You Get The Skin You Care For
So, you’ve heard me say before that you have the skin you’ve inherited until about 30, and then you have the skin you deserve after that. Which means, beautiful skin doesn’t happen naturally (just like the body!). So, what are the top 5 things to guarantee a great complexion?
1.) Find an esthetician that you can visit at least seasonally. Facials are a real boost to the health of the skin and a good way to get professional feedback on how your skin is doing and what it needs more or less of. Your esthetician will also get you hooked up with the best products to use for your skin. Remember: Your skin is always changing, so what you use should change as well. There are seasonal changes that all skin types experience, and personal changes and stressors that are unique to you. Even if your skin is so problematic that you need a doctors help, that’s no excuse to neglect caring for it at home.
2.) Use great products even if this is a low priority or you have limited resources, there are some key product that really are a must. Let me tell you about a few of my secret weapons:
Facial sunscreen – USE THIS DAILY! In other words, don’t let UV Radiation hit your face without protection (UVA penetrates glass), and keep some in your purse (pocket) for prolonged exposure. In case you’re wondering, the numbers on the bottle don’t mean much; the use of them is unregulated. What does mean something is “full spectrum coverage.” Zinc Oxide is the key ingredient for achieving that. Not to give you a science lesson, but Zinc Oxide is what lifeguards used to wear before they developed a clear formula. (Remember that thick white stuff that covered their t-zones?) It’s an important ingredient because it is natural. You don’t have to get it full strength (bit much) but try to get a sunscreen with Zinc Oxide as an active ingredient.
Moisturizer with Sodium Hyaluronate - Sodium Hyaluronate is a polysaccharide found in the extracellular matrix of our connective tissue. It is a tissue lubricant that holds over 100 times it’s weight in water. (Ok. That was REALLY a science lesson.) As we age, this ingrediant needs to be supplemented. Bottom line? Don’t use a moisturizer without Sodium Hyaluronate as one of the top ingredients. The product I recommend is Advance by Serum from DermaQuest. It contains 40% Hyaluronic Acid. Don’t worry! It doesn’t act like an acid (burn), it is called an acid because of its molecular size and thus, its ability to penetrate the surface of the skin.
Use a foundation everyday – Before mineral makeup came on the scene I could not get my staff (at the Spa in MN), to put makeup on women after a facial, because they didn’t want to “clog the pores”. Mineral makeup doesn’t clog pores, but not all mineral makeup is created equal. I carry Youngblood Mineral Makeup,which also has an SPF value. Some of the minerals reflect UV, some absorb it. When wearing mineral makeup, getting a good match is key. Using it daily is also important because the enviroment stresses the skin and mineral makeup soothes and protects it. It calms redness, conceals “spots”, and evens skin tone. It is also not a comedigenic (acne feeding) makeup.
Note: Get a small concealer brush to apply minerals under and on top of the eye area before using shadow. It adds extra UV protection and conceals redness and dark circles.
So now that you know about some great products to care for your skin, what are the remaining three ways to guarantee a great complexion?
3.) Eat right
4.) Exercise
5.) Drink plenty of water
See you at the spa!
Photo courtesy of Google Images.
The Star Brows Guide to Fighting Disappointment
Last week I received an email from an editor of a local publication who wanted to do a story on Star Brows. Naturally, I was ecstatic and spent a good portion of my week preparing the perfect answers to all of her interview questions and even took the time to snap some new “action shots” of me at work to coincide with the interview. Unfortunately, a few days after I sent her the materials she requested, she emailed me back to say that her senior editor was “no longer interested in the story.” Sadly, they only wanted to focus on a service I no longer offer. Needless to say, I was disappointed. Who wouldn’t be? Or should I say, who hasn’t been?
Seriously. Who hasn’t gotten all excited about an upcoming event, only to find that what you’ve been anxiously anticipating wasn’t going to happen after all? When things like that happen, we all have two choices: 1.) wallow in sorrow, self pity and schemes of revenge (which, I’ll admit, is very tempting) or 2.) make the most of the situation by doing something constructive with the frustration (energy). I chose option two–and hopefully you will too, when your next disappointment strikes. And, just in case you’re needing inspiration, here’s a few suggestions for fighting off disappointment–the Star Brows way:
Exercise - Come on people – the magnificant Pacific Ocean is in our backyard and heading to the beach is one of my personal favorite forms of exercise. In fact, while I was in Minnesota last week I got a new pair of running shoes (to walk in). While I walk, I put an ear peice in so I can pray for people, sing, and yell about things I’m angry about (Don’t worry! People won’t look at you weird. It just looks like you’re talking on the phone!). But even if you’re not near an ocean, you can still find a place to walk and get a work out in, while your getting other things out!
