Dr. Zong healthy pedicure tips!

Oprah’s Fave Beauty Products: Our Budget Swaps

Get penny-pinching versions of the beloved daytime diva’s coolest stuff

The beauty products on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” episodes are the dopest, but seriously, who has the dough for them? That’s why we did a round up of discounted alternatives of a few of her fave things. See products

You know it is just that time again! Time for toes to look fabulous! Like candied eggs even! I happen to give my toes the winter off; once I begin to wear boots and closed toed shoes throughout the winter months, I take my polish off and leave it off!

Then, when the warm weather and opened toed shoes come back in style, I put the pedi on and leave it all summer long until it gets cold again. Then I repeat! I do get a weekly polish change, and due to economy, I don't go weekly to the salon anymore for my pedicure ( boo hoo) though do my own.

Below are some amazing tips from New York City cosmetic podiatrist Dr. Zong: enjoy!

According to most American women, a trip to the nail salon or spa for a pedicure is not just a luxury – it is an accepted portion of their weekly beauty regimen! With so many women including pedicures as routine, it is no surprise that the bar has been raised when it comes to safety standards. According to New York City cosmetic podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong, “a pedicure is something I recommend to my patients who want to maintain both the health and look of their feet, but I warn them to ‘proceed with caution’ when choosing a nail salon to frequent.”



Dr. Zong’s hesitation is warranted: in October of 2000, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention investigated the first known outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum cutaneous infections acquired from whirlpool footbaths. As a prominent podiatrist in New York City , Dr. Zong has seen countless patients who have developed infections in their feet as a result of spa pedicures.



Dr. Zong’s Pedi-Do’s:

•Do ask salon workers how the foot spas are maintained and how often they are cleaned. Take notice of their actions while they are working on clients to see if footbaths are disinfected with each customer.
•Do pay attention to the time spent cleaning footbaths between customers. The disinfectant needs to work for the full time listed on its label, typically 10 minutes, depending on the type of disinfectant. It is worth your health & safety to practice patience at the spa!
•Do check your skin for infection during the days following your pedicure. Open wounds may appear on the skin of your feet and legs and can look like insect bites, but increase in size and severity over time.
•Do visit your podiatrist or primary care physician if you suspect you may have a serious infection.


Dr. Zong’s Pedi-Don’ts:

•Don’t get a pedicure if you have cuts or abrasions on your feet or legs. Microorganisms living in footbaths can enter through the skin and cause infection.
•Don’t shave, wax or use hair removal creams within a day before getting a pedicure
•Don’t get a pedicure if you have bug bites, bruises, scratches, scabs or poison ivy.
Remember: you are beautiful!
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HCG alert! Use Gehwol for dry chapped skin

Quiz: What Celeb Hairstyle Would Look Smokin’ Hot On You?

Find out which celeb-inspired cut can instantly update your look

Bored with the same ol’ same ol’ style you’ve been rocking? If you’re ready to take the plunge, take this quiz to find out which celebrity hairstyle you should steal. Take the quiz

Sometimes you just need to try a product that will do something good and do it quick! I just finished my HCG diet protocol with Dr. Simeons Pounds and Inches as my guide and one of the challenges I had was extremely dry skin. As a product junkie, not using anything for forty days was rough! I received a sample of Gehwol med Salve for cracked skin.




The ingredient list on this is a Dr. Simeons HCG diet protocol dream: petroleum,lanolin,water,panthenol, zinc oxide, glycerin and list goes on. The first two ingredients are what are so important to following the protocol. My hands were severely dry and chapped to the point of cracking and I started to use this and now they feel better, move better and the chapping has stopped.

So, to continue your Dr. Simeons compliant HCG diet protocol, try Gehwol med instead of plain petroleum jelly.

It's a great line of products made in Germany and are medical grade products and found in the best of pharmacies. To find some near you or get it online go to: www.gehwol-usa.com

Enjoy!

