Ageless Beauty!

What do Cher, Kathy Najimy, Anne Heche, Amber Valetta, Naomi Campbell, Paris Hilton and Vanessa Williams have in common? They are all fans of Jan Marini Skincare!



As a celebrity makeup artist, this Pro believes that skincare is the most important personal investment you can make in yourself. It is true that genetics, diet and fitness play a crucial part in keeping skin young, but having a good skincare routine is a must to control oil, discoloration and wrinkles.

Let’s take a stroll down Jan Marini lane…

Jan is a respected national skincare authority who has dedicated more than three decades to researching and developing new and innovative skincare technologies that deliver real results. Her products are used worldwide to treat common skin conditions such as aging, sun damage, acne and rosacea. She is a guest on many radio and television programs, as well as a sought-after speaker for medical conferences and industry events.



Her line is also used by some of the biggest heavy-hitters in the world of film and television makeup artistry. Kimberly Greene, Department Head for Superbad, Pineapple Express; Robert Hallowell for Charlie’s Angels, Two and A Half Men, The Mummy; Jori Jenae for Boston Legal and The Practice; Emily Katz for Lost, just to name a few.

This Pro’s love affair with Jan Marini skincare started when I received a message on Twitter from a representative of the line. She asked if I was interested in trying out a few of their products. I am not ashamed to admit that one of the “perks” of this Pro’s career is receiving and testing product sent to me for my kit to use on my celebrity and high-profile clients. A few weeks later I received a very large box containing many products that looked amazing and Jan was kind enough to conduct a short phone interview with me so I could learn and personalize my daily skincare routine.

This Pro’s biggest skin issues are sun damage, age spots and small patches of rosacea forming on my cheeks. I have reached a certain age when the “sag and bag” is starting to appear and it makes me conscience because of my profession. When you are surrounded by beauty all day long, it makes you think about getting a nip here and tuck there or a little Botox! Instead going under the knife or shooting some type of venom into my forehead, this Pro decided to rethink her skincare routine and ask Jan Marini to come to my rescue!



Here is a list of what this Pro uses from the line:

Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser: gentle cleanser with glycolic acid used morning and night. This is a soap-free formula that is nonirritating and rinses completely without the need for a post-cleansing toner or astringent. One drop full into palm of hand (about the size of a dime) and applied to face in gentle circular motion will remove dirt and makeup completely. Remove with warm, wet washcloth.



C-ESTA Serum: contains Vitamin C and is compatible with glycolic acid products and Retin-A. This Pro applies serum all over face and neck (even behind ears). I have noticed that in a 3-week period of time, my jowl area is tighter and deep lines are fading! I don't know about you ladies, but I also have deep lines on my chest almost in between my breasts, which makes wearing a reveling blouse hard for me. I started to apply the C-Esta Serum in that area and I have noticed a huge difference!



Age Intervention Enlighten: because I suffer from discoloration and uneven skin tone areas, I use this product during the day to help fade stubborn and common problems, like hyperpigmentation. One pump onto the back of my hand and applied all over skin (avoiding eye area) and neck. The reason this Pro puts skincare product on the back of hand instead of palm is because if I over “pump” the product and find I have excess, then I simply rub product into the back of my hand (kills two birds with one stone)! After 3-weeks of use my mild rosacea is untraceable and minor sun damage is invisible however, I have a few deep, dark spots that will require a trip to the esthetician for more invasive treatment.



Age Intervention Face Cream: this product addresses the appearance of aging skin changes targeting two critical areas: hormonal levels and cumulative sun exposure. This Pro is in love with this product and uses it both morning and night as an overall moisturizer. I have noticed a difference in the rejuvenation of my skin and it is appearing younger and healthier. I have even left the house sans makeup and have received several compliments on how my skin “glows!”



Age Intervention Peptide Extreme: this is like the holy grail of skincare! I use this product at night to revitalize my skin while I am sleeping. It increases the production of collagen and elastin in my skin and hydrates while decreasing redness with anti-inflammatory topicals!



Age Intervention Eye Cream: are you starting to see a pattern here? This eye cream is a staple in my routine and you will never open this Pro’s bathroom cabinet without seeing this product displayed like the Queen on her thrown! I use this product both morning and night (and at noon if it made a difference)! Using my ring finger to gently pat this cream under my eye and on the brow bone! Yes, use it on your brow bone – it is where the “sag” occurs! No droopy eyes for this girl! This product is patented with a new Peptide/Retinol combination and it includes a number of other supporting additives in order to make eyelid skin appear flawless. After 3-weeks of use I see a measurable difference in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes.



Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant: now this product is coveted and this Pro will never be caught without it! I use it personally and professionally because it contains incredible UV protection and because it contains PhytoMelanin technology, which provides a natural photoprotection with exceptional antioxidant activity! Basically, it is best sunscreen for the face I have ever used and it is what I trust when working with my clientele. I have a tube in my bathroom cabinet, car and several tubes in my kit! This product is also a “beige” color and not ghostly white, which means it is easier to blend and doesn’t change the color of foundation!



