Products of the Month - October

Recently, IMPO Pro Melissa Street went to Europe for 14 days to work with a very special client.  During her European tour, which closely resembled the National Lampoon Chevy Chase movie, she experienced several filming challenges, including weather that went from sweltering (in Tunisia) to freezing rain (Marseilles, France) and everything in between.

So, which products did this Pro turn to help conquer travel dehydration, sleeplessness, dry and frizzy hair, perspiration issues, skin irritations, chapped lips and one or two swanky dinners with a cruise ship captain?

Ladies and Gentleman…The Products of the Month for October:

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 – Melissa knows she preaches about this product, but it is only because it really works!  This is a non-greasy sunscreen that is actually good for your face!  Melissa uses this personally, professionally and in place of primer.

Embryolisse Exfoliating Care Cream – this product gently removes impurities and dead cells leaving the complexion fresh and radiant.  Perfect for travel and to revitalize tired, dehydrated skin.

SAMPAR Prodigal Pen – this product will treat and reduce the appearance of skin imperfections such as pimples/blemishes, irritations, bacteria and assists in healing insect bites, razor burn, etc.  A makeup artist must have!

Bed Head Let’s Get Tropical – this body oil treats and rehydrates the skin after long exposure to the sun.  Contains coconut, avocado and sunflower oils, as well as aloe vera.  Gives skin an amazing all-over, healthy glow.

Tara Smith Base Coat Serum – you prep your face with primer before makeup, so prime your hair before styling!  Totally organic and vegan, this product helps protect your hair, hydrates and provides a nutritional supplement for a good hair foundation.

L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray – this product is the legendary hairspray of choice for red carpet events, photo shoots, film and television sets because it is so fine that it will disappear at the stroke of a brush.  Won’t way the hair down and has amazing holding power!

Prairie Dawn 100% Natural Lip Balm – this lip balm is more like a lip treatment!  Goes on smoothly and keeps lips moisturized.  Great to use as a lip primer prior to application of lipstick.  Comes in 4 luscious flavors!  Melissa’s favorite is Sweet Orange.  Psst! Check out IMPO's first contest thanks to Prairie Dawn! Details below under Pro Contest (scroll all the way down to the end of the post)!

Hakuhodo Brushes – renowned in the beauty industry as the best in brushes, this line features premium bristles and first-rate craftsmanship.  Melissa refuses to work without this brush line.

CoverFX Big Cover Up Set – traveling with multiple products in individual packaging can be frustrating, but the geniuses at CoverFX have solved that problem!  This 5- piece kit not only achieves total coverage of minor to major complexion issues, it comes with a foundation brush and instructional DVD too!  Melissa used this kit on stage, on camera and for all personal appearances!

CoverFX Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer – this product instantly erases under eye circles and dark spots as well as, redness, sun damage, tattoos, birthmarks, trauma and moles.  A little goes a long way and because it comes in 6 shades you can easily find your exact skin tone match!

Youngblood Cosmetics Artiste 2 Nude Awakening Palette – as a Pro MUA travel is a must, but Melissa hates packing individual colors, it’s just impractical and can be very messy if something breaks.  This palette has all the essential colors for day and night!  It’s a one-stop-shop!

Smashbox Brow Tech To Go – IMPO raved about this product last month, but this product is worth another mention.  Brow Tech is so longwearing and waterproof that it lasted all day through long hours of filming and into the night for a personal appearance and dinner! No need for touch up!

Senna Cosmetics Lip Sync – this is a Pro MUA’s dream!  Lipstick and coordinating lip gloss all in one component!  Gotta love Eugenia Weston for inventing this amazing product!  Incredibly pigmented with tons of staying power, these lip colors are all you need.  Melissa’s favorite colors:  Stunning and A La Mode, but the good thing about owning all 4 sets is that you can mix and match.  Oh and did we mention that this product is formulated with collagen?  Excellent lip plumping power!

