Three Cheers For The Perfect Tan!

After a trip to the beach where I overdid the sun and have the bumps to prove it, I'm more aware than ever that too much sun just isn't healthy or attractive. And of course we've been hearing plenty of news about the dangers of tanning beds. So it seems that self tanners are the way to go even though we have probably all had our issues with applying them or getting uneven results.

Let's hear a big cheer for a product that seems to solve those problems and leaves our skin healthy, glowing and youthful!

Abby Dymond who is a Washington Redskins Cheerleader promotes a tanning system called Sunbrushed Glow that is virtually fail proof, safe and easy. And the way she became involved is an interesting story in itself. Abby was inspired to jon the Sunbrush Organization through her participation in a "Sun safe" outreach project on behalf of the Melanoma Foundation and Sunbrushed, a sponsor of the cheerleaders. Along with her teammate, Ms. Maryland 2006, Brittany Lietz Cicala, a melanoma survivor and Sunbrushed user, she helped educate our youth on the importance of sunscreen and the dangers of tanning beds. She continues this outreach through Sunbrushed Glow, LLC’s www.sunbrushedglow.com professional revolutionary product while promoting the important message of sun safety.

Q: Abby tell us what your product, Sunbrushed Glow does?

A: Sunbrushed is a self-applied tanning system equal to a professional salon spray tan that is easily applied in 5 minutes. With this “sun safe” product you simply wash your skin’s surface using the tanning solution with a special micro-fiber washcloth. The bronzed tan result is immediate and during at least a five-hour waiting period your golden tan will continue to darken. Your result will be a Sunbrushed glow...
www.sunbrushedglow.com

With a Sunbrushed Multi-tan kit you can apply 6 to 8 full body tans. Included in the Multi-tan kit is everything you need for an application of Sunbrushed: tanning formula, micro-fiber cloth, after care lotion, exfoliant, gloves and a hair tie. A Sunbrushed tan can last 3-10 days. The tan is different for everyone. It depends on your skin type, how you naturally exfoliate, and how you care for your skin following the tanning session.

Q: How do you apply it?

A: Application is so easy. The entire process takes no more than 10 minutes. Put on the gloves provided, tie up your hair with the hair-tie in the kit and pour the Sunbrushed solution into a clean bowl. Soak the micro-fiber cloth in the solution until it is saturated completely and then squeeze out excess solution so that the cloth is damp, not dripping wet. Then simply wash on Sunbrushed all over your body like you would wash yourself with a washcloth. Go over hands lightly by pulling back the top of the glove and feet lightly.

A bronzed tan effect is immediate so you will be able to see exactly where you’re applying the product. When you’re finished, pour the solution from the bowl into the Sunbrushed container and put the cloth in the container and close it. This is how Sunbrushed is stored until your next use. Wait a few minuets to dry before putting on clothing and be sure not to get wet or sweat excessively during this time.

After a period of 6-8 hours take a shower and you will be left with a Sunbrushed glow. The kit provides after care lotion and moisturizing exfoliant to use before you tan to even out blotchy skin or after a few days to scrub off excess product.

Sunbrushed is great because you can apply the product and go about your day. You won’t look “muddy or dirty” like most products look when applied and Sunbrushed smells good so no one will notice you’re wearing it – Sunbrushed has a pleasant almond scent. Most people say it smells more like sunscreen, not self-tanner.

Q: What are the advantages of using this product as opposed to getting regular sun or going to a tanning salon?

A: Healthy, youthful skin.

With Sunbrushed you can achieve a SAFE and healthy tan without damaging your skin. The Sunbrushed method is the only FDA-approved safe way to tan.

The American Academy of Dermatology states there is no safe tan from a tanning bed. There is compelling and irrefutable scientific evidence tanning beds that emit ultraviolet radiation cause skin cancer - including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The FDA also advises avoiding an all over spray or mist that is difficult to avoid exposure in a manner for which it is not approved, including exposure in the area of the eyes, lips, mucous membrane or internally. The Sunbrushed wash-on formula is safe!

There are many more advantages to using Sunbrushed besides caring for the health of your skin. The Sunbrushed wash-on method virtually eliminates most problems associated with self-tanners.

A Sunbrushed Glow gives you:

· No orange color
· No blotching or streaking
· No offensive odor
· No complicated application process
· A convenient process
· Relief from having to hold your breath during application
· Privacy to apply the product in your own home
· A Sunbrushed tan is a fraction of the cost of salon spray tans and gives the same professional result.

