Do you love your glasses?

I have never actually enjoyed wearing glasses, until recently that is. Discovering frames that I LOVE has made all the difference.
I now look at glasses as another wardrobe accessory. If you wear glasses most of the time then think of them as part of your image. The style frame you choose can make you look dated or current, boring or memorable. Sometimes you may want the glasses to disappear (frame-less), while other times you may want them to be a fun accessory. Having a non-glare coating is also important. This coating minimizes light reflection on the glass and gives the appearance of making the glass less noticeable. Glasses with this coating always look more attractive and is highly recommended for photo or video shoots.
Shop around for the best pricing. Frames alone cost between $60-$500. Once you add in bifocals and non-glare you have added even more. Think of this purchase as an investment, after-all, this is your face.

What do your glasses say about you?

Could you have rosacea?

A male sports personality was in the studio today and I noticed that his skin was much pinker than usual. I then asked him if he had skiped using his medication for his rosacea. his comment was, "What rosacea?" I am not a doctor, but having seen hundreds of people with rosacea I am pretty certain when it shows up.
Turns out, at 40 something, he had never been to a dermatologist and had no idea why his skn was so pink.
Rosacea can be controlled with medication and reduced with certain lasers. Intervention is key to slowing its progress.
He promised to get it checked out ASAP.

Going to the dermatologist is a good idea for several reasns: to get rid of skin tags, broken capillaries, whiteheads;
a skin cancer check up, and to learn about the latest in non-invasive anti-aging procedures.

I will be at my Dermatologists office: Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center, 8401 Connecticut Ave,
Oct 18th, 6:30-8 to discuss my up-coming e-book,
"The credibility Factor: The Smart Woman's Guide To Creating a More Powerful Image"
Please bring a friend and stop by with all your skin care questions.

You can buy shoes that are both stylish and comfortable

It's true! You can have style and comfort for your wonderful feet. Never compromise comfort for style. Make it a priority to keep those tootsie's happy. First, take a look at the shoes displayed in the shoe department. You will notice that this season they are showing a wide range of toe shapes and heels. Unfortunately there are far too many with three inch heels. Don't be tempted into purchasing these puppies if you know they are not perfect for you. They are tough on your feet and your back. There are plenty of fabulous shoes with two inch or under heels. This year you will find round and square toe shoes in many cute styles. Pick what works best for your feet.

If you want to wear pointy toe shoes, you may have to buy them a little larger to give your foot more room. I buy shoes a little larger and slip in a foam pad to give me some extra cushioning. Take the foam pads with you when you go shoe shopping and wear the same knee highs, socks or tights to try on the shoes that you will be using when the shoes will be worn. Pick shoes that have a heel height that is reasonable for you to walk or stand in for the amount of time you plan on wearing the shoes. Be realistic. I rate my shoes according to hours that I can tolerate them on my feet.

Take your time, walk around for a 5-10 minutes in the shoes if you think this you found what you want. If there is any sign of discomfort-do not buy the shoes!
Before you even try on a shoe, pick up the shoe and see if it easily bends. Shoes that do not bend are not an ideal choice for comfort.
Consider buying your shoes from a reputable retailer such as Nordstroms, who will take back a pair of shoes that just plain hurt.
Enjoy the hunt! The right pair of shoes really finishes an ensemble and help you move through your day with confidence, comfort and style.

Learn the secrets of television stylists

In addition to working on commercials, feature films and a variety of television shows, I am also the makeup artist for a weekday show called, Washington Post Live. it's a sports talk show which airs on comcastsportsnet.
We have quite an array of daily guests including sports writers, players coaches, agents and managers of every sport that you can imagine. Once in a while we even get a woman on the show. I always get the same request: "Tell me what you are doing so I will learn how to do it myself." So many women tell me that they do not enjoy going to the cosmetic counters for advice. They feel intimidated by the heavily painted faces and the youth of the sales personnel (to say nothing of being on display for the world to see).
That's one reason I decided to make an instructional DVD about makeup products and techniques. We all need an objective person helping us find products that really work and an unbiased opinion.
If you would like to know what the difference is between liquid and powder foundation, or how to makeup your eyes or whether you should use cream, powder or cheek stain blush, then you will want to get my DVD: Secrets of Hair and Makeup.
I'll show you my picks of the best products, makeup brushes and hairstyling techniques and "before and afters".
Now you can have instruction in the privacy of your own home. Get some girlfriends together and have some fun!

Hope for women size 10 and beyond

I went to see Tim Gunn speak at the Corcoran School of Art a few days ago. I assumed he was going to be staid and pompous.
I was pleasently surprised that he was not only modest and self depricating, but also shared his great sense of humor.
Now that he has a makeover style show and Project Runway and works for Liz Claiborne, his take on fashion is more realistic and practical then when he was a dean at Parsons School of Design.
There is now hope that, with Tim's influence, we may have a company that will develope clothing flattering for women size 10 and beyond.

With 42million women over 40 wouldn't you think someone would realize that this is a market segment that needs help?

Women say the worst things about the image they see in the mirror

“Sticks and stones can hurt my bones but words can never hurt me”

How bogus is that? As a child I believed this, but as I grew up I realized how untrue that little ditty really is. Words have power. Power to wound, power to inspire, power to pass on wisdom, power to proclaim the truth.

The words that those we love and respect speak carry tremendous power, but none have the impact on our psyche as much as our own “inner speak”. The words we say, moment to moment to ourselves, will strongly influence our fears, actions and attitudes but also how we view ourselves. If your inner voice is constantly telling you that you are old, fat or unattractive, then that becomes your self-fulfilling prophecy. Until you understand that becoming more beautiful is less about the lipstick you choose and more about feeling good about who you see in the mirror; then you will never be satisfied with who you see staring back at you.
The truth is: if you change your inner speak, you change your life.

That is the power of words.

What is the most important item in your makeup bag?

My concealer is definitely the most important item in my makeup bag. Yes, I do need blush and mascara, but nothing makes more of an impact as the use of my concealer.

With the swipe of the brush I can wipe out dark circles, a sun- spot or two and a blemish on my chin. There are three tricks to finding the right concealer: consistency, coverage and color. I want a concealer that doesn’t settle into the fine lines yet one that has enough opaqueness to “conceal” what I am trying to camouflage.

When purchasing a concealer avoid products with light- reflecting qualities if you also plan to use it to hide anything other than dark circles. Light reflecting properties are great for under eyes but there is no point in drawing attention to blemishes, broken capillaries or redness you are trying to cover.
Color is also important. The shade you choose should be slightly lighter than the skin tone on your face.

My beloved concealer is so critical to me that I keep one at home, one in my purse and I even stash a spare. I’ve spent a small fortune trying dozens of concealers so now I’m hoping they never discontinue the one that finally works perfectly for me.
There are lots of good products to choose from. Some of my favorites are from Lancome, Origin, Neutrogena and Glo Minerals. I use Glo Mineral (color: golden).

My advice: when you find the one you really like, buy three!