MAI Couture Blotting Papier – this product is incredible because it is a bronzer and a blotting paper in one.  Gives a light shimmer while controlling and absorbing oil.  Leaves a warm, sun-kissed glow on the skin.  Melissa also used the Rejuvenate Oil Blotting Papier in Lavender scent for removing excess shine without adding more makeup to her client’s face.  The soothing lavender scent is very calming and refreshing without being overpowering.

Lifewave Y Age Glutathione Patch – Melissa uses this product personally and was introduced to this technology through a client.  Daily, Melissa is asked about her personal skincare regime and because she feels that having good skin is not just about the products she uses on the outside, it’s also about how she treats her body on the inside, she felt it necessary to share this patch technology with our readers.

Here is a little information; Glutathione functions in our body as a master antioxidant that prevents damage to important cellular components caused by free radicals.  Basically, this patch technology slows down and can help improve the signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals that cause skin damage.  It has been clinically proven to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve overall health. As we age, Glutathione levels start to decline and many scientists now believe that how long we live is directly proportional to how high our Glutathione levels are.

In all fairness, Melissa is a distributor with Lifewave, but for the sole purpose of purchasing these patches at wholesale cost.  If you would like more information, feel free to click on the link or visit Suzanne Somers' website at www.suzannesomers.com.  You can also read about this incredible, nontechnology in her book Knockout.  This is a personal product of Melissa’s and is not sold to any business clients on set, nor is this mention intended to generate distributors for the Lifewave organization.

Pro Contest:

Thanks to Prairie Dawn Natural Body Products for providing us with our first IMPO/Twitter contest!  Be our 1,500 follower on Twitter and the Pros will send you two of each flavor of Prairie Dawn’s Natural Lip Balm (8 lip balms total)!  Click here and start following – Good Luck!

Photo credit: Makeup by: Ayami - Photography by: Rankin for Sightsavers 

Back to School - Teen Queen II

This Pro is not only a makeup artist, but I am a mom too and more importantly, I have teenagers! In a past IMPO post titled Teen Queen, I mentioned a few of my “pet peeves” when it comes to teen girls who must put loads of makeup on their pretty faces in order to feel confident or to “fit in!” This post will be a little different, it is time to go back to school and that means it is time to help your teen get prepped for the upcoming year.

As parents we shop for new clothes, school supplies and other back to school “must haves,” but have you ever stopped to consider that now is the perfect time to replenish your teen’s supply of skincare and makeup?

Go through your teen’s accoutrement of facial wash, moisturizer, sunscreen and all cosmetics. Throw out the gross, expired, crusted, stinky product and shop for some new items. And, it is o.k. for your teen to express herself when it comes to her individual look. Embrace her differences, encourage her to play up her most outstanding features (eyes, lips, skin) and help her cover those areas that she feels are embarrassing, like acne or other skin issues.

When I was a teenager I wanted to change my looks so badly! I didn’t like my face, my hair or the fact that I was 5 feet taller than everyone else! Instead of being guided to appreciate my gorgeous green eyes, high cheekbones or the fact that I had perfect skin at the age of 14, all I wanted was to look like someone else! I hated my nose, my hair was not blonde enough, I was too tall and it took several agonizing years before I was able to be thankful for what I was born with!

Junior High is the worst time for teens! High school is a little easier, but not much. Your teen is in desperate need for a parent’s approval and attention, but at the same time, she or he wants their independence and privacy! Others who are huge influences surround them and if you are not careful, your teen will latch on to someone they think is the ultimate and that can spell disaster.

I try hard to be the “cool” mom by listening to my teenager’s needs; feelings, anxieties and I try to help however I can. Sometimes all I can do is listen and offer good old mom advice like, “tomorrow will be a better day!” And one of the most important things I do is to accept and inspire my teen’s individuality.