Take a dance class – I teach a couple of children’s classes at Coastal Dance and Music Academy on Grande Avenue in Arroyo Grande. They offer adult ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop. If you’re not in Arroyo Grande, there’s probably still a dance studio near you. Look it up and get a friend to join you!
Dress up and go out clubing with friends – Native in San Luis Obispo is my favorite place to go if I want to dance the night away (and be the oldestc
woman in the club!).
Get a spa service – This is one of my personal favorite ways to destress and relax. I go every month. And in case you didn’t know, I offer luxurious facials and relaxing or deep massages at Star Brows too!
Get a chiropractic adjustment or an accupuncture treatment. These are also staples for me – I can give you the names of some excellant people…call me.
Friends, Food & Family- The great thing about each of these is that they’re good together or enjoyed seperately. I married an Italian, who is also a chef, so we are real foodies; but I also adore the “soosh” (sushi – I think Umi is best in my area!). And if you have children close by, (we have 4) they bring joy unspeakable. As for friends, make all kinds so you have choices for who to hang out with!
What about you? I’ll bet you thought of a few ways to destress while I was talking care to share?
See you at the spa!
Wear red lipstick Friday!
Did you know heart disease is the number 1 killer of women? Wear red Friday February 5 in honor of The American Heart Association. Christina Aguilera wears Blue Red layered with Cranberry. Remember LipSense is 10% off for February.
See you at the spa!
Valentine’s Kisses
I don’t know about you (ladies), but when I think February, I think Valentines Day; and when I think Valentines Day, I think kissing!
Women’s Wear Daily reports the House of Chanel’s quest for 2010 is to bring back “the sexy lip” and lipstick. They say women have forgotten how feminine it is.
In my last post, I talked about the top four male makeup turnoffs and listed lipstick on the teeth as number one! While it wasn’t on the list, I’d venture to say that lipstick that rubs off on HIM is also a male make up turn off. So, as you prepare your pucker for February 14th–arguably its most important day of the year–make sure you select a lipstick that won’t kiss off on your significant other.
Fortunately for all of you, I’ve got just the product! Even more fortunately, I’m offering this product for 10 percent off the retail price during the entire month of February. So, without further ado, let me introduce you to LipSense®.
I’ve been using Lipsense exclusively for over 10 years; and believe me, it’s an amazing departure from conventional lipsticks. It’s waterproof , and won’t kiss-off, smear-off or rub-off ! It doesn’t bleed into the fine lines around the lips, and you can create fuller lips by applying it outside the natural lip line. LipSense® is also great for dehydrated and damaged lips thanks to the healing ability of Shea Butter, which is used in its companion product, LipSense® Gloss.
Have I sold you yet? If not, let me remind you of the 10% discounted I offered earlier that runs through the entire month of February. LipSense®, our patented “WOW” product and Glossy Gloss, typically retails for $36.00, but after the discount, you pay only $32.40–plus tax. It lasts about 6 months with daily use!
If you’d like to know more about LipSense®, make an appointment to try it on, or place an order before Valentines Day, email me at lindaruberto@gmail.com.
Have you tried this lipcolor system? I’ll bet my readers would love a testimonial!
Here’s to hugs and (smudge-free) kisses!
See you at the spa!
-Linda
Top Four Male Make Up Turn Offs
There’s nothing like getting glammed up for a night on the town. Look at how stunning the gals and guys at the Golden Globes looked. Who wouldn’t want to don a designer gown and have someone do their hair and makeup (and then have it practically ruined by the rain—or should I say, blessing) ? But in the real world, it’s not always that easy to get ready for an evening out. The good news is, recent surveys show that guys find women who wear less makeup more attractive. In fact, the natural look has made a comeback lately (ala Jennifer, Charlize, Gwyneth & Sienna) much to the pleasure of guys everywhere.
Here are the top four makeup turn-offs, for men (courtesy of stylecaster.com) and the products that are guaranteed to turn him on:
1. Lipstick on teeth
Who hasn’t been out on a date only to step in front of a mirror and find that your teeth look every bit as ruby red as your lips?
My pick for a fail proof pucker: LipSense by Senegence. Won’t kiss off or rub off—all night long!
2. Thick foundation with a tide mark around the jaw-line
You know that girl? The one who looks like she’s wearing an orange mask on her face? Whether that girl is you, your best friend or your worst enemy, mineral makeup is a must. It’s sheer, provides great coverage and looks natural. Goodbye, Tide Line!
My pick: Youngblood Mineral Makeup
P.S. High quality pigments, (that won’t turn “orangey”) and a professional color match is all – important.
