Wearing Red Lipstick, Polish, Gloss, Glazes and Tints requires a heavy-duty lip pencil that allows for precision and blendability. I tend to fall in love with beauty tools that perform, especially when I’m in a hurry.
Discovering Arbonne Cosmetics proved to be a pleasant surprise. I love their unique Optlight Technology that works by diffusing light and creating a soft focus effect. The ingredients in the makeup allow the skin to breathe, and give that light-as-air feeling. Nothing more than loving Red Lipstick is the feeling of not wearing any.
Amala Skincare is made with whole plant ingredients that are certified natural. The organic formulations uphold the standards that safeguard the planet, while helping transform the skin. Amala means “Most Pure” in Sanskrit and is certified by NaTrue, the authority in global natural and organic cosmetic standards. I’m constantly looking for a moisturizing mask that will give my skin ultra hydrating benefits. I tend to dry my skin out from time to time. Testing skincare and combatting adult acne can take its toll on my skin. I need recharging and always welcome beauty products that deliver the promise of their ad campaigns. I’ve recently been testing Amala’s Hydrating Yogurt Mask, and I swear by it! It’s an ultra hydrating mask that you can leave on overnight for intense benefits. My dry uneven skin texture was soothed and smoothed, my skin restored to a luxurious moisture. I love having hydrated, soft and radiant skin. Isn’t it time you restored your skin to lasting radiance?
Internationally renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gerald Imber is the author of various scientific papers and several books dedicated to the pursuit of anti-aging surgery and the strategy of Prevention, Maintenance and Correction. Dr. Imber divides his time between a private clinic in Manhattan and being on staff at the prestigious Weill-Cornell Medical Center
I first heard of Dr. Imber flipping through the pages of my favorite beauty magazine, New Beauty. The article “Five Powerful Anti-Aging Ingredients” caught my attention. Dr. Imber’s Youth Corridor Anti-Aging Boost Serum was among them. There are 6 pieces in the Youth Corridor Collection, the Prevention, Maintenance and Correction strategy was designed to help achieve a youthful appearance well into adulthood.
In-between consultations and surgeries Dr. Imber graciously agreed to a phone interview, where we discussed his strategy for Prevention, Maintenance and Correction.
Anita: First I want to say, that speaking with you today Sir is an honor, thank you!
Dr.Imber: It’s my pleasure really.
Anita: I know you’re very busy, so I’m going to try and move these questions right along: What are some of the causes of Premature aging?
Dr.Imber: Standard things, sun exposure, cigar smoking, genetics, improper nutrition, hormonal challenges and changes that take place during menopause.
Anita: Why is it never too late to reverse back the signs of premature aging, or can it be too late?
Dr.Imber: That depends on what you consider a success, everyone can turn back the clock, if not a day – an hour, or a few minutes. We will never go back to square one, but it’s never too late to turn back the clock.
Anita: In your opinion what is age appropriate skincare?
Dr.Imber: First the use of Sunblock and Antioxidants are important. Then it’s figuring out what the issues are and picking the right products to correct and treat the issues.
Anita: If someone is on a budget, what over-the-counter remedies do you recommend?
Dr.Imber: All Vitamin C serums work, and there are several that are inexpensive. Sunblock and Moisturizer are two of the most affordable products available and accessible.
Anita: At what time during your career did you realize Cosmetic Surgery alone wasn’t the answer?
Dr.Imber: Must have been twenty years ago, I realized that the same procedure did not apply to every patient. Someone who was 50/65 didn’t need the same operation, there had to be a way to personalize skincare. It wasn’t until this last decade that product that actually worked was available. Every six months or so my staff and I would go out and buy every piece of skincare that came out and we would test it on ourselves, this helped to figure out what products were out there and what was missing – that’s how I developed Youth Corridor – based on what was missing.
Anita: I use this word and think I know what it means, but after reading more in-depth I realize I’m not really sure – what is inflammation and what happens if it goes untreated?
Dr.Imber: It’s simple – Inflammation is when something irritates the skin and the skin turns red. If the irritation causes an infection, then the infection causes scarring. The other type of Inflammation is of the allergic kind – but it’s the infection that causes scarring, and scarring is damaging.
Anita: The question I’ve been dying to ask – have you treated celebrities? I understand if you’re not at liberty to discuss the subject.
Dr.Imber: It’s not that, I just feel embarrassed mentioning names, but what I can tell you is that I’ve treated many of the great names in the Music Industry, Movie Stars and members of the last Administration in Washington
Anita: Can bad plastic surgery be corrected, have you in your career ever had to fix bad plastic surgery?
