Update on the Zenmed

Well, I've been using the Zenmed system for a couple of weeks or so now and the jury is still out. I do think there is some improvement, but not as much as I would like there to be. I'm finding that my face doesn't get flushed quite as quickly as it was before, but it does still flush. And with the weather warming up, that certainly isn't in my favor. Plus, I do have a few patches of ezcema that are acting up, but I think that is allergy related. Now don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the Zenmed. I do like it, I just need to give it a little more time to see the maximum results. Their products are all natural, so you can't go wrong with that! I've used Aclovate in the past for the ezcema and I didn't care for the fact that it is a topical steriod. So I'll keep using the Zenmed and will hopefully start seeing a bigger improvement in my skin over the next few weeks.

Rosacea remedies....

In the last year or two, my face has gone from being flushed and hot at any given time, to what seems to be constantly! It used to be just my cheeks, but now it's my cheeks, the bridge of my nose and my chin. Let me tell you, it gets old, fast. There's nothing in particular that causes it either. Sometimes it's when I'm on the phone a lot at work. Or just because I've gotten warm. Or like today, because I was so pissed off at work that I could feel my blood pressure rise and my face was bright freaking red. So blush is really not an option for me, since I seem to have my own "built in blush". I've made an appointment with a new dermatologist-we'll see what happens there. Part of my frustration is not only does my face get red and hot, but my skin feels so tight and dry, so trying to tone it down with powder is useless. I did buy a new skin care system that I found on-line. It's by a company called ZenMed. I don't know if it's really working or not yet. It's not making it worse and I do think it's starting to help. It's their Skin Support Series and it consists of 3 steps: Gentle Cleanser, Anti-Redness Mask and the Support Serum. I use the first and last products daily and the Anti-Redness Mask when I need it. What I love about these products is that they are all natural. I don't want to use steroids on my face, which is probably what the dermatologist will prescribe for me. Oh, I also bought a Skin Support supplement from ZenMed. It's CoQ10 and a few other vitamins. When I run out, I'll have to check around for something similar, but with more CoQ10. That stuff is so good for you! My friend is really into supplements and is leading me down that path-which is a good thing! Now if her discipline for eating right and exercise would just rub off on me.... So I'll keep you posted with the ZenMed progress. Keep your fingers crossed that it's as good as it's toted to be!!

I've discovered a new hand & body lotion...

It's Curel Ultra Healing lotion and I absolutely love it! I have very dry skin, especially in the winter, and this lotion makes my skin feel silky smooth all day long. It's also fragrance free (I'm not a fan of fragrance in my lotions), which is nice. I bought the big bottle for home and a small tube for my desk at work. It's by far the best lotion I've ever used and it's under $10 for a 20 oz bottle (at drugstores).

What's the best quick drying top coat nail polish?

The answer is simple-Quick & Slick by Olan laboratories. I just bought a bottle at the salon where I have my hair done and the occasional manicure and pedicure. I've always been one to do my own manicures, so I'm always in search of the best quick drying top coat. In the early 90's, Estee Lauder had a great one. Then I tried several others that were okay. A few years ago, I started using Seche Vite and thought I'd never use another brand again. But then I was getting a pedicure last spring and the nail technician used Quick & Slick. I asked her why she liked it better than Seche Vite (that was what they had used in the past) and she told me that unlike Seche Vite, this one didn't get thick and goopey half way through the bottle. So, I finally have made it towards the end of the bottle of my Seche Vite and lo and behold, it's thick and goopey! Now I'm just trying to find time to sit down and do my nails! Hopefully, your salon is carrying it, because it's a must-have!

Why do people still go to tanning beds?