Now, I am not an expert and I am not here to lecture anyone who is reading this blog post, but I am going to advise other parents in my position to set aside a few dollars and go shopping for products that will boost your teen’s confidence and help them brave a new school year.

It is worth every penny and it is an investment in the one person who will not appreciate your effort on the outside, but on the inside loves you more than you know! That is tough love, but I’ll take it!

This Pro has tested more beauty products for teens than I ever care to admit and I will tell you that most have gone straight into the garbage because they either clog the pores of the skin or they damage the hair or they make beautiful, young ladies look like tramps.

But, there are many products that I do love and have given to my own teens to wear and use with much success. Here is a list of the “goods” that have this Pro’s seal of approval:

Jan Marini Teen Clean – this skincare line is top notch and helps to fight all adolescent skin concerns. This is a 3-step program that includes a wash, lotion and daily face protectant. It is amazing on skin that is changing and developing and that may be suffering from more major acne issues. Jan Marini says, “most sun damage occurs before the age of 10 and at least 80% of sun damage happens before the age of 18!” I cannot stress enough the importance of giving your daughter or son a good skincare regime that includes proper sunscreen. Think about it – did your mom make you wash your face every morning and night and apply sunscreen before you left for school? How do you feel about your own skin right now? Enough said!

Dermalogica Clean Start – this product line does not have a bejeweled jar or glittered packaging like most teens love however, what it does have is a star-studded following and user base like the cast from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Wizards of Waverly Place. The kit contains a foaming cleanser, toner, scrub, two daytime moisturizers, a nighttime moisturizer, spot treatment for blemishes and a lip moisturizer. It does not have a sunscreen so you will want to purchase a facial protectant to accommodate this regime. I like this line for more dry to normal skin with few acne issues.

It is important to instill in your teen the effectiveness of cleansing and you must show them how to maintain, prevent breakouts and protect their skin everyday. Starting them off with good skin habits will last a lifetime and when they are in there 30’s they will thank you for nagging them!

Foundation, concealer and powder are part of the skincare team and it is mandatory to purchase good cosmetic formulas that are made to work along side your skincare and not against it! Mineral lines are great for teens and the only line that I approve of is Purely Cosmetics.

Purely Cosmetics is great for teen skin because it contains 100% natural ingredients that have no bismuth, talc, micronized minerals or other skin irritants. This product line is formulated by hand to match the exact skin tone and it will effectively cover minor to major skin blemishes without clogging the pores. Purely’s color line is not full of sparkles or glitter so allowing your teen to wear the latest colors from the runway won’t be as intense (even though that is what she wants)!

One of the tricks that I have taught my teens is to use an all over neutral wash of color on the eyes from the lid to the brow bone – like a warm vanilla shade. Then use a more vibrant and fun color to line the top lash line – like a sapphire blue, amethyst, emerald or gray. Black liner will always be a parent’s nemesis, but it is time to make peace with that enemy and either encourage your daughter (and now your son with guy liner) to only line the top lash line or inside, bottom water line and use more neutral colors as eye shadow.

Mascara can be any drug store brand that is easy to remove with soap and water or eye makeup remover. It is up to you which formula you allow your teen to wear and with many mascaras debuting colors for the fall season, you may find that using a pretty blue, green, purple or gray product really makes your teen’s eyes pop instead of the traditional black or brown.

Neutral blush is very important and it is crucial that you encourage your teen to choose a light color in a peach or pink tone or wear no blush color at all opting for the natural flush of their skin tone to show through.

A highlight is not recommended for teens because they tend to go overboard when they apply something with more sparkle and that can be an overwhelming look on any young person (like they were playing in their mother’s makeup)! I don’t want my girls looking like Brooke Shields a la Pretty Baby!

This Pro makeup mom loves the Sephora brand of cosmetics because they have a wide range of color in all textures with great prices! My teens feel as if they are shopping like grown ups instead of being treated like little girls! However, the testers at some of the Sephora stores do not meet with my approval and so I have forbidden my girls to place a “tester” product directly onto their face and insist they use the backs of their hands in order to test product prior to purchasing.