Dr.Imber: Most often it can be corrected, but sometimes we can’t correct everything, and we end up feeling bad when that happens. If the skin is cut to tight then there isn’t anything we can really do to fix the problem, we can correct bad surgery if it’s just not finished, but if it’s just not done well it’s that much harder to correct. It’s best for someone contemplating surgery to do a lot of research before choosing a doctor.
Anita: Is there a plastic Surgeon in San Francisco that you recommend?
Dr.Imber: I can’t do that, but what I can tell you is that there are many good plastic surgeons in San Francisco.
Anita: At what age should a person start using preventative skincare?
Dr.Imber: When you’re in your twenties, once the acne is gone that’s when it’s time for preventative treatment.
Anita: Tell us about Youth Corridor– I was under the impression like most Americans that melatonin was a vitamin that helped induce sleep – how did Youth Corridorcome about?
Dr.Imber: I researched and read everything there was to know about skincare. If you go out in the sun without sunscreen you turn red, which develops inflammation. If you wear sunblock you don’t turn as red, but if you use Vitamin C or E you are less red – but when you mix Vitamin C, E and melatonin you don’t turn red – which prevents inflammation. The combination of Vitamin C, E and melatonin helps promote cellular health and life.
Anita: Can any of the 6 products in Youth Corridor work alone or is it more benificial that they work together?
Dr.Imber: They all work well alone, the only piece that is necessary is the Antioxidant Boost Serum – the other pieces are good, but there are so many other great products out in the market that are equally as good.
Anita:I’ve been using the Antioxidant Boost Serum, and I’m in awe because I saw a huge difference overnight – literally. I’ve always looked younger, but I can see a huge difference in my skin texture, tone and clarity.
Dr.Imber: Good for you! I’m very happy to hear that, it’s really a remarkable product.
Anita: Okay – getting ready to wrap things up, what vitamins should women be taking?
Dr.Imber: Vitamin D is the only vitamin that has been scientifically proven to work, the rest are just empty opinions.
Anita: Thank you Dr. Imber for your time, I’ve learned a lot during our conversation. I’m going to finish reading your book ” The New Youth Corridor – a Guide to Timeless Beauty”.
Before joining the team at iT Cosmetics Jacqueline Finnan worked in Hollywood as a celebrity, television and print make-up artist. Jacqueline’s passion for iT Cosmetics is based on the companies cutting edge medical grade and anti-aging technology that is developed with leading plastic surgeons in Brazil. For those of us that have not heard of iT Cosmetics, after reading this beauty profile you may want to research their innovative Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, which has won the prestigious Total Beauty Award for best concealer 2010.
When I was first playing around with the idea of creating my new beauty section: Beauty Profile, Jacqueline immediately agreed and thought it was a great idea. Being the V.P of Public Relations for iT Cosmetics equals a busy schedule, she graciously took the time to share her beauty secrets with us.
Anita: What are your Top 5 Beauty products, and why?
Jacqueline: 1. Bye Bye Under Eye Hydrolyzed Collagen Vitamin C&K Concealer – This is my beauty BBF! Truth be told I actually use this product as my foundation! This heavy-duty but light weight concealer is long wearing and makes my skin look polished and flawless. 2.Brow Power Universal Eye Brow Pencil – great looking eyebrows add prominence and frame your facial features. Having nice brows is the quickest way to make yourself look instantly polished. I love this pencil because it’s the perfect shade and lasts until you take it off. 3.Bye Bye Pores– turns my makeup brush into a magic wand by simply blurring away pores with the stroke of the brush. It’s like airbrushing in a jar! 4. Nail Love Pen– I love that I can give myself a manicure in a minute! In line at the market or even before I head into a meeting! I keep one at my desk, my purse and one in my car. 5. Naturally Pretty Eye Shadow Trios – ( Launching in December) One of the perks of my job is that I have access to our products before they launch. I love this trio! The pigment gives high performance color that lasts all day! I actually carry this with me because I can start with a completely natural look then with the same trio glam up my look for evening.
Anita: These all sound like amazing products!!! I’m getting excited! For our next question: What are your top non iT products?
