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March 18, 2010
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Thanks to everyone who visited the blog after hearing about it on Today’s KTHV morning show! This is a great way for us to discuss new topics as well as give me ideas about the types of issues you may have questions about.
I had some great feedback on my last post and I wanted to bring it full circle by reviewing the next major steps in any skin care regimen… exfoliation and moisturization!
I often encounter clients who are confused by these two steps. Everyone knows they are important, but people are not sure how to avoid irritating their skin with exfoliation or how to avoid breakouts from moisturizers. SO, unfortunately, most people opt to exfoliate only a few times a month (or never) and avoid moisturizers at all costs.
Sound familiar?
Well, let me make a few suggestions. Today we’ll focus on exfoliation. A key point to remember about exfoliation is that it is an essential part of any skin care regimen and can benefit all skin types if done properly.
So what exactly is exfoliation? As a natural process of the body, we have skin cells that are born, travel to the surface of our skin, die, and slough off. As we age, this process slows, as does the rate at which the cells slough off on their own. When you exfoliate, you “help out” this natural process. By doing this, you encourage new cell growth to take place. Now, that is the nitty gritty… but what you see as a benefit is that your skin loses the dull look it can begin to take on and becomes bright, smooth, and soft. This also allows for better penetration and absorption of other skin care products you use on your skin.
When choosing an exfoliant, first take a look at your current skin care regimen and think about what you actually have time to do. Think about how you can realistically incorporate this step into your routine. For example, I must have an exfoliant that I can use daily so it becomes a part of my routine. Otherwise, I’ll forget when I did it last or when I’m supposed to do it again. So, think about what will work best for you. Then, find an exfoliant that meets these criteria. Having an exfoliant intended for 2-3 times a week usage will be too much for daily use. Likewise, an exfoliant intended for daily usage will not be enough if only used a few times a week.
For all skin types, my #1 pick is the Clarisonic brush. This brush can be used at 3 different speeds depending on your tolerability and is intended for daily use (my fav!). The Clarisonic does an amazing job of cleaning your skin because it uses sonic technology to gently loosen dirt and dead skin. It’s the same technology used in Sonicare toothbrushes! The Clarisonic can be purchased with normal, sensitive, or delicate skin brush heads so it can be customized to suite any skin type. This brush also times your exfoliation for each area of your face so you don’t spend too much or too little time in one spot! How awesome is that! In my opinion, this is a must have tool because, it eliminates the confusion associated with exfoliation and deciding what scrub to use!
If the Clarisonic isn’t your cup of tea, there are other great options out there such as Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for those “daily” users, or Sonya Dakar Triple Action Organic Scrub for those who prefer the “few times a week” routine.
 
Remember, if you have any questions or have major skin concerns, please always seek the advice of a licensed professional before beginning an exfoliation regimen.
Check back next time when we uncover some need-to-know facts about moisturizers!
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March 3, 2010
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My name is Sara Molsbee and I’m the Registered Nurse at Rejuvenation Clinic Day Spa. I’ve also worked as a licensed Esthetician in the state of Arkansas for over 7 years and I love my job! It is incredibly fulfilling to help others overcome the frustration and desperation caused by problem skin.
During my practice as an Esthetician, I realized that more advanced skin care treatments could really help many of my clients, so I went to nursing school with the sole intent of working in the esthetic industry. My hope is that by starting this blog, I can be a resource for anyone who has questions regarding their skin and skin care. There is so much information available and so many claims on the market that it can be overwhelming to figure out what will work best for you. So, with that in mind, we’ll start with the basics and go from there!
A common question that comes up in consultations with my clients is:
“Is cleansing really an important part of my skin care routine? Isn’t what actually stays on my skin all day the most important?” While I understand the logic behind this, I must emphasize that good skin care starts with cleansing! Today’s skin is under an array of assaults that our mothers or grandmothers never had to deal with! From environmental buildup, to the daily use of sunscreen, to long-wearing makeup, thick cold creams and quick regimens don’t cut it anymore!