Remember: you are beautiful!
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Safe self tanning with Sevin Nyne: no more streaks!

8 Simple Steps to a Fake a Perfect Complexion

Experts doled out advice to help make your skin look totally flawless -- regardless if it is or not

Follow these tips from celebrity makeup artists Charlie Green and Molly Stern to find out how to get skin that looks amazing in every type of lighting. See the steps

Hello gorgeous and happy Monday! Wow wow, it's been some weekend! More on that later, what I wanted to share with you now is that it's getting warm, very, very warm in Arizona and the old habit of tanning isn't so safe anymore? I like going to the spray tan booth but don't always have time? Though I just tried the tanning mist from Sevin Nyne and love the rich golden brown color it gives! It looks natural and didn't streak. I also tried the tanning lotion and like it to "spot" tan the tricky areas like my toe knuckles and knees.

What I like best about the product is their slogan " Cherish Your Skin". That's right babe! You need to remember to love what you are in! Keep it safe from harmful sun rays, use sunscreen that is dual spectrum meaning UVA/UVB of a minimum 15 and 30 sounds even better!

This line was created by Lindsay Lohan and celebrity tanning artist Lorit Simon. These two gals have gotten together a great product that I think you may enjoy. For more information, visit the website www.sevinnyne.com Enjoy!
Remember: you are beautiful!
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COR: silver anytime moisturizer is awesome for dry HCG skin

Get Inspiration for Your Next Haircut or Style

Your guide to the best, most unique hair looks for you

See which celebrities rocked sky-high volume -- then find out what unique celebrity hairstyle and cut fits your personality. See tips

Hello! You may be interested in this product COR: Silver Anytime Moisturizer if you have been following the Dr. Simeons HCG Diet protocol for weight loss. Why? Because on the diet protocol you can not use any oils or lotions on your skin because of the absorption and it can skew your weight loss results? Trust me, when you follow that strict of a diet routine, you want to see the pounds and inches release on a daily basis! So after 40 days of only testing products to write about and not really using anything, my skin is so dry! I saved this product for the end of my VLCD phase and the first thing I did was rub some on and it made a dramatic difference in the dry almost calloused skin on my hands and face! I love it! I waited about an hour and then re-applied and it's getting better by the moment! Now I'm going to go use it with my NuFace micro current tool and see what else happens! Below is a picture and some info from their website, go see and get some!





The Silver Anytime Moisturiser
$115
In addition to our core ingredients of patented nano-silver with silica, Cor’s Silver Anytime Moisturiser contains the following: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide is a unique molecule that has been shown to imitate the skin’s natural rejuvenation process, stimulating renewal and natural exfoliation of the skin’s surface without the use of harsh ingredients. PP regenerates the dermal layer by developing new collagen, elastin and glycosamainoglycans. PP not only appears to renew the skin’s dermis layer, but also it has been shown to make it noticeably thicker which adds to improved appearance of the skin and has the added benefits of protecting itself against the harmful elements of the environment. Acetyl Hexapeptide is an extreme amino peptide that relaxes muscle contractions and reduces the frequency of contraction. It has been shown to produce Botox® type results without paralyzing the muscle, in the form of an everyday cream. After a few minutes of application, the skin feels more taut and “lifted”.

Pomegranate Extract has extraordinary compounds to help reduce the affects of aging and fight free radicals. The natural estrogenic properties of these molecules have been known to help rejuvenate the skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Remember: you are beautiful!
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NuFACE? You betcha!

10 Best TSA-Friendly Beauty Products

These travel- and budget-friendly products will keep you looking gorgeous without breaking your vacation bank

We compiled 10 perfect beauty products for travel -- everything from mascara that won't run to the perfect hangover beauty mask. Tuck these babies in your suitcase and you'll glide through the airport without hassle. See Products

Hey friends! Wait til you see what I have found for you! Look below at the latest in at home skin care that can give spa results! I've been using it for a few days now and it's simple and effective. I've posted some great information from the main website, http://www.mynuface.com/ so if you want to learn more, go there too!