Q: What has been the reaction from users of the product?

A: The reaction I get from first time users is overly positive and thankful! Users finally feel they have a professional, easy solution to sunbathing and a professional sun safe tanning option. Many Sunbrushed users stop using tanning beds completely. They are more aware of the risks of tanning, so they use sunscreen more often. They also don’t waste time and money on spray tans. Sunbrushed users are loyal, happy tanners. Many people can often be heard saying – “Sunbrushed for life!”

To order Sunbrushed Glow or find out more about Abby or the product just go to www.sunbrushedglow.com.


http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Effective Facials at A Special Price

It seems that spas/doctor's offices are upping the ante when it comes to facials these days. It's not enough to just have a more refined complexion or a little extra glow.

The facials being offered today have more steps, ingredients and equipment involved to address a wide array of issues and problems you may be having with your skin.

Here are a few of the special facials and deals being offered locally you might want to try if you're in need of some facial therapy!

Qi Spa in Georgetown www.qispadc.com is offering their Signature Facial at a special savings in July. The facial's high-powered antioxidant fruit blends and anti-aging peptides provide new ways to quench the skin’s need for protection and free radical fighting power. This facial can be applied to sun damaged, dehydrated, discolored, and irritated skin conditions.

After cleansing, toning and exfoliating, Qi's highly trained estheticians will determine which serums, masques and creams will best treat the individual client's skin concerns.

The facial is regularly $110 but is being offered at a savings of $15 in July for only $90.


If you want to experience the hottest celebrity facial, Bethesda, Md's Rockledge Spa www.dermskin.com (located within Dermatology and Clinical Skin Care Center) is
featuring their Fire & Ice Innovative Facials with your choice of an introductory or deluxe version.

This facial which was voted Celebrity Facial of the year by In Style Magazine, rapidly and safely resurfaces the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing, softening and encouraging cellular renewal.

The Introductory Facial which is regularly $150 is being offered for $100 in July and the Deluxe Facial which is normally $225 is now being offered at $175.

Virginia's Parma Spa www.parmaspa.com is promoting their version of microdermabrasion this month which is called ExcelleDerm. This is a medical microdermabrasion treatment performed by a licensed esthetician and designed to renew, redefine and rejuvenate the skin.

The treatment achieves some pretty amazing results and is able to improve dull or uneven skin color, relieve clogged pores and blackheads, refine the appearance of fine lines, crepey lines, large pores, acne and hyper pigmentation and remove surface debris allowing the skin to absorb topical medications.

ExcellaDerm is being offered at an $80 savings in July with the regular price of $175 reduced to $95.

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

A Doctor With an Eye 4 Beauty

One of the main complaints from men and women as they hit the 40's and beyond is that they look tired no matter how much sleep they manage to get. Many times it's the lines, wrinkles and gravity that contribute to this feeling that we don't look as young or energetic as we might feel.

And one of the first areas to show age can be the eyes either on the upper lid,the lower lid or both.

A friend showed up at a restaurant recently and although we couldn't put our finger on what was different about her she seemed to look refreshed and like she had just come back from a vacation. As it turns out she had just gotten her eyes "done," the simple way of saying she just had an Upper Blepharoplasty.

One of the premiere cosmetic surgeons in our area for performing eye surgery is Dr. Soheila Rostami of Oculo Facial Plastics Consultants in Reston, VA. Dr. Rostami is a board -certified surgeon specializing in lacrimal, orbital and reconstructive eyelid surgery.

Dr. Rostami was gracious enough to share her expertise with BeautyInDC.com readers and answer our questions on eyelid rejuvenation.

Q: Dr. Rostami it seems that one of the first places that shows our age is our eyes. What are the most popular procedures you perform to rejuvenate them?

A: Upper blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery) is one of those procedures that can help us appear more youthful, because the excess skin and fat are removed from the upper eyelids, which helps to restore the look we had when we were younger.

Also popular are (1) lower blepharoplasty (under eye surgery) to reduce sagging skin and puffiness caused by herniated fat under the eyes; (2) brow lifts to pull-up the forehead muscle and put the eyebrows back in the position you had when younger; and (3) sometimes ptosis (droopy eyelid) repair with a technique called a levator advancement, where the eyelid muscles are tightened with sutures.

Q: Who is a good candidate for one of these procedures?