3. Clumpy mascara
Women with clumpy mascara either look like they’re wearing bad “falsies” or a spider got stuck to one or both of their eyelids. To fix this nasty problem, I recommend using a primer to separate and thicken the lashes. When you add mascara, use a very thin coat of color and lashes will look naturally fabulous.
My pick for luxurious lashes: LashSense by Senegence. This is a two-for-one product with primer on one end and mascara on the other.
And here’s a tip: You don’t need a prescription to get major eye fringe. You just need some Lash Extend by Senegence, Bonus: You can use it to thicken brows too!
4. Penciled-in eyebrows
Don’t think for a minute that those Hollywood beauties don’t work with pencils and powders to achieve great brows. The key here is to look natural, using layered color. Natural eyebrow hair is not just one color. And remember: the shape of the brow is the most important!
My brow color pick: HiBrow by Trucco. This also doubles as a three color shadow.
So ladies, now that you know that truth about men and makeup, start catching a little extra beauty sleep, take scrupulous care of your skin, use sunscreen, and enhance your natural beauty!
See you at the Spa!
Linda Ruberto LMT,LE
805.722.8222
“For beautiful eyebrows, skincare, waxing, and massage.”
Golden Globes, Star Brows Style
The rain at the Golden Globes wilted everybody’s hair, clothes and makeup; but even the rain couldn’t wash away the love and warm thoughts that everyone in attendance was sending out to the people of Haiti. In between the water, awards and words of support, I sneaked a peak at the faces of the lovely ladies and gents; and here’s my take:
Because I am a woman in her Second Adulthood (as Gail Sheehy in “The Silent Passage” puts it) – I looked at how other women my age looked. One note to the over 40 crowd: Don’t turn your face into a fake, wax mess. Cause guess what? Even if you do, you’ll still look your age!
Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep were my most favorite ladies over forty; Sophia Loren and Glenn Close were my least.
Most of the gals had “see thru” foundations (like mineral makeup) on, and I love looking at real skin. Remember: you have the skin you were born with until you are about 30, then you have the skin you deserve.
Eyelashes were also important at the Globes, but not the “fake strip” kind. I would guess many of the stars are getting lash extensions these days. Extensions used to be part of my repertoire, but they’re expensive, time consuming and like acrylic nails, require constant professional maintenance. I recommend applying individual lashes instead– if you feel you really need more.
But I digress…back to the celebrities:
January Jones – While most of the gals at the Globes were wearing nude colored lipstick, January stood out in red lipstick–and I loved it! In fact, she was one of my favorite women of the evening. I could have tweeked her brows very slightly (but I’m a bit OCD); but all-in-all, they were nice and thick, and fairly well shaped and colored. Her lashes were lovely, and the black headband she wore was spot on. Hair accessories are like makeup – get some!
Taylor Lautner - I’ll admit, I love everything about Twilight, including the stylist’s who work on the cast. Top notch. Taylor’s brows are cool, his skin looks nice and clean. He’s a package!
Sandra Bullock – The warm toned lip color she wore really brought out her brown eyes; but her brows were a little too thin and light. They needed to do a better job of supporting her dark eyes. Highlighter shadow made her eyes sparkle and lift. She has beautiful skin (regular facials), her bone structure is strong (genetics); and she’s got the personality to back up her beauty!
Kate Hudson – It was ALL about the eyes on her. I loved the “cat eye” liner at the tear duct. She was great in the movie “9″ – her sense of style is impeccable. What more can I say?
George Clooney – So many guys were sporting facial hair (which I personally don’t love), but George’s was the biggest mess of them all – and he kept petting it! And hey George, salt and pepper much? People.com gave him the ”Sexiest Facial Hair” award. I give him a big, fat ewww!
Halle Berry – All I will say is this: If you have jet black hair, your brows should not be grey.
Vera Farmiga – She took a chance to look different with her “smoky eye”; and I admire that. I liked the look when I watched the show, but now that I’m looking at pictures of the event, I’m not such a fan. Maybe it’s her horrible eyebrows that are throwing me off…Here comes that OCD again!
If you’re looking for who did the “smoky eye” thing well, look no further than Diane Kruger. Flawless! But be careful with this look. Liner is big this year, but not everyone can pull off black. Marion Cotillard channeling Audrey Hepburn is a great example of someone who can pull off “smoky eyes”–and just like Kate, I loved her in “9″.
Christina Aguilera – Clearly, she bleached her brows. A look that made her seem younger, but one that only the confidently fashion forward can play with. However, it is important for everyone (fashion forward or not) to dye your brows if they are too light. I like the vegetable dyes that estheticians use rather than hair dye around the eye area.
