes to open the pores, then squeeze with a clean tissue until all the pus runs out. This will allow the pimple to heal properly. Using fingernails will promote scarring and may be covered with bacteria that will enter the area and cause inflammation.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Shaping the Nose
Makeup can do wonders, it can even change the shape of your nose!
- Broad Nose. Use a foundation that is one shade darker than your natural skintone. Sweep along the sides of the nose with a small, firm makeup brush. Start just below the inner corners of the eyebrows, and end at the sides of the nostrils. Stroke a lighter shade of foundation down the bridge of the nose. Blend well.
- Flat Nose. Apply highlight down the center of the nose, avoiding the sides. Smooth and blend down the center.
- Narrow Nose. Sweep concealer that's slightly darker than your natural skintone down the centre of your nose. Then use a lighter shade on the sides of your nose and nostrils.
- Long Nose. Apply a foundation or concealer that is a few shades darker than your natural skintone onto the tip, between and around the nostrils.
- Crooked Nose. Apply two straight lines down the center of the nose. Follow with a lighter foundation on the concave area(the hollow, curved, rounded area). Apply a darker foundation on the convex area (protruding outward)
- Broad Nose. Use a foundation that is one shade darker than your natural skintone. Sweep along the sides of the nose with a small, firm makeup brush. Start just below the inner corners of the eyebrows, and end at the sides of the nostrils. Stroke a lighter shade of foundation down the bridge of the nose. Blend well.
- Flat Nose. Apply highlight down the center of the nose, avoiding the sides. Smooth and blend down the center.
- Narrow Nose. Sweep concealer that's slightly darker than your natural skintone down the centre of your nose. Then use a lighter shade on the sides of your nose and nostrils.
- Long Nose. Apply a foundation or concealer that is a few shades darker than your natural skintone onto the tip, between and around the nostrils.
- Crooked Nose. Apply two straight lines down the center of the nose. Follow with a lighter foundation on the concave area(the hollow, curved, rounded area). Apply a darker foundation on the convex area (protruding outward)
Monday, June 23, 2008
Conceal Eye Baggage
Some dark circles or eye bags may be due to stress, lack of sleep, or simply heredity. Eye creams won't be able to cure them, so the best trick is to cover them up!
1. Make sure you sleep well
2. Using a concealer brush and light reflective concealer
3. Choose a light reflective concealer. There are many types of concealers on the market, but liquid light reflecting concealers will give better results for under the eyes. Pick one just a shade lighter than your foundation.
4. Tilt your head down so that the raised dark circles under your eyes are more obvious. The bottom of the bags is where the shadow falls and appears darker than the rest so this is where to concentrate coverage.
5. Apply your concealer by lightly dabbing on some along the bottom of the bags. Use a little at first and build up slowly - do not cake it on.
6. Blend, blend, blend the concealer into your skin with your finger. Use a light rolling movement.
7. Try to keep the line under the bag the brightest, so the shadow is neutralized. Apply a little more concealer to the eye, and blend fully up to the lash line, so the skin tone is fully evened out.
Video example should help!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Latest Liposculpture Craze
What's better than liposuction? Probably Lipo-Sculpture. Even if you're thin and toned, you may not have the perfect body image you desire. That's where liposculpture comes in, targeting only the small problem areas you need to.Liposculpture is a technique of body contouring and skin conditioning. It reduces the appearance of cellulite and helps define the figure. Liposculpture is not supposed to replace or subsitute good diet and excercise. Instead, it is supposed to help you remove stubborn areas of fat that have not responded to other weight loss methods.
Celebrities everywhere are jumping in on this craze. A session could cost about $5,000 and most patients can go back to work the very next day. Here's a great link for common questions and answers on the procedure.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Multipurpose Powder
Powder has many purposes than you may think:
- Set lipstick in place and prevent feathering and lipstick bleeding.
- Dry up excess oils from scalp
- Powder applied over foundation keeps the makeup in place longer
- Apply loosely under the eyes to catch loose makeup
- Powder softens any look, eliminates shine, and keeps foundation from creasing
Mascara Tip of the Day
Avoid pumping the mascara brush in and out of the tube. This will only let air into the tube and dry out the mascara. Try rotating the wand in a circular motion and pulling it out.
To prevent the mascara from clumping, dab a tissue around the wand and remove excess color prior to applying.
To prevent the mascara from clumping, dab a tissue around the wand and remove excess color prior to applying.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Make Sure Your Designer Glasses Have UV Protection!
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can burn your skin AND the corneas and conjunctivas of your eyes. Plus, long-term UV exposure can lead to eye disease like cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses that block UV light are a great way to help protect your vision, but you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on them.
The American National Standards Institute has set some guidelines that can help you pick the right pair. They say that glasses should block UVB by 99% and UVA radiation by 95 percent. Make sure the glasses are clearly labeled with the type of protection the offer. The glasses should indicate the level of protection they provide. If the glasses aren’t labeled with a specific UV claim then they're not worth buying. Special lenses such as blue blockers, polycarbonate, and polarized lenses may block some UV light but without special coatings the lenses do not meet the UV minimum blockage requirements.
Look for these voluntary industry labels that manufacturers should be using:
- Cosmetic = 70% UV reduction
- General purpose = 95% UV reduction
- Special purpose = 99% UV reduction
- UV-400 and UV absorption up to 400nm = 99% UV reduction
The UV protectant coating doesn’t have a color, so don’t think that darker lenses provde better protection. The tint or color of the lens simply doesn’t matter.
UV labeling is what you should look for, not a high price tag. Taken from the Glaucoma Research Institute:
" The good news is that sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to protect your eyes and they can often be found at the local drugstore. Unfortunately, a high price is not always a guarantee of high quality and protection. Part of the difficulty is that standards and labeling regarding UV protection are voluntary, not mandatory-and can be confusing."
Monday, June 9, 2008
Tips for Asian Shaped Eyes
Found a great video to accentuate the asian eye and create a crease. Enjoy!
Tips for Bug Bites on Your Beautiful Skin
26 bug bites and counting - that's what I experienced after my recent travels. So I learned a few tips the hard way!
- Do not puncture, poke at, or pop the wound or blister. When I did this, the site turned red, and another one spread the venom from the bite. The logic here is to release the toxic stuff from your body. You can try it but be very clean and cautious.
- Take Benadryl. It works wonders for itchiness. Watch out for the marked drowsiness though.
- Apply a little hydrocortisone. Not too much though. Not sure if I put too much but my bites (compared to friends) turned out big, swollen, and a deep red. Looked pretty scary!
- Do not apply tiger balm or white flower serum (found in asian stores). The mintiness seems to irritate my bites and made them bigger and worse.
- Keep the area clean, and do not scratch!!
- Pop your multi vitamins. Not sure if it's the fish oil tablets or vitamin b supplements but my body seemed to heal faster this way.
The rest you will just have to wait it out, be patient and they will heal!
- Do not puncture, poke at, or pop the wound or blister. When I did this, the site turned red, and another one spread the venom from the bite. The logic here is to release the toxic stuff from your body. You can try it but be very clean and cautious.
- Take Benadryl. It works wonders for itchiness. Watch out for the marked drowsiness though.
- Apply a little hydrocortisone. Not too much though. Not sure if I put too much but my bites (compared to friends) turned out big, swollen, and a deep red. Looked pretty scary!
- Do not apply tiger balm or white flower serum (found in asian stores). The mintiness seems to irritate my bites and made them bigger and worse.
- Keep the area clean, and do not scratch!!
- Pop your multi vitamins. Not sure if it's the fish oil tablets or vitamin b supplements but my body seemed to heal faster this way.
The rest you will just have to wait it out, be patient and they will heal!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Understanding Sunscreens
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a multiplier of your skin’s ability to resist burning. So if normally your skin burns after 10 minutes of sun exposure, applying sunscreen with an SPF 10 will increase the exposure time to 110 mins before you get burned.
Sunlight is composed of radioactive rays, which get filtered out by the atmosphere layers of the Earth. Of all the dangerous rays that the sun emits, the ones that reach our skin are the UV rays.
UVB rays stimulate vitamin D production, appearance of moles, and can lead to sunburn with overexposure. There are more UVB rays in sunlight in the summer. UVA rays are responsible for tanning of the skin, as well as negative effects of sun exposure like as wrinkles and melanoma.
The SPF rating that comes on sunscreen bottles is determined by an FDA required in vivo test which involves exposing volunteers’ skin to the sun until it sunburns and then evaluating the protection factor that the sunscreen gave that skin.
Look for products labelled as UVA/UVB broad spectrum, and don’t forget to check the ingredients for zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, and ecamsule (aka Mexoryl) which are all effective at blocking UVA.
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