Double cleansing is the best way to ensure your skin is healthy, clean, and free of damaging residue and build up! To accomplish this, first, start with a cleansing prep. This is the step that gets skipped a majority of the time. Most people begin their skin care routine with cleansing to get their makeup off. While getting your makeup off is extremely important, that is all that is happening. You’re not actually cleaning your skin. So, the purpose of a cleansing prep is to remove your makeup so that when you use your cleanser, you are actually cleaning your skin and not just removing makeup.
When choosing a cleansing prep, remember that oil attracts oil. Look for cleansing preps that contain light, plant-based oils such as olive, rice bran, kukui nut, and apricot kernel oils. These healthy oils attract and encapsulate the oily sediment that accumulates on your skin and allows it to be completely washed away. My personal favorite is PreCleanse from Dermalogica.
Stay away from pore clogging ingredients like mineral oil, petrolatum, and lanolin. These types of oils can only be removed from the skin by alcohol based products that are overly drying to your skin.
Follow the “prep step” with an appropriate skin cleanser for your skin’s type. As I mentioned earlier, now your cleansing step will be more effective than ever because you’ve prepped your skin the right way!
There are some basic rules to follow when choosing the best cleanser for your skin type. Usually, the gel based cleansers are for combination and oily skin types whereas creamy cleansers are generally best for sensitive and dry skin. There are exceptions to this rule, so if you are having trouble choosing one, I recommend a consultation with a licensed professional.
Another common question I’m approached with is “What does a toner do for me anyway?” Technically a toner is supposed to reestablish your skin’s pH balance after cleansing. It should soothe and “tone” your skin. Toners or astringents containing alcohol will strip your skin of its natural oils and result in a “squeaky clean” feel. While this can make you feel as if your skin is finally clean, this is not a desired state for your skin. This is an indication of the stripping that has occurred, so AVOID alcohol based toners!
It is important that the toner you choose lists ‘water’ as the first ingredient. Following water, you may see an array of ingredients depending on what type of skin the toner is indicated for. Some common, good ingredients are lemon, willow, witch hazel, and even some AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids). Some favorites are Dermalogica’s Multi Active Toner, Sonya Dakar Aromasol Mists, and Skin Medica’s Rejuvenating Toner.
  
Finally, when you select your toner, you may encounter a slight difference in the forms of application available. Toners applied with cotton balls are not the only option these days! Since you now have completely clean skin since starting your new cleansing routine, you no longer need to use a toner that is applied with a cotton ball! Before you started using your cleansing prep, the cleansing step was really just removing your makeup, and your toner was your back up to remove any remaining makeup. Now, you are thoroughly cleansing the skin before ever getting to the toning step, so you may use toners in spray form. They are really handy because most of these can be used throughout the day, even over your makeup! Spray toners can help to reset your makeup as well as re-hydrate and balance your skin for a mid-day freshening! This is really great for air travel to combat in-flight-skin-funk, or in dry weather when your skin can really use the extra hydration. During the summertime, some of these preparations can be refrigerated and provide an invigorating and pick-me-up!
Following these threes steps: prep, cleanse, and tone and you will receive the best results from the rest of the skin care products you use, especially moisturizers, since they will now be able to properly penetrate your skin and work the way they were intended. But that is a topic for another day! You are now one step closer to healthier looking skin!
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February 24, 2010
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Most people don’t think of Little Rock as a Mecca of fashion and style, but that may be about to change. Last week, Little Rock got its first real taste of high fashion, courtesy of Korto Momolu. Korto has partnered with Dillard’s Inc. to launch a new line of handbags and accessories to be carried by the retailer. To celebrate the launch of this new line Korto, just off the plane from showing her fall preview at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, did an encore performance of her show at Dillard’s Park Plaza. For those of you who missed it, you missed a landmark event! I was among the more fortunate. When I arrived at Dillard’s the night of the show, the buzz in the air was palpable. This was a highly anticipated collection, since Korto has not shown a new line since her last appearance on Project Runway two years ago. Korto has a huge following and has garnered a lot of love from fans who voted her “Fan Favorite” that season. That night at Dillard’s, her Little Rock fans were well represented. I arrived early and was shocked to find that most of the 200 seats were already taken. As show time neared, over 500 women of all shapes, sizes and colors, crammed in around the runway. It is obvious that Korto’s philosophy of designing for “every woman” strikes a chord with her fans. They love her and her clothes. But what’s not to love?!?As the show opened, there was an audible gasp as the first looks came down the runway. It was truly amazing! From beautifully structured coats to delicately sequined evening gowns, every piece in Korto’s collection was wearable, sexy and fun! Her day looks included a pair of dramatic high-waisted palazzo-style camel trousers and these incredible backless funnel-neck sweaters that I craved instantly!