Jacqueline: 1. Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater by Mario Badescu – I have been a long time fan of this product! It’s the perfect little pick me up to feel refreshed on a hot day in Los Angeles. 2. Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo by Philip b – This product gives me pretty hair! My hair that is long and frizzy drinks this and gets smooth without having to use a smoothing product! The smell is amazing! 3. Almond Coconut Milk Scrub by Laura Mercier – The creamy texture removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface giving my skin a radiant, polished glow! 4. MoroccanOil* Curl Control Cream – When I want to go curly this is my go to! It changes my frizzy wave into nice smooth loose curls! . Tonga Blush by Cargo Cosmetics– No matter what my look it’s the perfect shade for my skin. It’s sheer, blendable, and natural looking!
Anita: Now, for the question I’ve been dying to ask – what is your favorite shade of Red Lipstick?
Jacqueline: My favorite shade of Red Lipstick is Burgundy Red.
I am a big fan of Chanel’s Rouge Allure Collection – Lover, Passion and Romantic are wonderful shades. I love the sultry, rich dramatic look!
Anita: If you only had 5 minutes to get ready in the morning what beauty products would you use?
Jacqueline: Since I am a working mother I only take minutes to get my face ready and these are the products I use:
1. Moisturizer with an SPF
2. Brow Power UniversalPencil
3. Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
4. HD Mascara
5. Dab of Blush
6. Any lip gloss that happens to fall into my hands
7. Throw my hair in a messy bun or cute hat and I am out the door!
Anita: Any last minute words of wisdom?
Jacqueline: The rule of thumb I use for makeup application is that people should notice you and not your makeup!
Anita: I enjoyed our little conversation very much – I look forward to more of them in the future – thank you Jacqueline!!
Cargo Cosmetics Available at Macy’s
Chanel Cosmetics Available at Neimans, Macy’s and Barneys New York.
I normally don’t wear eyeshadow because I’m usually wearing red lipstick. On the other hand I’m not very comfortable with eye makeup application. It’s confusing to me, trying to figure out what colors work best and if I’m blending enough etc…
Jane Iredale makes it easy to get ready in the mornings, especially if we’re running late. She created three gorgeous eye makeup pallets – New Eye Steppes. Now we can all have gorgeous eyes!
I love the pretty compacts filled with the perfect color combination for my brown eyes. Getting ready in the morning is tough enough without having to spend a lot of time in front of the makeup mirror. Plus the compact filled with gorgeous color fits perfectly inside my makeup bag.
Leave it to Jane Iredale to customize five beautiful shades of eye color, thank you Jane for taking the guess work out of eye makeup, and making it easier to get ready in the mornings.
Discovering new blush/bronzers is a favorite pastime of mine. I once mentioned to a makeup artist that I applied two blushes, and a bronzer every morning. Instead of looking at me like I was crazy they agreed that its best for contouring and shading.
I was pleased that I wasn’t alone in my wish to contour and enhance my natural appearance. However what happens when we over sleep in the morning and only have ten minutes?
Light Reflective Mica – the shimmer particals helped diffuse the light and created an all over softness that lasted throughout the day. Vitamin E – an antioxidant that conditioned the skin while providing protections and hydration.
After my conversation with my friend Joseph I went in search of the color purple. I found this gorgeous color by beingTrue Cosmetics. This shade of purple left me breathless, I’m really a Red Lipstick sorta gal, but I’ve been known to play with color on occasion. I loved how the color enhanced my natural features without being too much. The luxurious satin finish glided on smoothly creating outrageous depth and dimension. The peppermint scent reminded me of the peppermint patties of my childhood while the Satin Lip color itself reminded me of the sophisticatation of the color Purple.
Joseph A. Perezis Benefit Cosmetics leading man, landing on the cover of its national catalog, placed Joseph as San Francisco’s makeup artist de Jour.
I’ve known Joseph for years, and from my experience as a District Manager for a Skincare Boutique I always admired his passion and drive for the business.
Joseph’s experience with Benefit Cosmetics has landed him the opportunity of working behind the scenes at QVC, the Emmys, a feature in 17 Magazine and working with celebrity clients. It took months to set up this interview, as Joseph is busy running the Benefit on Fillmore. He was gracious and agreed to meet me for coffee.
Anita:How did you get started in a life of Makeup and beauty?
Joseph: By chance, I was in HR before my career in cosmetics. I loved coaching, training and motivating people and found it rather difficult to discipline them, I didn’t like the role of being the bad guy.
Anita: Where did you work before Benefit?
Joseph: I began my Cosmetic career at Macy’s, working for Chanel. I wasn’t hired for my makeup skills, but because of my personality. I was so good at my job that Chanel wanted to hire me as a regional and Macy’s didn’t want to lose me and this created a tug a war. I ended up working for Benefit and it’s been 6 years now.
