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David Kirsch— "sculptor" of some of Hollywood's hottest bodies— now offers a step-by-step tutorial on how to firm, lift, and reshape your backside.
But the question is, do his suggestions work? After three weeks of "testing" David's techniques, I'm pleased to report they do. (And well.)
The illustrations are easy-to-follow, the exercises doable, and the entire plan adjustable to one's fitness level and lifestyle.
Retailer: DavidKirschWellness.com
Cost: $12.95
Is it just me, or is London Fog trying to reposition themselves as the affordable Burberry?
I grew up associating their trench coats to my grandfather (and discount department stores...), but I'm pretty sure he'd blush & run at the sight of their latest ad campaign.
Do these new, provocative ads change the way you view the brand?
As temperatures rise, so does the risk of awkward, inopportune breakouts.
To keep our skin spot-free through the summer months, I've enlisted the expertise of Dr. Mary Lupo, Philosophy's Consulting Dermatologist. Below, she dispels 4 popular acne myths— and provides the ultimate Rx for a radiant complexion.
MYTH: Tanning and the sun help heal/dry acne.
While many think tanning will help acne, the very opposite happens: sun actually worsens acne about 2 weeks later. Sun only camouflages the acne blemish, but the inflammation can cause more acne (remember acne is an inflammatory skin condition). It also causes more dead skin which further clogs the pores. The sun also increases oiliness several days later as the skin tries to rehydrate the dried, damaged skin surface.
Solution:
Exfoliation is wonderful for almost all skin types, but
if you have acne or rosacea and it is pustular, exfoliation can
excoriate the pustules and cause persisting redness or pigmentation.
Rx:
A mild, exfoliating facial cleanser like Philosophy The Microdelivery Micro-Massage Exfoliating Wash, $25.
MYTH: Squeezing pimples gets rid of them.
The single worst thing you can do to a blemish is squeeze it. That ruptures the pore shaft and makes the area a chronic inflammatory point for future blemishes. It also increases the likelihood the pigment cells will be stimulated and pigment will go deeper in the skin, making the spot look even darker.
Solution:
Acne has many reasons for being: heredity plays a roll.
Hormonal changes and stress can stimulate the oil glands and more oil is
produces, just as the pore opening gets sludge with dead skin cells. Bacteria
then digest the oil and an inflammatory cascade begins. So, the best way to
address acne is to keep the pores clear (retinoid and salicylic acid), and both
even are anti-inflammatory as well. Decreasing bacteria counts with antibiotics
will help also. The only way to decrease oil is with Accutane, certain
anti-androgens, and certain lasers that shrink oil glands temporarily.
Rx:
An over-the-counter retinol treatment with hyaluronic acid, such as Philosophy On a Clear Day Multi-Tasking Retinol Treatment, $40.
MYTH:
Washing
your face more when you have a breakout help clear skin.
Washing your face for acne is like using Comet to unclog the sink. The problem is beneath the surface, although surface dirt and make-up can worsen it. Excessive washing will only irritate the skin often making acne worse.
Solution:
Stick to washing your face twice a day in the morning and night, and use a
gentle cleanser that will get rid of dirt and oil without aggravating your skin.
Rx:
A mild, soap-free cleanser, like Philosophy Purity Made Simple (Award-Winning) One-Step Facial Cleanser, $20-$40.
MYTH: You can’t moisturize
when you have back breakouts, because you will make it worse.
Many people are afraid to touch their backs when they have a breakout for fear of making it worse, but it is okay to moisturize.
Solution:
You can moisturize, you should just avoid using a moisturizer that contains
oils. Back acne is usually caused from friction, oil and exercising (i.e.
sweating), but no acne improves if oils are used and can worsen. If you want to
use a moisturizer just avoid using one with oils.
Rx:
Many brands make body
moisturizers with ingredients that will help acne, such as salicylic acid. Try ID Anti-Acne, Anti-Aging Face, Chest, Back, & Body Exfoliating Lotion, $28.
Dr. Lupo is a renowned, board-certified dermatologist, founder of The Lupo Center, and the former president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
It's been selling-out across the pond at Harrods. Not yet available for purchase in the US. MLab's latest innovation is available exclusively to BeautyMaverick.com readers via the following, limited-time offer:
Receive a complimentary, full-size sample of MLab's highly effective blemish treatment, with the purchase of any product(s) on MLabOnline.com.
Click here to learn more about this brilliant new addition to the MLab skin care collection, and to obtain the code necessary to claim your gift.
Offer valid while supplies last. Open to all, internationally. Some restrictions may apply.
Care to make a 'casual' appearance in the new Sex and the City film?
Grant Wifley Casting is holding an open call for various types of background performers, including: Fashion models, celebrity types, upscale socialites, fashionistas, urban club goers, gays and lesbians, international types, and professional soccer players.
To be considered, simply drop by the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W.18th Street b/w 6th and 7th Ave., NYC) on Tuesday, August 4th 2009.
Screen Actors Guild members will be seen between the hours of 10:00am and 12:30pm; Everyone else from 1:30pm to 4:00pm.
Can't make it to the open call? E-mail your headshot and contact information to [email protected].
Much like its namesake, China White is powdery, complex and utterly intoxicating.
At first sniff, a feminine blend of green florals, herbs and sweet, syrupy citrus notes present themselves, then settle to reveal a smoky, dry finish.
And, typical of a Nasomatto fragrance, China White is conveniently unisex, long-lasting, and packaged in a modern minimalist bottle.
A perfect transitional scent.
Retailer: Barneys.com
Cost: $148.00
If you 'Google' this latest creation from master perfumer Serge Lutens, you'll likely land on more than a few mixed reviews.
Speaking from personal experience, however, I actually quite like it. Especially in Safrane— a fiery orange that's on trend, but also a bit unexpected.
Use either shade on their own, for a hint of color, or as a base to add depth to a complimentary sheer/semi-sheer lipcolor.
Cost: $65.00
Retailer: Barneys.com
Attention California Cleansers:
For the entire month of August, (my all-time favorite) Blueprint Cleanse is offering free overnight shipping to the entire state of CA.
Click here to learn more.
Want to find your favorite runway looks in a flash? Style.com's new Beauty Photo Search can help.
Elizabeth Arden's latest anti-aging moisturizer boasts the next generation of protection— a combination of SPF and EPF.
The Huffington Post shares their favorite vintage e-tailers.
W Magazine offers 6 ways to simplify and refine your summer beauty routine.
The return of the Speedo? The Cut explains.
Fashionista warns: Use Latisse at your own risk.
Vanity Fair offers proof that the Great Recession is taking its toll on Manhattan socialites, too.
First Smarties. Then Topshop. Now Illamasqua. Nylon discusses the latest brand to cross the pond.
Be sure to stop by the La Prairie counter at Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship store this week for the brand's annual "Brushes with Greatness" event.
There, you'll be able to get an exclusive sneak peak at La Prairie's F/W '09 cosmetic collection, Plumage de Nuit, as well as expert tips and tricks from their new Colour Ambassador, Raychel Wade.
A reservation fee of $175 is required to secure an appointment, and redeemable in La Prairie product; you'll also receive a signature silver makeup bag as a gift.
Wednesday, July 15th & Thursday, July 16th 2009; 12:00 to 7:00pm
La Prairie at Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 5th Ave at 49th Street.
RSVP to 212.940.2142.