Korto showed the full spectrum of evening wear from shimmery cocktail length to sequined floor-length gowns. My personal favorite was a slinky one-sleaved cocktail dress that sparkled in the light. H-O-T!
And did I mention the COATS? This is where Korto really demonstrates her evolution as a designer. The bright orange funnel-neck driving coat with incredible detailing on the back, a floor-length military-inspired coat with metal plated epaulets, and an elegant silken evening jacket were stand outs.Each and every one of them was AMAZING! I wanted them all!But if I had to pick it would be this one…
Or maybe this one… (I have a problem with coats.)
True to her style aesthetic, Korto’s collection was punctuated with bold colors and even bolder accessories! Bright fuchsias, purples and oranges were a departure from many dark fall collections. Her handbags were bright and fun - easy to wear into spring and summer. Many were detailed with this amazing horn handle, which is sure to get you noticed…
Her necklaces were definitely statement pieces! Strings of candy-colored, jewel-cut baubles paired with slices of earthy stone and wood topped off the collection like icing on a cake! I personally will be hunting for the beautifully crafted fingerless gloves that accompanied some of her looks. When the show was over, Korto addressed the crowd with genuine gratitude. Overwhelmed with emotion, she tearfully thanked Little Rock for the outpouring of support the city has shown her. The audience was visibly touched as well. It is clear that Korto’s success hasn’t changed her one bit. “I’m not a diva” Korto stated at the close of her show, and it was refreshing to see it was true. Check out Dillard’s and keep an eye out for the new line of accessories launching soon!
They won’t last long.
Written By: Gabriella Corriere
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January 13, 2010
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Many apologies, my dear friends, for having taken such an extended break. I never knew the home buying process could be so daunting and time, nay, LIFE consuming! That being said, we are set to close and I am ready to talk faces! OK, so I always love to get to work with a new line. I have been invited to work Bobbi Brown’s skin care event. Bobbi is a line I have always liked, but never really dove into. So since I am doing to facials, I figured I would get up close and personal. I have found some products I can honestly say I will no longer live without.
First of all, the Buffing Grains are amazing! They are made from Japanese Adzuki Bean Powder, and they are completely customizable. Got sensitive skin? No problem! Add a bit more water and the bean particles break down a bit so they are more gentle. The best part is that you mix them with your cleanser twice a week to save a step and some time. My face feels butter soft and all of my skin care can really work better on fresh skin. They smell great and are a natural way to fight off aging. At a mere 40 smackers at Dillard’s, they pack quite a wallop for the price. I am so hooked on these magic beans!
Now that I am approaching my 30’s, I am starting to heed my own warnings about taking care of my eyes. About two weeks ago when I signed up to work this event, I got a sample of Bobbi’s new EXTRA Eye Repair Cream. I have been pleasantly surprised at how rich the cream feels and how it allows for a very smooth application of my concealer. A formula of peptides and natural plant oils make it great for sensitive eyes. This baby is an all-in-one under eye hero, targeting puffiness, dryness, dark circles, wrinkles….The WORKS! You can use it day and night, which I much prefer to having two separate creams for either day or night. It is $65 at Dillard’s, but I venture to say it is well worth the price. Just warm it between your fingers, apply and let it go to work.
Last, but not least, Vitamin Enriched Face Base is quickly moving up the chains in my arsenal against aging. I love the light geranium and grapefruit scent, but that is just aesthetics. It is made from Shea Butter, but it really isn’t greasy feeling at all. Carrot extract and Vitamin A help to banish signs of aging like fine lines while Vitamins C and E work as environmental defenders. At 50 clams, it is evenly priced with most of the moisturizers out there AND this one last forever because a little goes a long way. I just love how comfortable my face feels and how even my foundation looks when I use this product.