Last but not least, Drew Barrymore – What a great personality – even with some facial paralysis she pulls off glam. She wore red lipstick too which was OK, but she kissed most of it off – not OK. She is growing her brows closer to the bridge of her nose (good), but they are too scanty and should have been filled in to make them look like the rest of the brow. Kate Winslet had the same problem, in case you were wondering.
If you decide to grow your brows, here’s a few things to note: The fashion trend is to grow the “head” of the brow closer to the midline of the face (I’ve been teaching it for 5 years!). Gausey is good; sparse looks unfinished. Before your brows grow in completely, use makeup to make them match. Find a pencil that matches your natural brow color perfectly, then you can fill in with little faux hairs, blur with a brush and apply some brow powder to soften.
Well, there you have it: The Star Brows Golden Globes rundown. People I can’t talk about this year? Mariah Carey, Clooney’s date, Alec Baldwin, Cameron Diaz, Fergie, Nicole Kidman (is she nipping out in every shot?), Ricky Gervais (but what a mischievous comedian!), and Chloe Sevigny (pose much?).
I’d be interested in knowing what you thought?
Can’t wait to hear from you or better yet, to see you at the Spa!
Brow Power
Linda Ruberto, local esthetician and makeup artist, believes that for men and women alike, the eyebrows are the single most important and most interesting feature of the face. She feels that brows make an important statement and will either attract or distract, affecting the first impression you make on others.
Linda moved to the Central Coast from Minnesota two years ago, after selling a large day spa and salon in the Twin Cities area. Wanting to simplify life, she opened a private skincare, waxing, and massage practice on Grand Avenue in Arroyo Grande, where fabulous eyebrow design is the main focus. It’s called—what else?—Star Brows.
Linda recalls, “When I first arrived in the Five Cities area, I expected a much more sophisticated spa culture. But, I had to go to Beverly Hills to get my own brows done. Not that there aren’t hundreds of stylists and estheticians in the area, but after painstakingly training hundreds of employees in the art of brow design, a five-minute ‘touch-up’ wasn’t going to do it.”
About the brow-design process, Linda says:
“Getting your brows shaped by a professional brow designer and makeup artist should be relaxing, pleasant, and pain-free. When you look in the mirror after your service, your first response should be ‘WOW!’
“Everyone has seen examples of tragically misshapen, over-tweezed brows. Brows that are too thin can add years to your appearance and often will not grow back.
“I’ve developed a special technique called Brow Art. It’s a three-step process using Graphing (looking at the facial symmetry and structure), Hair Removal (waxing, trimming, and tweezing), and Colorization (tinting, brow makeup, shadows, concealing, and contouring) to create a perfectly unique shape for each individual.
“Some brows take several appointments over a period of time to perfect. The hair may need to grow back in certain areas, and making adjustments to balance both brows is essential.”
Fabulous brow design and expert precision, with a friendly, small town feel, express the spa culture Linda loves and brings to the Central Coast!
Shaping the Eyebrows with Perfect Precision Part 3
Shaping Your Eyebrows with Perfect Precision Part 3
Let’s get started:
1. Placement is first. Are the brows placed too high or low in relationship to the eyes? Is the head and tail of each brow sitting on the brow shelf? Adjust by removing hair on the top line to bring it down, and remove hair from the bottom line to bring it up. Over time this can improve as regrowth happens. Adjust only a few rows of hair at a time.
2. Trimming is next. Be conservative and cut following the angle you want the brow to move to. The brow hair should not be longer than the width of the brow base. Trim the hair by combing up and cutting, then comb down and cut. Be conservative and cut following the angle you want the brow to move to. The brow hair should not be longer than the width of the brow base.
3. Next, remove hair in between the two brow heads. A good rule of thumb is to line the brow head up with the inside edge of the nostril. If the brow starts at the tear duct it will draw attention to the “well” under the eye, as this creates a circle visually. You want the viewer’s eye to travel from the brow down the nose and into the aesthetic triangle or mid face triangle.
4. Shape the beginning of the brow first. The head lines up with the vertical nasal edge, closer to the bridge of the nose than the tear duct. It should be gauzy; I prefer a natural irregular border on the head of the brow. This is where hand tweezing comes in; several hairs can make all the difference. You may also need to ventilate the hair in the head. This is usually a thicker area and may be out of balance with the tail.
The width of the head should be 1/3 that of the arch (if from the crease of the lid to the high point of the arch is 1 inch; the head should be 1/3 of an inch). The head is the thickest part of the brow.
