With winter in full swing and snow on the ground it's time to rethink which products you're using. It's not just the temperature dropping outside but cranking up the heat inside our homes or from fireplaces will dry out the air inside too. All this draws out the moisture in our skin causing it to feel dry, tight and uncomfortable. Cellular Laboratories Skincare is what I use and an excellent choice for protecting your skin this winter. Cellular Labs De-Aging Day Creme SPF 20 is an ideal start to hydrating and protecting your skin daily. I use it under my foundation everyday and it's moisturizing without feeling greasy. This day creme contains ceramide 2 and sodium PCA, two intense ingredients which supports your skins ability to retain moisture and protects with anti-oxidants to prevent environmental stress and aging.

 

When people ask me what I use I tell them why this creme is so effective. It literally rejuvenates your skin by maintaining your skins natural lipid barrier system and the SPF 20 protects you from sun damage. The entire Cellular Laboratories line is complete with cleansing, toning and eye treatment products. I was able to visibly see results in terms of repair around my eyes, I love this product! 

 

It's never too late to prevent, protect or reverse some of the visible damage that has been done to the skin. Visit unstoppabbleshopper.com and search for Cellular Labs to learn more or to order directly.

Send me your letters and questions, I'd like to hear from you!

 makeup@sueperez.com 

 

The Holidays are the best times of the year to wear beautiful makeup. There are more parties and special events to go to. Even a romantic dinner can be a great reason to play up your looks! Follow these steps to create The Perfect Holiday Look!

1.The first step is making your skin the perfect canvas. Even out your skintone with a foundation that looks fresh, not matte. This includes using an eye shadow base to brighten your lids. Using a base will also prevent your shadow from creasing and will make it wear longer.

2.You only need two colors of shadows in the tones of dark and light. If you have brown eyes using cool colors is a good choice since it will contrast your eye color. Begin by using the darker color and trace the shape around your eyes using a smudge brush, then fill in your lids and blend upward into the crease so it looks naturel.

3. Now apply the lighter shade eyeshadow directly on top of the darker shade and blend in, this will add a nice "light" to the eye, Make sure to use a light enough tone so it pops. The more shimmer in this shade the better! Sometimes I apply this wet for more intensity.

4. Apply mascara to your lashes top and bottom, clean up the surrounding area underneath yours using a Q-tip and then follow with concealer. Doing this step last will make the eyes look bold and dramatic. Use a little shimmer on top of the cheekbones to frame the eyes and complete your look with lipcolor.

And you're done! Send me any questtions to makeup@sueperez.com and select from the links above to shop for the products I prefer to work with. Send me your pictures too! Enjoy the Season and your Perfect Holiday Look!

Skin reactions to drug therapies are very common. Let’s talk about some of the best ingredients and some things you can do to improve your skins texture and make it feel less dry…

Exfoliation using manual/ physical products like face scrubs, also, some cleansers now contain ingredients like salicylic acid or jojoba/almond sperical beads to gently rid the surface of these dead unwanted skin cells. As we age,  skin takes longer to renew. New cell turnover happen every 28 days in your 20’s to every 48- 60 days in your 40’s  and 50’s. You can help shed those cells so you improve the skins natural cell turnover rate just by exfoliating!

TIP- use a warm wet, washcloth...GENTLY, out of the shower.

Moisturize, Hydrate, Brighten, Protect! The basic function of moisturizers is to prevent water loss but there's a difference between moisturizers and ointments. Ointments act more as a barrier and protect the skin from the elements, but they do little to hydrate. Look for high performance ingredients and delivery systems, these creams may cost more, but are more effective. I love using Cellular Laboratories Day Creme SPF20

Look for High Performance ingredients like Grapeseed and Green Tea extracts, Vitamins A, C, E, Hylauronic Acid, Zinc Oxide and Aloe Leaf extract. TIP-use moisturizer on damp or wet skin. Water acts as a conduit to help the treatment absorb more deeply. You also use less!

DID YOU KNOW Grapeseed extract is a natural brightener and excellent to lighten pigmentation of the skin. Green Tea is a powerful anti oxidant that protects against cellular damage. Vitamins are preservatives but in higher end treatments have higher percentages and cellular metabolism benefits. Zinc Oxide is a highly effective sunscreen and vital in preventing future sun damage to the skin. Aloe is calming and reduces inflammation in the skin and Hylauronic acid binds 1000 X its weight in water making this an important result oriented ingredient to look for.

Photosensitivity You may have reactions to your skin when you take certain doses of a particular medication combined with sun exposure, IE: RetinA, Acutane. In most cases it takes anywhere between 5-20 hours for you to see a sunburn or in some cases blistering, peeling swelling. TIP- If you were able to tan previous to Chemo, that does not mean you won’t have a reaction to exposure, wear sunscreen (spf 30) and definitely avoid the Tanning Salons.