Lipgloss is the only approved product for teens. I do not like the look of a heavy lipstick and lip liner on any young lady. I allow my teens to use pretty colors from M.A.C. or Lancôme Juicy Tubes also score big points from my girls. Even though your teen will constantly be applying and reapplying lipgloss (especially if it smells and tastes like chocolate, strawberry or watermelon), we parents have to pick and choose our battles and as long as the gloss color is not neon yellow, orange, green, blue or red than I say, let this one go!

Now get out there and bond with your teen over a trip to the mall and enjoy the one-on-one time you will have with your offspring! They are growing up fast and you never know, they may end up teaching you a thing or two about beauty products!

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

If your teen suffers from very oily skin after they have washed their face properly, have them apply at mattifying product. This Pro loves Eve Pearl’s Anti-Shine product, which goes on after skincare, but before cosmetic. Also, have them use blotting papers during the day to control the shine instead of constantly powdering their face. I love Rodan + Fields UnBlemish blot papers with Zincidone, they will absorb oil without adding product to the face!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO: Spotlight on Julie Hewett! Ever wonder what Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Nicole Kidman or Mandy Moore wears on their face? Step into the world of Julie Hewett and discover exquisite beauty!

Products of the Month - August

The Pros at IMPO love the month of August because it is still summer and we have a deep tan on our skin (achieved the healthy way)!  We use summer to revive our skin and give it a break by using less makeup and more skincare/sunscreen.  When we do wear makeup it is usually light on foundation, concealer and powder, but with vibrant pops of color on our eyes, cheeks and lips!

This time of year we tend to use multitasking makeup products that have great staying power.  Hair tends to be left to dry naturally or with a diffuser and we like to use high-end shampoos, conditioners and treatments that help protect from and repair any sun damage.  Fingers and toes are never sans Mani/Pedi with fun, summer colors that are exotic and tropical.

We also take the time to treat our bodies better by working out more, eating healthier and drinking more water to flush out toxins (and those margaritas we can’t seem to turn down)!

And last, but not least…we are sticklers about grooming our eyebrows (we are adamant about this all year long, but in the summer when our makeup tends to be less or none, it is very important)!  It is a major pet peeve of the Pros to see over growing eyebrow hair that hasn’t come in contact with tweezers in weeks or made a trip to the salon for a proper groom!

Here are the products we love for the month of August:

NYX The Caribbean Collection - I Dream of St. Lucia – 5 Color Eye Shadow Palette – these gorgeous colors are perfect for summer!  They are bold, highly pigmented and long lasting.  The yellow color in this palette is beautiful as a brow highlighter! Pops of color on our eyes while keeping the cheeks and lips sheer is our favorite beach babe look!

Tricia Sawyer Eye Slept – Instant Eye Brightener – this product is nothing short of amazing!  Notice the words “eye brightener,” which means it is NOT a concealer!  We love to use this product on those days when concealer is not necessary, but if you must wear concealer daily, use this product on top of your concealer.  It is a buildable coverage so start out with a small “dab” and use your finger to tap in to blend.  Reapply for heavier coverage!  Use under eyes and in the corner of the eyes to create a more awake looking effect!  Great as a cheek highlighter and use on the cupids bow to create a fuller lip!

DiorShow Waterproof Mascara – one of the most glamorous products available to the consumer, we live in this mascara year round!  The waterproof version won’t smear or run when you swim and splash!  We covet Black 90, but recently purchased Azure Blue 258 and love how our eyes stand out!

Nars Multiple Tints – Summer 2010 Collection – stop the press!!!  We can’t get enough of these new colors for summer!  A cult classic, we use this product to create a sheer wash of color on our cheeks and lips.  In love with Beverly Hills (watermelon) and Turks & Caicos (tangerine), which look beautiful against a healthy glow!

