Ok well take it with a grain of salt but I thought this video was worth posting. It’s not meant to be a political statement – just an eye opener. I use and recommend products that aren’t “green”, “organic” and “natural” all day long. And, I’m not about to stop or change but if one of my favorite cosmetic companies decided to reformulate a product that WORKS and is safer for us and our kids I’m all for it.

What to do on those days where you know you are going to be in front of the camera – a lot. You know what I mean like weddings, graduations, parties, etc. Dread them? Don’t. Just some up-front prep and you’ll be glowing like a model. Actually these tips and tricks are from various model resources, photographers and my husband. He is camera crazy and always throwing tips around so I figured I’d compile a few to share.

A few days before the event is really when you need to start thinking about looking your best. Of course following a routine is the best advice to look your best all the time. I know crunch time before a special day is always hectic though.

First rule of looking great on film – digital or otherwise – is moisturize. If you read this blog regularly you know that you should be doing this regularly! If not at least do it a week in advance – daily or more if necessary. I would even go as far as treating yourself to a facial or spa day to jump start your commitment to healthy skin and a clear complexion. Keep it up too. Your skin will thank you in the future. While you are there you should get a mani/pedi (manicure and pedicure). A French or neutral treatment is best. You don’t want your nail color to clash or stand out. Close ups of hands and even feet in the warmer months are popular now. One of my clients even had her bridal party wear flip-flops and has photos of them in the sand.

What gets caught on the camera isn’t always that obvious to the naked eye. So make sure you look for the more or less subtle cues. Got roots or regrowth? Get that color touched up. Photos can make your roots look 10 times worse than they really are. Especially high contrast photos like black and whites. Apply a smooth base when doing your makeup too especially if you are going to be indoors. The only part of your face that we want to look shiny is your lips so bring along your lipstick and a clear gloss to cover. And while your on the mouth take a look at your pearly whites and make sure they are just that. If not try whitening toothpastes, pre-rinses and strips that entire week. They will definitely help and the day before use the strawberry trick. Also depending on what you are wearing, watch for unwanted lines and creases from panties and layered clothing.

Most importantly, don’t try those new products or anyone else’s the days before the event. Irritations and allergic reactions are known to happen! If you happen to get a breakout or worse – that highly noticeable pimple right on your nose leave it alone and let your makeup do its job. The redder it gets, the more concealer needed. The more makeup you are wearing, the more likely you are going to need to reapply at some point.

So get plenty of rest the night before. Avoid as much alcohol, cigarettes and other nasties you may indulge in the night before (I’ve been to plenty of pre-parties I needed to recover from) and give your body a break. Wake up a little earlier and plan on some prep time to pamper yourself. You’ll feel great and look even better.

At the end of 2006 air travel became a bit easier for those of us who like to travel (carry-on) with what we refer to as the essentials. Not necessarily what our friends at the TSA or our favorite airlines (if there is such a thing) agree with. I know it’s been well over a year since the change but I still get requests to go over what is safe to bring on board with you while traveling by air. So if you are planning on taking a trip this year, here’s the scoop on the mini makeup needs. You can still pack your suitcase full of sprays, makeup, gels and other goodies larger than 3 oz. but not that I recommend that either.

Check out the TSA’s site here for the latest on what you can and can’t bring in the cabin.
Basically the rules are as follows:

The following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols carried through security checkpoints.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
There are exceptions for baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

In the meantime if you need to play it safe and you want to be absolutely sure, this is your one stop shop: Airplane Approved Beauty. Sephora’s laid out in easy fashion the prefect shopping area for jet setters and the like. You’d be surprised how many items you may need to buy in a travel safe size.

This New Year why not consider some real resolutions that are easy to keep, make you feel well and are fun! I’ve got a few up my sleeve for you so stay tuned. In the meantime, why not use today to reorganize and go through all your cosmetics, hair and skin care product and grooming essentials. Throw away the old and in with the new! Start the year off right and treat yourself to a few new beauty necessities. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look good. Here’s a few deals to get you started. Oh, and don’t forget something to keep it all in!

Happy shopping!