Now you might be saying, “this is a ton of stuff to put on your face everyday!” I agree, but I am fighting an uphill battle and even though I have taken good care of my skin most of my life, I still live and work in Southern California! The sun and other pollutants get to my skin no matter what and I can’t run or hide from them! A good skincare like Jan Marini’s line, helps to better protect my skin and works to reverse damage! This Pro is not afraid to have some “work done” later on in my life, but for now I would rather invest in myself with as little medical procedures as possible!

To purchase or review Jan Marini’s extensive line of skincare, click on www.janmarini.com.

PRO TIPS & TRICKS:
One of the quickest ways to tell a women's age is to look at her hands! Sad, but true! We forget to take care of our hands, but as I mentioned above putting skincare product on the back of your hands before applying to the face with your fingertips and then rubbing in the excess after, is a great way to ensure that you hands are getting good treatment.

So, the next time you are watching Larry King check out if the actress/actor puts his/her hands on the desk or in their lap! Hands don't always match the face! Apply that skincare and sunscreen the way I just described and rest assure your hands will match your face for years to come!



STAY TUNED:
Up Next on IMPO: Summer is coming!!! All Hail The Bronzer!!!!

Disappearing Act!

Makeup artists have been compared to magicians mostly because we seem to be able to make things disappear! Those dark circles, pimples, scars, crows’ feet, wrinkles and other sins of the skin and face are no match for the skilled artist.

While nothing should replace a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, hydration and practicing good skin care routines (which means removing every speck of makeup before you go to bed), there are a few tricks you can learn to minimize a skin issue from a makeup artist.

The very first thing I would tell you if you were my client is to invest in a really great concealer. All kidding aside, concealer is your BFF (best friend forever) and your first lesson is in understanding the difference between concealer and foundation.

Concealers work like undercover spies secretly correcting skin issues when placed in specific areas of the face, such as under eyes, around nasal labial folds or used as coverage for pimples or scars. Foundation's main job is to even out skin tone and is used all over the face and neck area. Concealers are thicker in consistency than a foundation and the best formulations are creamy with high pigmentation.

Now let’s talk color theory as it applies to makeup. Dark under-eye circles are blue in color as a general rule. On a color wheel orange cuts blue which means that in the world of concealers, you would want to look for a product that is like a salmon color. Using a concealer that is too yellow in tone can cause those raccoon eyes and accentuate the problem instead of hiding it.



If you are trying to cover a pimple or broken capillaries find a concealer that is close to the exact shade as your foundation. If you try to use a correcting concealer in a green color (because green cuts red on the color wheel) then make sure that you receive one-on-one instruction from a makeup professional, otherwise stick to my first suggestion and make sure the concealer is not too light because you will draw too much attention to your skin issue.

Here are a few of the concealers I carry in my professional kit and use personally everyday:

Eve Pearl’s Salmon Concealer – perfect salmon colored, under-eye concealer with a non-greasy texture, which glides on smooth and blends flawlessly. Available at www.evepearl.com. $42.00



Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer – moisture-rich formulation designed specifically for under and around the eye area to conceal discolorations. Good viscosity and easy to blend. Available at your local Sephora, department store or online at www.lauramercier.com. $22.00



Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage – used for dark circles and minor imperfections, this is a unique two-shade system, one to match your skin’s depth of color and one to match your skin’s undertone. Custom-blend to your own perfect shade with high level of pigmentation. Available at your local Sephora, department store or online at www.lauramercier.com. $28.00



Benefit Cosmetic’s Erase Paste – brightening camouflage for eyes and face. This innovative formula instantly brightens and camouflages all in one. So if you are interested in minimizing those fine lines and you need coverage for skin irritations, this is a great product for you! Available at your local Sephora, department store, or online at www.benefitcosmetics.com.$26.00



TIPS AND TRIX:
Sometimes your foundation is all you need to cover a little sleep deprivation, all night party dehydration or chocolate-binge pimple, but if your skin is in need of more coverage apply concealer after foundation, this method also insures you are not putting on too much concealer. Try dabbing on the concealer with your ring finger instead of a brush or sponge. Warming up the concealer naturally with your fingertips will help blend the product quicker and smoother. Don’t rub the product under your eye, unless you want you that product to settle into those fine lines! Yuck!

TIME FOR A LITTLE Q&A:

Nancy S. wants to know:
I suffer from Rosacea, can a concealer cover my problem?

Pro suggests:
Rosacea can be concealed, but it depends on the severity of the condition. If the Rosacea is mild then by all means try a concealer, but you may want to try a correcting concealer like I mention above, with a green tint and you will want to consult with a makeup professional on proper application. If the case is more severe and is all over the face, I recommend consulting with your dermatologist who may be able to suggest a better approach or treatment to calm the sensitivity and minimize some of the redness.

STAY TUNED:
In My Professional Opinion’s next post will be titled “Getting the Brush Over” and we will be reviewing many different cosmetic brush lines from high-end to on the cheap! If you have a question or comment pertaining to makeup brushes, we would love to hear from you! Click on the button Ask the Pro and send us an email today!