Embryolisse Hydrating Lait Creme Concentre for Dry Skin - Our skin drinks in this lotion year round, but in the summer when the Pros tend to spend more time outside, this body lotion re-hydrates our skin and sinks right in without intense rubbing!

Embryolisse Rich Repairing Protective Stick Lip Balm – does exactly what the name implies!  Moisturizes, repairs, protects and soothes dry, damaged lips!  Contains natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, coconut, macadamia and castor oils.  Packed with vitamin E, this product makes your lips soft for hours!  Use under lipstick or gloss!

Arbonne Revelage Age Spot Brightening Hand Therapy with SPF 30 – this product is a rich protection hand therapy that shields skin against UV damage to prevent further signs of aging, skin discoloration and age spots.  Use daily and reapply frequently for more youthful looking hands.  The Pros think this product works better than a sunscreen because it is a moisturizer and blends quickly into the skin. We keep tubes of this product in our pro kits, car and personal makeup bags!  This product is sold through independent distributors so use the Internet to find a seller near you!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer – want your Mani/Pedi to last longer?  Try this nail varnish!  This product is quick drying, intensely pigmented and very long lasting!  We love bright colors for summer like Anime (sheer, glossy day glow pink), Grandma (bright coral) or Traffic (bright yellow).

Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme, Shampooing Reviviscence, Masque Quintessence – we love to use this hair care line all year long, but especially in the summer to treat and repair sun damage or the effects of salt water and chlorine!  Behind-the-scenes on some of Hollywood's biggest studio sets, you will find Leonor Greyl responsible for many of our favorite celebrity hairstyles. Currently, hairstylists are using this line on Woody Allen’s new film shooting in Paris, which stars French First Lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy!  Additionally, you can visit the Leonor Greyl website and view treatments/recommendations for all types of hair issues (dry, oily, dandruff, thin, limp or frizzy)!

Jan Marini Age Intervention Regeneration Mask – topical anti-aging!   Packed with a ton of anti-inflammatories, including the new red wine longevity extract, Resveratrol and combined with a skin rebuilding peptide blend.  Results are immediate and we love to use this product after extreme exposure to the sun to deep cleanse pores and maximize our skincare results.

Jan Marini Age Intervention Regeneration Booster – 6 bottles/6 weeks to dramatically younger looking skin.  This product combines Telomerase Enzymes in combination with anti-inflammatory agents and select peptides, which have proven to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, elasticity, firmness, texture, discoloration and overall radiance, suppleness and hydration.  Use in conjunction with the Regeneration Mask mentioned above.

Lucy B Frangipani Bronzing Shimmer Oil – summer in a bottle!!!  Use to enhance your healthy tan or apply to create a sun-kissed bronzed glow without sun exposure!  Made with organic coconut, jojoba and sunflower oils and infused with Lucy B’s signature scent, you will feel like you have been whisked away on an Australian beach holiday!  We use this on our legs, shoulders and arms!

Elke Von Freudenberg – The Model Brow – do you know Elke?  Well if not, then you should make getting to know her, her blog and her website, The Model Brow, a major priority!  Elke is the best eyebrow groomer in the biz and she also manufactures the best brow products for personal and professional use.  Having groomed brows is a must and Elke can fix, reshape, touch up and tame the wildest brows.  She is based in NYC and Los Angeles, but if you are not able to snag an appointment with this guru or one of her highly-trained assistants, check out her website with tips and tricks on DIY!!  We love her Brow Tamer Clear Pomade (water-resistant)!

Pro Tips and Tricks:

Use the last few weeks of summer to repair your skin and hair and get it prepped for the upcoming fall and winter months.  Remember, just because you are not seeing the damaging effects of summer sun exposure today, doesn’t mean you won’t see it in the next 6 months.  Now is the time to rejuvenate your skin and hair if you want to be drop dead gorgeous on New Years Eve!