Basically, what the NuFace micro current tool does is help with creating more elastin in your skin. If you have any skin cremes with copper it will increase the results that you see. Now, if it helps with sagging skin on the face and neck, there is a tutorial for how to use the NuFace on the body to help in those areas too! I'm enjoying mine, and I think if you order one, you will enjoy it too!

Skin Types: NuFace® is safe for all skin types
100% Effective: In a third party NuFace® efficacy study, subjects used NuFace® 5 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days. Within only a four week evaluation there was a positive indication of the efficacy of the NuFace Microcurrent System. The study revealed a 67% reduction in fine facial lines and wrinkles, 13% reduction in sagging skin, 31% reduction in skin roughness and surface irregularities.

Benefits of Microcurrent
Leading aesthetic professionals use microcurrent technology to lift and tone the face, while complimenting many in-office treatments.

Non-invasive facelift with immediate results
Lift and tone the facial muscles and skin tissue
Professional technology that aestheticians can utilize
Complimentary with other advanced professional treatments such as
microdermabrasion, LED, oxygen, chemical peels, IPL and laser treatments
Pre and post operative care (consult physician before use)
"Add-on” treatment to facials and other spa treatments
Lifts and tones face, neck and body
Leaves skin feeling smoother and looking younger
Increases product penetration
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improves facial circulation
Improves hyper pigmentation and acne
Microcurrent is:

For all skin types
For all ages
Used and recommended by skin care professionals

Results:
Reduction of fine lines, creases, and wrinkles
Skin hydration and revitalization, resulting in smoother and softer skin
Decrease of puffiness and edema
Restoration of the "pink glow" of youthful tones
Visible firming and contouring, lifting overall drooping features
Tightening of sagging jowls, doubling chins, and fatty cheeks
Shrinking of enlarged pores
Reduction of blackheads and acne
Reduction of scars and pitting
Reduction of dark circles and puffiness under eyes
Reduction of the symptoms from Eczema, Melasma and Rosacea

Remember: you are beautiful!
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At home teeth whitening tips with Dr. Torrado

Quiz: Does Your Inner Beauty Look Like Your Outer Beauty?

Find out how others see you and how to make your inner and outer glow align

This quiz will tell you if your inner essence matches your public face, and how to bring them into harmony if they're totally out of whack. Take the quiz

Say hello to Dr. Torrado! We focus alot on our skincare and hair care, how to apply makeup and which are the best products, though we need to take a minute and focus on our smile. The eyes are rated the number one feature and the smile is the second! So let's take a wee visit with Dr. Torrado and simple tips on how to get your smiles summer ready!



Dr. Torrado tips to a brighter smile:
· Over the counter whitening strips are an inexpensive alternative to professional bleaching kits or office bleaching
· Daily brushing and flossing after every meal is the most inexpensive and easy way to maintain a healthy, beautiful looking smile
· Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, table salt and a dab of toothpaste are the perfect ingredients to a home whitening concoction
· Do not use teeth whitening recipes that involve lemon or orange peels- they decalcify and de-mineralize your enamel making it more prone to decay

Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

8 Simple Steps to a Fake a Perfect Complexion

Experts doled out advice to help make your skin look totally flawless -- regardless if it is or not

Follow these tips from celebrity makeup artists Charlie Green and Molly Stern to find out how to get skin that looks amazing in every type of lighting. See the steps

This is what the bottle of Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo looks like! Sorry it's a bit blurry on the video. I wore it for the day and around co-workers and so far the word has been positive. Some suggestions even came forward for more great uses for this:
-long travel on the road to get rid of that greasy road hair
-beach time: if you go and don't get your hair wet but want to freshen up the stringieness that can happen at the beach put it in your bag
-air travel-if packed in the suitcase and you have to go to a meeting/appointment right after landing, spray in your hair while you touch up your make up then brush and go! Enjoy it gorgeous!

Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo

Quiz: Do you set the trends or follow them?

Take this quiz to see if you are a slave to what's hip or if you are a trend trailblazer

Some people are natural trendsetters, and others -- not so much. This quiz will tell you if you're the leader of the style pack or just a groupie, and you'll get customized tips to boot. Take the quiz

This is a fun product! Enjoy the two part video series!

Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Sprya Shampoo is new, has an invisible formula that does not leave behind any powdery residue. *Check back for the next posting to see how it looks!

It also cleans and neutralizes odors---so if you've been around cigarette smoke, this would be a way to get the stink out without washing your hair.

It's 100% safe for all hair types and it's easy to use. Just spray it on at the root, wait a few minutes, and the nbrush through. It absorbs oil buildup on the scalp...check back to see the results on me!

Easy mascara application video for you

Quiz: Does Your Makeup Bag Need a Makeover?

Take this quiz to find out how much TLC your makeup stash is craving

Is your cosmetics bag overflowing with dried-out mascaras, cracked eye shadows and a tube of lipstick from 2002? It might be time to pay more attention to it. Take quiz

Hey friends! Mascara is my favorite makeup product and this video is short and the secret is in there! And for those who are asking, yes, I really use a lash treatment every night before bed to help keep my lashes healthy, long, and thick! Enjoy the video!

My favorite mascara brands:

L'Oreal, pretty much anything they make

Christian Dior, specifically Dior Show

Benefit Bad Gal

LashFood!

Remember: you are beautiful!
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Obagi: on sale for prom ready skin!

Spring Style Revamp

Learn how to get the fresh new hairstyles, makeup and fashion looks that are hot for spring

It couldn't be easier to update your look this season -- just add these three new hair, makeup and accessories to your bag of style tricks. See style updates

Hey friends! I love this line of skincare: Obagi rocks the results! Now for my young ladies getting ready for prom, this maybe an option for you if you need to get your skin in shape quickly! For my ladies who are out of high school and well on into life, enjoy the information below shared by my favorite skin care doctor! Dr. Jason Michaels knows how to bring out your beauty and you can trust his super light hands on your most important features! To schedule with him, contact Aspire Med Center at http://www.aspiremedcenter.com/

###
Obagi is the the #1 prescription-strength, physician-dispensed skincare system. It is clinically proven to complement your facial procedures to lighten, tighten, firm and turn your skin cells over on a daily basis, making your overall aesthetic facial appearance even better and helping you achieve healthy, younger looking skin.

Obagi Condition & Enhance/Nu-Derm Systems:
Over the years, your skin has been exposed to a number of environmental stressors, which cause damage that can reach the deepest layers of your skin. Photodamage, caused by the sun’s harmful rays, is the main cause of the fine lines, wrinkles and age spots that you may already see or you will eventually see on your face.

This skin care system actually transforms your skin at the cellular level. By addressing the signs of photodamage and restoring the healthy function of your skin cells, this system is clinically proven to result in younger- and healthier-looking skin.

Obagi-C Rx System: With Obagi-C Rx, you’re on your way to healthier, refreshed, revitalized skin from cell to surface. Obagi-C Rx Systems promote skin rejuvenation from the inside out using a formulation of prescription-strength 4% hydroquinone, which reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and age spots, combined with 10% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)—the only topical antioxidant proven to stimulate collagen synthesis and protect your skin by minimizing future damage.
Mention this email to receive 15% off all Obagi products between March 17 and April 30th. Call for an appointment to meet with our Client Care Coordinator to see what skin care system is best for you. (702) 588-7447
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Now teens, start reading here!
With flowers blooming, birds chirping and the sun shinning there’s no better time to embrace the age-old American tradition of spring cleaning! Whether you are tidying up your house or reorganizing calendars, there’s no part of your life that couldn’t afford a little cleaning, least of all your pores! Get rid of unwanted blemishes once and for all with the Obagi Medical Products CLENZIderm M.D. System.
Unlike other prescription-strength acne treatments, CLENZIderm M.D. is proven to quickly treat blemishes at the root. A patented, solubilized formula of 5% benzoyl peroxide penetrates deep into the follicle where acne starts. With two formulations available, based on skin type – there is a system for everyone. In as little as two weeks, this 3-step system can provide a clearer complexion and prevent new breakouts from forming. Skin will be clear, smooth and blemish-free, just in time for the spring!