5. Now let’s shape the arch. The arch is proportionate to the structure of the face. It should echo the shape of the eye opening. The head of the brow should gradually taper to the high point of the arch which is located just outside the iris and is 2X the width of the lid. The arch moves into the tail slowly, without an abrupt angle.
6. Finally we shape the tail. The tail will end in a soothing airbrushed point in an imaginary line directed to the top of the ear, never toward the jaw. As you age you may prefer the tail lifting somewhat. The shape of the tail will echo the upper lip when properly placed. If the descent of the arch is too steep it will not be long enough to end on the brow shelf with the head.
The eyebrow should make a soft movement from thicker to thinner. No bows, swoops or extreme egg shapes at the arch. Fashion may dictate thicker or thinner, but the silhouette is always defined as what looks best on your own face.
Linda Ruberto
www.starbrows.com
Shaping Your Eyebrows with Perfect Precision Part 2
Choosing a good salon:
- Are the waxing supplies and surrounding area very clean?
- Waxing contraindications should be discussed with you.
- A health assessment needs to be done and a consent form signed.
- Is the service provider licensed to perform the service and is the certificate posted? (This is mandated by each state.)
- Proof of liability insurance should be available.
Terminology: There are a few terms I like to use to describe the process of shaping eyebrows.
Aesthetic triangle – An inverted triangle in the center of the face (also called the mid face contour). It extends from the chin to the side of each eye, with a line under the brow bone (brow shelf) where the head of the brow and the tail rest. This is the communication hub of the face.
Head – The part of the brow closest to the nose (1/3 the width of the arch area). The head of the brow is placed so that the eye of the viewer is drawn down the side of the nose and not into the socket under the eye. The nasal edge of the head should be gauzy and natural – no sharp border. If the eyes are close set or small the head should be shaped more horizontally (not droop down).
Tail – The part brow closest to the ear. The shape echoes the top line of the upper lip.
Top Line – The top contour of the brow.
Bottom Line – The bottom contour of the brow.
Arch – The high point of the brow located on the outside (lateral edge) of the eye’s iris.
Eyelid area – Measured from the base of the lashes to the crease of the lid. If this area is very small (Asian eyes) consider shadowing the crease area to diminish the excessive arch area.
Arch area – Measure from the crease of the lid to the arch (2X the width of the lid).
Base cutting – Trimming the hair to the skin without extracting the follicle root.
Brow Shelf – The top line of the aesthetic triangle, located beneath the brow bone. The head and tail of the brow should sit on the same plane.
Ventilating – Lightening up a heavy brow or brow part. Go into the dense parts of the brow with a tweezers and take as many hairs out as it takes to ventilate and balance the brow. The head may be very dark and thick and the tail is light and thin.
Linda Ruberto
Shaping Your Eyebrows with Perfect Precision Part 1
Stop! Read this before removing any hair.
- Waxing and tweezing damage the hair follicle root. Over time you may not grow hair back where you want it and hair thins as you age. I recommend keeping a very natural brow in your youth, so you have hair left to work with when you get older.
- I almost never recommend shortening the tail of the brow. There are very few sebaceous glands in this area and regrowth is negligible.
- Hard wax (strip less) is best for the delicate eye area. It doesn’t adhere to the skin and is designed for sensitive skin. I like Berins or Cirepil.
- You will need to use sunscreen after you wax for at least 3 days – make sure it offers full UV protection (zinc oxide is one ingrediant you want to see on the label).
- Don’t tan or use products that contain AHA or BHA for at least 3 days before (or after) you wax.
- If you are on an RX for a skin condition, waxing may not be recommended. Hand tweezing is best in this case.
- First consider your style: Natural (some clean up mostly on the underside of the brow), High Fashion(strong arch, crisp lines, tweezed to perfection, hair from above and below the brow), Bohemian (take out the obvious hair but leave the top of the brow untouched, keep a shaggy head, and lightly tweeze the underside of the brow).
- Consider a practice run: Use cosmetics to experiment with the look you want. You’ll need: an eyebrow pencil (to draw in “faux hairs where you want regrowth), brow powder (to soften the pencil and fill in gaps), and a white highlighter cream (to erase hair you want to remove).
- To access the proper placement of the brow, stand about two feet away from the mirror.
- Consider the width of the bridge of the nose and how the closely the eyes are set when following the recommended guidelines. Some adjustments may need to be made. Use eyebrow cosmetics to experiment.
- Consider base cutting before removing hair from the root when you are unsure of the outcome.
- Look for scaring or growths in the body and border of the brow and leave hair longer around these areas (the “comb over” effect). No hair will grow in the scar tissue.
Linda Ruberto