I don't understand why, with all of the information out there on the dangers of tanning, people still use tanning beds. I mean, I totally understand how we all feel this time of year-we've all got cabin fever and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring. And I realize that we are all pale from winter (me especially), but the thought of laying in a tanning bed makes me shutter. Now don't get me wrong, I've spent my share of time in a tanning bed when I was in my twenties and trust me, if I could do that over again, I NEVER would have gone done it! I look back now and find it very amusing how people buy into the theory that tanning beds are a "safe way to tan". Um, no, it's not. Knowing that you're going to burn the first few times and coming out of the bed with that horrendous smell of your flesh burning? Seriously, what exactly is "safe" about that? I'm thinking nothing at all. A few of the girls I work with and even my nieces that are late teens, early twenties, are all about going to the tanning bed right now. They think they look so good being tan in Cleveland at the end of February. It's ridiculous. They refuse to accept that they could get skin cancer and that they are aging their skin at an accelerated rate. I mean, why do you want your skin to look like it's pushing 40 when you're barely pushing 30? I don't get it. And I don't get why I ever did it either. I'm very fortunate that I was blessed with good genes and don't look my age. I've also been taking care of my skin since I was a teenager, with the exception of tanning. I've had my share of bad burns, both from mother nature and tanning beds (I'm half Irish-not the best for being anything but burned). I worry a lot about my burns. At least over the last few years any burns I've had is because I didn't put enough sunscreen on, not because I've been laying in the cancer bed. So now I have the yearly mole check with my dermatologist and am even more a slave to good skincare. Sunscreen and bronzer are now my friends. And self tanner isn't such a bad thing if you take the time to apply it properly. My best friend is the self tanning queen and you'd never know it wasn't real! And why is she such an advocate of "safe sun"? Well, she's had some questionable spots removed and has decided, as I did, that it's just not worth the risk, especially when there are so many ways to fake it!

My favorite bronzers are Bobbi Brown and MAC. I swear by Bobbi Brown Bronzing Power in Medium. It's the perfect shade, especially if you're very pale. In summer, I add MAC's Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden. Of course, you really need to test both products to see what shade is right for you!

Well, I'm done ranting and raving about tanning beds for the night. Just remember, you only get the skin you came in-TAKE CARE OF IT!! There are no do-overs!!

More on Skincare

So I just ordered some eye cream from bobbibrown.com. They had a 1.7 oz jar of Hydrating Eye Cream for $75-what a great deal! And I really this eye cream for day-it's not too heavy, but it definitely gives moisture! I've really been freaking out about the lines around my eyes lately. In fact I just bought some new sunglasses the other day, the larger style that's in now. Not quite as big as the one the Olsen twins wear (seriously, they look like flies), but big enough to protect the eye area. Oh yeah, I look good in them too! Honestly though, I think taking care of your eye area is so important! This is the only skin your getting, so do everything to take care of it and keep it young looking as long as you can! You don't even have to spend a lot of money to do it.... just take the time and find the right products for your skin type and you're on your way!

A few of my favorite beauty products...

Hey everyone, welcome to my blog! This blog is a place for you to get all the latest news, reviews and advice of beauty products-makeup, skincare, hair and bath & body. I admit that I'm a junkie-product junkie that is. I've previously worked in the makeup/skincare industry and loved it. I loved getting to be the first to see and have new colors, new lotions and creams, and getting to show them to women looking for the latest thing! I'm no longer employed in that industry, but my obsession has yet to fade...

So I'll start out by sharing a few items I can't live without:

1. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1-who doesn't love this basic lip balm? Seriously, $5 and you've got smooth, soft and shiny lips! You can't afford to be without this!
2. MAC Lipglass-clear is always great and Chai is my favorite neutral. Amazing shine and it tastes good too!
3. Cetaphyl Cleanser-I have incredibly sensitive skin and don't like how soaps dry out my skin. This is just right and you can get 2 huge bottles for around $15 at your local wholesale club.
4. Bobbi Brown Overnight Cream-this is a new product I just started using and I really like it. I actually use it day and night since it's winter and the dry air is wreaking havoc on my skin!
5. Eye cream-right now I'm using Kiehl's Abyssine Eye Cream, which I do like for night. But I'm finding that I have to be stingy with it in the morning as my concealer doesn't go on very smoothly.

So there you have it-a few of the products I have to have right now. Trust me, there will be more to come!