Before CLENZIderm M.D.
After using CLENZIderm M.D. for 4 weeks

The Obagi Medical Products CLENZIderm M.D. Systems are available for $130 at LovelySkin.com or through a dermatologist, found at Obagi.com. Please let me know if you would like additional information or samples!


Remember: you are beautiful!
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Video: How to apply liquid eyeliner

13 New Ways to Use Old Beauty Products

Save money and re-use old products with these "off-label" tricks

Have a ton of old beauty products that you don't use anymore? (Let's face it -- we don't always throw that stuff out, right?) But now, instead of just letting them gather dust, put them to good use with these MacGyver-like tricks. See tips

Hey Gorgeous! As a professional makeup artist I get asked alot of questions and I know so many of you learned how to do your makeup from Cosmopolitan magazine, your best friends or maybe even watching your Mom. If you need some help with applying liquid eyeliner and winging it out into a cat eye look, enjoy the video below.


Remember: you are beautiful!
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What's your favorite facial cleanser?

22 Top-Rated Facial Cleansers

From foamy to creamy, these cleansers left readers with squeaky-clean faces

Nobody likes to see leftover dirt and grime on their toner-soaked cotton ball after washing their face, right? That's why readers' rave about these cleansers, they do what they claim to do -- cleanse. See cleansers

For as long as I can remember, come heck or high water, tiredness, you name it, I always wash my makeup off at night. I never sleep in it regardless of the circumstance or time gone to bed.

Today's beauty bubble has some great recommendations, though here are my personal faves:
JASON red elements cleanser
Noah's Naturals exfoliating wash
ROC Multi-correxion exfoliating cleanser
Alba Botanica Gentle Acai renewal scrub
Arbonne RE9 hydrating wash and...
I love the Kirkland cleansing facial wipes. When traveling, these things are awesome and yes, they remove mascara!
Can you tell I like facial cleansers that scrub as they wash? I do love a product that does double duty!

Enjoy the beauty bubble and get ready for a lesson in eyeliner and mascara!

Those are some of my favorites, comment some of yours!
Remember: you are beautiful!
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Mandi Leigh and the National Anthem

Hot Celebrity Hair Trend: Textured Styles

See how to get this messy, tousled look all the celebs are rocking

The votes are in -- the bedhead 'do is the hottest style to try. Follow these steps to learn how you can copy this messy-but-pretty red carpet trend. See styles

Today is the National Anthem open audition day for the Phoenix Diamondbacks!
Wish me luck and stay tuned for details. In the meantime, enjoy Mandi Leigh as she performs at the Phoenix Maryvale stadium! Of course I asked Mandi Leigh what are her top 3 beauty must haves to be audition and performance ready and she said:

1. Victoria Secret Lipgloss

2. Throat coat tea

3. Maybelline Mascara


Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Drugstore brands that do department store duty!

10 Perfect-Skinned Women Spill Their Secrets

Want picture-perfect skin? All it takes are these simple tricks

Wondering what she does to look so good? We found out her secrets to maintaining a flawless face, and we give you full permission to rip them off. See habits

Ladies, are you saving up for some super summer fun too? I know I am and I have found some ways to save some money while still staying in current beauty trend and get products that do more for less! Enjoy!

MATTIFY ON A BUDGET: Matte nails are a huge trend! Forget purchasing five new shades of a Chanel nail color in a matte finish, keep the hues you have in your arsenal and top it off with a top coat that mattifies the base color! Give those tried and true shades an update with this new finish. Essie Matte About You ($10, essie.com) and Rescue Beauty Lounge Matte Top Coat ($18, RescueBeauty.com) are great affordable options!