A: Anyone, male or female, who has excess upper or lower eyelid skin or bagginess. Sometimes, this skin hangs down on the eyelids and interferes with one’s peripheral vision. We often hear from patients that their eyelids are too heavy, and they must use their forehead muscles to hold their eyelids up. By the end of the day, they use their fingers to hold open their eyelids and let their forehead muscles relax. When they do this, they feel a great sense of relief.

Q: Could you describe what you do during an Upper Blepharoplasty?

A: This is a procedure that is easily performed in-office using a local anesthetic. This is an over-simplified explanation, but here are the basic steps. First, the excess eyelid skin that needs to be removed is carefully measured and marked. This is an important step, because if not enough skin is removed, you won’t be happy, and if too much skin is removed, it can cause functional eyelid problems. The eyelid area is numbed with a local injection and then swabbed with an antiseptic. An incision is made with a surgical blade along your natural eyelid crease, and then the excess skin and fat are removed. The incision is then closed with sutures. An ointment is applied to the suture line for the next few days. Ice packs are also encouraged to be used off and on for at least a day. Sutures are removed 7 days later.

Q: What about a Lower Blepharoplasty?

A: Because there is more discomfort associated with the lower blepharoplasty, I recommend that this procedure be done in an outpatient surgery center under IV sedation. There are two ways of doing lower blepharoplasty, and it all depends on whether or not there is a lot of excess skin. If there is puffiness from herniated fat, an incision is made from the inside of the bottom eyelid and the fat is removed. If there is sagging excess skin as well as herniated fat, an incision is made along the lower lash line, the fat and excess skin is removed, and then the area is sutured back together.

Q: Is there a long recovery time from these procedures?

A: The eye area is very vascular, meaning that there are many blood vessels in the area, so it is normal to experience bruising and swelling after surgery. Healing is very individualized – how fast you heal depends on your general health and how your body usually heals. Generally, you can expect to resume light activities in about 1-2 weeks after surgery, which means no heavy lifting and no vigorous exercise during the recovery time.

Q: Are there any risks involved?

A: All surgical procedures involve risk. As my patient, I want you to fully understand all the risks associated with these procedures, so that you can make an informed decision. There are healing symptoms like swelling and bruising, discomfort and pain, and itching and scar redness which are normal to experience. Other risks include bleeding, inflammation, infection, wound separation, etc., which are dealt with quickly to resolve. Some of the most serious complications are also extremely rare. These include allergic reactions, blindness and loss of life. I discuss these risks with my patients in detail during their consultation.

Q: Are your patients usually pleased with the results?

A: My patients and I both are usually pleased with the surgical results, as I have been doing these procedures for several years and consider myself skilled in what I do. I receive letters from them, telling me how much their appearance has improved and their outlook has changed. For some, the surgery is more about function – their peripheral vision is improved, their eyes are no longer tired and irritated, and they no longer have to hold up their eyelids with their forehead muscles. Others tell me they receive many compliments on the color of their eyes, which haven’t changed, but are now much more noticeable to others!

Q: What is the cost involved and does insurance cover any of these procedures?

A: On my website, www.Beauty4Eye.com, I have posted costs under the “Services” tab – the last item in the left hand column, called “Pricing/Menu.” For my self-pay patients, I try to be fair and make my fees reasonable, especially when combining procedures.

Upper blepharoplasty, levator advancement for ptosis repair, and/or eyebrow lifts are sometimes covered by insurance companies. In order for these procedures to be covered by your insurance plan, medical necessity must be proven through clinical notes, photographs, and visual field tests (which shows how badly your upper eyelids are affecting your field of vision). These items are sent in advance to your insurance provider to see if they will cover the procedures. Lower blepharoplasty is not a covered procedure by insurance; it is strictly cosmetic.

Dr. Soheila Rostami
1860 Town Center Drive, Suite 250
Reston, VA 20190
571-203-1300
www.beauty4eye.com

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Which Sex and the City Girl is Your Style?

As a faithful fan of the TV series and now the Sex and the City movies, I am always in awe of how great Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte look. They always are in tune with the latest trends but at the same time have such individual style.

I'm sure a small army of stylists are at work to create each look we see on screen. Most of us don't have the time to analyze and research the specific items that might help us look like our favorite. But we do have a local DC stylist who can help us zero in on some key features of each one and incorporate these tips into our wardrobe and makeup.

Margaret Lilly, who has a consulting and styling service called Lilly's Closet, put together a segment for the local Fox station for each of the movie launches. She recreated the look of each character on local women and is an excellent source of knowing how to channel our inner Sex and the City gal or just help us add some fun and fresh looks to our repertoire.