The Bobbi Brown Skin Care Event runs Thursday January 14th through Saturday January 16th. I will be working Thursday evening and Saturday mid-morning til the afternoon. Please call the counter to check avalibility as facials are done by appointment only. I certainly hope you can make it. OH and your color will be done after your facial for a full days beauty in one sitting.
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November 10, 2009
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SO I am totally putting up my Christmas tree this weekend! Why? Because Christmas has come early my friends, in the form of skin care, makeup and smell goods! I am doing you a favor by running down the list of gift sets and holiday packaging to tell you what products are a delightful deal and which ones shouldn’t be unwrapped. Working on the “more bang for your buck” theory, these are my top picks for money well spent and gifts well received to keep you off the “naughty” list.
ORIGINS:
Famous for the precious packaging and even more precious prices.
Your Perfect World set (available at Dillard’s) 
$45.00 ($74.50 Value) This set contains a 5oz Perfect World White Tea facial cleanser, a 1oz Perfect World Skin Guardian with White Tea (worth about 35 clams all by itself), and a 1oz Perfect World Moisturizer with White Tea. White Tea is an excellent source of antioxidants for the skin. Lamens terms, they fight off the bad stuff like free radicals that cause premature aging. This collection of products is great for any skin type except maybe the very oily. OH! And it smells like apricots!
Dr. Weil for Origins Skin Care set (available at Dillard’s) 
$65.00 ($108.50 Value) The set contains a 1.7oz Plantidote Mega Mushroom Facial Cleanser, a 1oz Plantidote Mega Mushroom face serum (worth almost $40.00 alone), and a 1oz Plantidote Mega Mushroom Face Cream. This line is created for all skin types and is meant to help with redness, dryness, and general dullness in the skin. A powerful blend of natural ingredients like 3 special mushrooms (no, not Magic Mushrooms), Holy Basil and Turmeric (an excellent compound for calming irritation) make it a sensitive skin type’s dream.
M.A.C.
Famous for fabulous combinations of products for wild, limited edition gift sets.
Shenanigans Soft Mini set (available at Dillard’s) 
$29.50 this set includes soft shades of M.A.C.’s famous Lipglass and newer Lusterglass glosses. The paler shades are my favorite, but this set comes in deep and bright shades as well. At under 30 smackers, this is a great stocking stuffer or gift for the gal on the go.
Mineralize set (available at Dillard’s) 
$59.50 This set includes a skinfinish, a blush and an eye shadow duo in coordinating colors. The set comes in two shades. Fun in the Sun is a bronzey palette with coopers and golds. Pinkzapoppin is a soft pinky set with cooler tones for the fairer complexions.
CHANEL
Famous for decadent packaging and seductive fragrances.
Chanel No. 5 Milk Bath (available at Dillard’s) 
$70.00 OK so it isn’t a gift set, but it is a splurge worth having. This 13.5oz milky formula turns any old bathroom into a French boudoir. It is, after all, Chanel No. 5. Marilyn Monroe once said during and interview at a Japanese airport that she wore nothing to bed but a few drops of Chanel No. 5. Sounds pretty marvelous to me.
Chanel Platinum Egoiste (available at Dillard’s) 
$72.00 Those who know me, know that I refer to this baby as “sex in a bottle”. Never in my life has a fragrance made me weak in the knees like this one does. Just a touch will do so it lasts forever. It has notes of Rosemary, Sage and Cedar that make it masculine and earthy, but sophisticated. Girls, buy it for your guys and guys, buy it to get a girl. I guarantee a return on your investment!
It is early enough in the holiday shopping season to go get what you need now without a hassle. I personally saw the Origins gift sets out last week and my gal pal, Belinda, at M.A.C. texted me about the arrival of their gift sets. Drop by Chanel and ask the men at the counter about Platinum Egoiste, if Corey isn’t wearing it, I bet Antonio is. Happy holiday hunting.
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