Anita: congratulations of making it on the Cover of Benefits Catalog!
Joseph: Thank you! I’m having fun with it.
Anita: Now to get down to the Makeup questions – What is the biggest misconception women have about makeup?
Joseph: Most women are afraid of leaving their comfort zone, they are afraid to look different, being able to access your own fabulousness is empowering, you don’t need to be a makeup artist to wear makeup.
Anita: What is your favorite makeup tip/secret?
Joseph: The Canvas, the skin, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You can never be dewy enough, never be too radiant.
Anita: What have you learned about women and makeup?
Joseph: I learned that nobody wants to wear makeup, yet everybody wants to see a result, my challenge as a makeup artist is to be able to develop a routine for women that is user-friendly.
Anita: If a woman has five minutes in the morning for makeup, what steps do you recommend as being most important?
Joseph:
1. A moisturizer with an SPF – hydration is key.
2. Curling lashes – a must!
3. Filling in your brows – gives that polished look.
4. a tinted lip balm – for hydration and color.
Granted if you have a few more minutes then use a little mascara, concealer and blush and presto you’re ready to leave the house.
Anita: Makeup trends we should know about this season?
Joseph: The trends for fall are any shade of purple or plum under the sun, also a more natural look to makeup – not too heavy.
Anita: What are the top 10 Benefit products every gal should have in her beauty closet?
Joseph:
1. Brow Zing
2. ” You Rebel “
3. Some kind of gorgeous
4. Girl meets Pearl
5. Benetint
6. Bad Gal W/P eye pencil
7. Stay don’t stray eye primer
8. The professional
9. Sugar Bomb
10. Bad Gal Mascara
Anita: (After reading this list, I must admit I’m a little intrigued) – Who is your favorite makeup artist?
Joseph: Pat McGrath – the best in the business! She’s a creative and legendary genius.
Anita: The question I’ve been dying to ask, what’s in your famous makeup kit?
Joseph: All Benefit Cosmetic products, I can achieve all the looks needed for any event with Benefit!
Anita: Do’s & Don’ts of makeup application?
Joseph:
1. Always wear Moisturizer, regardless of skin type – don’t neglect your skin!
2. Change your makeup accordingly, to the seasons, events – daytime and evening. Don’t get caught in a routine.
3. Don’t forget to fill in your brows, they frame your face.
4. Wear primer under makeup – makeup won’t last all day without it.
5. Use an eyelash curler! Never assume your eyelashes are at full potential.
6. Wear age-appropriate makeup – don’t assume all products work on everyone.
7. Personalize and contrast your makeup to your skin undertones and eye color – don’t follow tradition, beauty is an individual thing.
8. Always remove your makeup at night, it’s very bad to sleep with makeup. You age faster! Don’t use soap as a cleanser, it will dry your skin out.
9. Use creamy concealers, not powder concealers.
Anita: Last minute words of Wisdom?
Joseph:
1. Don’t tweeze your own brows – it’s very bad to tweeze them yourself, go to a professional!
2. Less is always More!
3. Be in touch with your inner glam – know it and access it.
4. Ladies, let’s fix this recession one lipstick at a time! ( Love that! )
5. Never forget that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that only applies if you behold your own beauty! – J.A Perez.
Anita: I’ve enjoyed this conversation so much – off the record let’s talk about boys!
Joseph: ( Laughing ) okay – put your pen away!
Benefit Boutique
2117 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, Ca 94115
415 – 567-0242
* Out of all the Benefit locations I’ve visited, by far Benefit on Fillmore street gives the best service, I’ve never been pressured into buying anything and the staff is professional, knowledgeable and gracious.
John Masters Organics Moroccan Clay Maskis perfect for oily or combination skin. I love that it helps balance the production of sebum and aids in the removal of toxins. It’s also great for teenage skin.
Key Ingredients:
1. Moroccan Clay – Absorbs oils and impurities.
2. Balsam Copaiba – is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
3. Aloe Vera Gel – Soothing, Calming and anti-inflammatory.
4. Lavender – Soothing, Calming.
5. Sunflower – Helps retain moisture and protects the skin.
I left the mask on for a little bit longer then recommended, and my skin looked clean, clear and radiant. The mask is non-drying and moisturizing, most masks if left on too long have a tendancy to dry your skin out.
City Girl in Red Lipstick 