Here's what Margaret suggests:

Common Denominators—Neutral/nude platform stiletto’s, natural/nude makeup (super fresh!), Hats!

Carrie:
Must Haves: Accordion pleated 70’s blouson dress (vintage), Head Scarf, Nude Platform Stilettos, Short Clover (Charm) Necklace, Aviator Sunglasses

She's all about mixing high with low---and luxe materials with cottons: "t-shirts and taffeta"!!

Hair/Makeup: Nude Lips, Heavy eyes (tons of black eyeliner!), tousled hair and/or BIG up do!

Miranda:
Must Haves: Tribal and/or Graphic Print Jersey Dresses, Eveningwear with Plunging Necklines, White Straw Fedora

Hair/Makeup: Sleek, angular hair and super natural makeup!

Samantha:
Must Haves: 80’s inspired Statement Earrings, “Skin-baring” dresses (preferably spandex), Vintage Gold Belts, Harem Pants

Hair/Makeup: Sleek Hair, Heavy foundation, Pinky Lips

Charlotte:
Must Haves: Jewel-toned Suits with ruffle details, Match your bag to your dress color, delicate to no jewelry

Hair/Makeup: Super Natural Make-up, Flowing Long Hair (never pulled back)


For further information about Margaret and the services she offers you can visit her website at www.lillysclosetonline.com.

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

The Right To Bare Legs

It's the season to wear bathing suits and shorts and show a lot of skin--and maybe some little flaws and things you would rather keep under wraps.

There is almost universal agreement that having a tan, real or otherwise, is a great way to mask any small marks or things we'd prefer to keep to ourselves. But sometime there are bigger issues or imperfections that tanning alone won't hide.

Things like spider and varicose veins, stretch marks, birth marks, scars and all those things that you'd rather not show off. Some products actually help prevent further problems and some can camouflage areas where the damage is done.

A few of the cover up products include one by an unlikely creator...Joan Rivers of all people! But she does have a beauty line she sells on QVC and I just happened to see her promoting it one day and was rather intrigued.

Joan Rivers Beauty Right to Bare Legs is a corrective concealer that can cover up veins or marks on your legs or anywhere you want to conceal an imperfection. It's $22.50 and comes in 3 shades but some are waitlisted so you probably have to order soon if you want it before the end of summer. It's gotten pretty good reviews on the QVC site (www.qvc.com) with just a few issues regarding the application. Apparently it dries quickly and so can be hard to spread and it requires some moisturizer on the skin. But it is waterproof and supposed to stay put until you wash it off with soap and water.



Along the same lines but probably a bit less of a cover up and more of an enhancer is Per-fekt Beauty's Body Perfection Gel. It's described as a multi-functional "skin perfector" that also adds a bit of a glow to the area it's applied. The product has Hyalauronic Microspheres that hydrate the skin and help firm, tone and improve the skin's elasticity. It is also water resistant and transfer proof. You can buy it at Sephora stores or through www.sephora.com.



If you have legs that sometimes ache from poor cirulation due to spider or varicose veins you might like a product that addresses that problem, plus helps their appearance from within.
Eminence Organic skin care line has a Lychee and Chestnut Firming Leg Treatment that improves circulation and stimulates skin and reducing the visible signs of varicose veins. Cost is $64.00 but Laser Plus in Vienna, VA www.laserplus.bz is offering a special on the product till 7/11 and you can buy it for $55.00. They also have a tester in their office if you want to try it out first.



http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Summer Makeup Palette and Trends

There are always new colors and makeup trends for each season and I recently went to a pro to to find out what the hot looks are for this summer. Lindsay Ebbin, National Makeup Retail Director for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas has spent his career in beauty, hair and makeup and shares his expertise with BeautyInDC.com.

Q: Lindsay can you tell us about your background?

A: I was discovered in high school by a modeling scout and modeled for 5 years professionally. I then became interested in the fashion arena and mentored under a celebrity makeup/hairstylist in Toronto, Canada. I continued learn as I began to work with woman who needed makeovers after having chemotherapy to help them look good feel better. In the early 90's a new makeup line was being formulated in Toronto and I learned color theory from that company. It went on to became one of the most successful cosmetic brands in the world known as MAC. 4 Years later Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas recruited me to lead their creative styling and makeup team in Canada as well as doing hair shows in US for Wella and Paul Mitchell providing seasonal forecasts. I was transferred to New York City as the National Makeup Artist on Fifth Avenue working with everyone from celebrities to supermodels. I am now the National Makeup Retail Director in the U.S for Red Door Spas Elizabeth Arden.