Serums No longer a specialty product serums are used to increase radiance and improve the appearance of the skin quickly. OTC brands  may sell for as little as  $21.99, but the ingredients are not nearly high performance. One serum that I personally love is Cellular Laboratories® De-Aging C Serum which utilizes a powerful delivery system to ensure direct and complete delivery of vitamin C, resulting in the highest levels of collagen and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines AND discoloration. Stay-C 50, a multi-functional vitamin C derivative found in Cellular Laboratories De-Aging C Serum, supports the normal production of collagen and elastin both necessary for soft, uniform and luminous skin.. And who doesn’t want that at every age?

Get a monthly facial!- Drug store brands do not have the same high performance ingredients as some spa brands and are nothing like what professional licensed Estheticians use. Just make sure that you check with your oncologist or doctor  to make sure you don’t have any contraindications. Facials move Lymph and help the skin detox and look radiant! I especially enjoy treating my clients who have acne with soothing and calming facials and treat the skin gently before and after extractions. Next month I will be updating Beauty Lines with some great spas in New York for services. You can join my mailing lists for great deals happening locally in the NY Metro Area for spa, salon and makeup events!

The Finesse Group

Beauty Experts and Styling Professionals

Looking for stylists for your next event or photo shoot?  Why don’t you book talent with real professional experience?  The Finesse Group was created by New York City makeup artist Sue Perez. With over twenty years in the beauty industry working in sales, production, and management she has become a go to person for staffing small events for charitable functions, weddings and photo shoots.

or via e-mail: makeup@sueperez.com / phone: 917-742-0679

All Photos: Andrew French

Sexy Summer Skin that Is also Safe

Self Tan- Or what I like to call… Fake Bake!

There are several types of tanners: Tanners created just for the face, airbrush tanners, cream tans, bronzing gel, tinted tans and tan enhancers. There's body shimmer and bronzing powder. You can layer tanners as your tans starts to fade. How? Apply a temporary spray tan, you can then follow with bronzing powder or shimmer, be careful not to go too dark. Highlighters are great, they instantly give you that “glow”, I love crème shimmers best and self tanning the face and body preps skin for sun exposure.

Body Bling, is one of my favorites and you can find it online at www.unstoppabbleshopper.com Body Bling is Scott Barnes most coveted product that gives Hollywood that glow. Look tan, bronze, glowing, glam, curvaceous and highlighted! The original formula is a moisturizing, shimmering body lotion with a bronze base and golden highlights. You look tan without the harmful effects of the sun. Body Bling® Original rinses off in the shower so it is a good alternative to self-tanners without the waiting time.

Sunscreens- A temporary shield

You need to always look for a sunscreen with the highest SPF you can find and reapply it if you go swimming. Use a teaspoon for arms and legs but don’t forget the chest area, also don’t forget your hands. First signs of aging are there! AND make sure protection states whether it is for UVB (burn) and UVA (around) sun rays. Use waterproof for daily use especially on extra hot days.

Low and High End bronzers- get the most shine!

The prices can vary and the packaging is different  and so is the product. Drugstore brands don’t stay on as well, higher end lines offer colors you can swirl or mix with blush. You need to watch wear it is applied. Think of where the sun kisses you: forehead, top of nose, chin and cheek bones. Cheat your tan, by using self tanners, go to the salon for a spray tan or do it yourself at home, and your legs will look ultra slim and sexy. I’ve been spray tanning my legs and wearing skirts without the worry that I’m pale. It covers imperfections too!

What’s up face? Foundation tips.

Your color may change with summer months, so in regards to wearing your foundation, mix your color with a tinted moisturizer in a second or third shade that is darker than your natural skin tone. You may want to switch formulas from a moisturizing foundation to an oil free base. You can also skip wearing base, use self tanner, add SPF during the day with a light concealer or mineral foundation to your forehead and cheeks.

My favorite summer foundation is Motives Crème to Powder Mineral Foundation.

It looks so natural and has the most treatment benefits without sacrificing texture or color. Below are some of the extraordinary features of this summer must have:

• Created using the newest technology with a built in invisible shield, rich polymers and silicone that protect the skin while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles!
• Exclusive multi-mineral complex helps protect skin and complements any complexion.                           
  
• Vitamins C&E provide antioxidant protection and vitamin A conditions the skin.                                  
  
• One step process with primers, silicone and SPF 15 all in one formula!          
• Free of oil, wax, dye and talc.                    
• Micro diffusers keep skin looking flawless and fabulous.

• Shop here for this foundation
  

And here are my top 3 Image tips  for the Summer…

1. Less is always more when it comes to makeup! Less clothing..Less makeup…
2. For eyes… focus on lashes …Build your mascara and lash line with liners in lush navy blue shades, that’s right navy blue, it’s actually softer than black and a lot prettier.

3. For skin….Try a crème to powder foundation or shimmery bronzer in mineral textures that will last!

   And my personal secret..a sponge..it absorbs moisture and leaves zero residue, what’s left? Your beautiful glowing skin.

Read more and get info on cool makeup must haves on my website:

UnstoppableShopper.com to shop online and receive cash back

 Cheers!

Sue