PUT A FOUNDATION ON YOUR BASE: Help your drugstore foundation stay put longer with a makeup finish. Skindinavia’s No More Shine diminishes oiliness and 10 Years Younger ($19, skindinavia.com) adds in hydration, which is great since a lot of the more inexpensive foundations are loaded with talc and mica which can be very drying on the skin.





CREASE NO MORE: Do those drugstore eyeshadow crease and fade by lunchtime? Standard drugstore eyeshadows tend to have less pigment than their department store counterparts, and thus have less staying powder and may apply more sheerly. Experiment with color on a budget, but amp up that drugstore shadow’s staying power with eyelid primers that will intensify your shadows hue and will last all day with no touch ups! The industry staple is Urban Decay’s Primer Potion ($18, sephora.com), but L’Oreal’s De-Crease Eyeshadow Base and Primer ($7.99 at drugstores) is a option, too! Another great tip? Choose inexpensive shadows developed for African American or darker skin tones. Pricier shadows with staying power have more pigment and darker skin tones naturally need more pigment. Inexpensive brands that cater to darker skin are the best beauty buy in the whole store because you get more pigment for your pennies!



LIP VENOM FOR LESS: Brush your lips after you are through brushing your teeth in the morning and a night and apply a thick coat of Carmex ($1.29 at drugstores). The menthol in the Carmex on the fresh lip skin plums your pucker better than any $20 venom and the results last just as long.


Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Real Food Organics for beauty support supplements!

Get Million-Dollar Skin For Pennies! (Well, Almost)

See how you can get perfect skin without breaking the bank

These budget-friendly skincare and makeup routines will give you the skin you've always dreamt of, but thought you couldn't afford. See steps

Good morning gorgeous! I write with an update today, yes; I am feeling better but the lingering cough of last week's icky cold is still here! Personally, I have no time for sickness! So I'm putting a little note out about some immune boosting supplements that perhaps had I been taking I wouldn't have got so sick! Plus, because I was sick, my whole team got sick too! Eww! Enjoy the news and talk with you again soon.

Weather alone can't make a person ill, but a weak immune system can. Changes in weather are accompanied by a host of other changes that can give a person flu symptoms. Our bodies are used to functioning in a certain temperature, so as the seasons change, we are forced to re-adapt. This includes our immune systems, making us more vulnerable to infections and viruses.

Below are some tips on how to boost your immune system against any changes in the weather:

1. Get a full night's sleep- Everybody's different: your body may need anywhere from 6 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Whatever your personal sleep requirement is, get it!

2. Drink your lemons- Lemon is the ideal food for restoring acid-alkali balance. Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in water, or adding it to tea, salad dressings (in place of vinegar), baking or cooking, helps maintain the body's internal "climate" at a pH which supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments

3. Take a Multivitamin- A daily multivitamin is a great nutrition insurance policy. Real Food Organics is a new and innovative line of vitamins created by Country Life offering a unique way to supplement your diet through vital nutrients everyday. The line is derived almost entirely from certified organic fruits, vegetables, seeds, sprouts, legumes and grains prepared using proprietary methods that elevate nutritional value and content. www.realfoodorganics.com.

The multi-vitamin formula for men and women contains calcium fructio-borate for increased energy and vitality, Organic Aloe Gel for enhanced absorption and digestive health as well as GlycoBerry8® for cell communication and immune support.

The men’s formula specializes in supporting a healthy prostate function and increasing energy levels. The supplements contain a clinically proven organic form of boron for bone support as well as pumpkin seed extract which is derived from organic pumpkin seeds.

The women’s formula specializes in supporting a healthy urinary tract and assists in increasing energy levels. The supplements also contain a clinically proven organic form of boron for bone support.

Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!