Q: What are the hot makeup colors for summer?

A: Trends for summer are blues hues for eyes from baby to indigo blue. Highlights of shell pink and warm browns. Those who want an edgey look they will want to use colors of the rainbow. Eyeliner is thick but comes in different colors like blue, teal, black and golden brown. Skin is glowing with tinted foundations & a natural mineral bronzer that is used as a contour to highlight your best areas of the face. Elizabeth Arden launched an innovative mineral technology that creates this beautiful natural look on the skin. Lipstick is pink with a brown base tone or coral and Orange Reds.

Q: Should we change our foundation and other makeup if we have a tan?
A: Yes, at Red Door we have computerized custom color makeup from super sheer finish to heavy coverage. It mixes it like paint and is water based, hypo allergenic and non comdegenic. We can also create a mat finish as it makes over a million shades customized to your skin tone. Many women have switched to mineral powders that grind, so it is freshly milled to give you that natural flawless finish. Any foundation should be accented with a primer first and or SPF of your choice that is not clogging. I would recommend if you know you will tan or will be in the sun going 2 shades darker than your skin tone and match against your chest or arm area since they are hit by the sun

Q: Are there any specific products you would recommend that would help women look good for summer weddings or a class reunion?

A: Prevage advanced anti aging treatment moisturizer is one that wards off free radicals, helps to minimize discolorations, spots, freckles, lines and wrinkles. It also comes with an SPF 30 and has been in endorsed by the American Cancer Association. You will feel protected and your skin will feel regenerated and look more youthful as you continue to use it.

Q: How can we keep our makeup fresh in the summer heat and humidity?

A: Use matte based skin products, water based only with pore tightning primers that don't block the pores but help minimize them. Have a some of your favorite lip gloss in your bag, a pressed or mineral powder to touch up throughout the day, and a concealer that does not crease, is liquid and dries down to a powder finish. If want a glow use cream blushes because they do not shift or move in the heat when you perspire and apply using a brush. A sponge or your finger will not give you the same finish

Q: Even if someone doesn't like to wear makeup are there a few basic things they can do to look polished?

A: Use a moisturizer on freshly cleansed skin and a good eye cream to protect with an Spf or anti-aging formula first (SPF 15 and up). Apply one or all of concealer/mineral powder/bronzer if needed. Mascara to bring enhance your eye color or colored eyeliner. High shine color tinted lip gloss or sheer lipstick.


http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Be A Beach Beauty In Vienna!

At the Beauty On The Beach Bash in Chevy Chase, MD this past Tuesday and everyone was able to rise above the rainy weather and enjoy a night of beauty tips and treats. As one attendee wrote:

"I loved the event last night. I visited nearly every table and got great tips and signed up for everything there was to win."

If you missed the Maryland event you have another opportunity to get in on a fun night of beauty, networking, shopping and pampering all in one! BeautyInDC.com presents Beauty On The Beach Bash at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA tomorrow Tuesday, May 18th from 6 to 9pm. The ballroom overlooks the golf course and is the perfect setting to think about getting ready for summer, the beach and all of the events you might be attending. If you have weddings or a class reunion wouldn't it be nice if everyone told you how fabulous you're looking these days!

Some of Northern Virigina's top experts in plastic surgery, dermatology, skin care, body sculpting, nutrition, tanning, makeup, hair and just about every aspect of looking good will be there. If you love to shop you'll also have gorgeous jewelry and hot summer fashions to check out. Saks Fifth Avenue of Tyson's Galleria will bring some of the latest beach wear and share summer trends and style tips. And Lifestyle expert Toni Leinhardt will show you how to accessorize your outfits to make the most of your wardrobe.

The event will be interactive so you'll be able to get your makeup done, watch a spray tanning demonstration or receive a Visia digital skin analysis so you'll know what products will be most effective.

And there will be tons of giveaways of pampering and beauty treatments that will make you look and feel your best.

It's really the ultimate girl's night out with everything you could want in one place including a chance to win passes to see the movie we all want to see with our girlfriends, Sex and the City 2!

And when the night is over you'll leave with your gift bag overflowing with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Apriori Beauty products, discount coupons and even Serendipity 3 frozen hot chocolate packets.

Get your tickets now at www.beautyonthebeachbash.com. They're only $25 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes.