Long ago, in another lifetime, I worked as a make-up artist for several years.
I started very young, working for print and film in South Africa, and continued while living in NYC because writing about Rock ‘n Roll didn’t pay nearly as much as maquillage! I am also a trained Aesthetician although I never practiced, but I do know a thing or two about beauty.
And yes it is skin deep. No amount of make-up will work its magic unless the canvas it is applied to is cleansed, moisturized and cared for. When I worked as a make-up artist, I was fanatical about prepping the model’s skin before applying any foundation (which I used sparingly, if at all), to make sure the skin glowed. That was my signature, and remains so; even now at this late date, I’m good with moisturizer (some days a tinted one helps) and a swipe of red lippy. Other than mascara, unless I’m going to some event, I usually forego the rest.
Living in the High Desert is even more reason to take good care of the largest organ your body has. Our hot, dry summers and cold, harsh winters wreak havoc on the epidermis, and as we get older it’s even more important to adjust and amplify our skin care routines. During the summer, most people find that their skin becomes dry and that is why it is so important that we keep our skin hydrated and healthy. This may even result in switching up your favorite products when then the seasons change so that you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs. Changing your products from time to time can result in your skin purging itself but you can always get a skin purging treatment to correct it. Another way to keep your skin hydrated and smooth is through face masks. Some of my friends like to use face masks that help to cleanse the skin as well as keeping it smooth before applying their make up. Their skin also looks brighter because of it; it looks like it works a treat. She said that she found it when she decided to browse beauty products here one afternoon. I may have to give it a try myself as I want to keep my skin looking the best it can all year round, regardless of the weather.
A good cleanser and moisturizer might have been all you needed in your teens and twenties, but by your thirties, an eye serum should be added to your regimen. Then, when your fourties approach it’s time for the aha’s. mild glycollic and a nightcream or brightening product with retinol. If you’ve been taking good care and removing make-up before bed, drinking enough water and eating well, you might be able to avoid some non-surgical procedures like botox. However, there is no shame in having botox and sometimes this is the one thing that makes people more comfortable in their own skin. If you are considering botox, there are plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical treatments in Las Vegas for you to take a look at.
What you eat and drink, how much you sleep and exercise along with the thoughts you think, all have an impact on how you look and feel. If you feel good, you look good. Period.
As someone who has chosen not to go for the aforementioned procedures (in my sixties I am comfortable with my lines), if my skin glows, I am okay with the rest. I have however always taken great care of my own skin and believe in frequent facials.
Currently I am doing a series of PCA Peels with Retinol boosters at Salon X with the lovely Tianna Bolchunos This is the optimum time of year for peels because one needs to be vigilant about staying out of the sun during the process, and unless you are a skier, it’s much easier to do in winter. The results are spectacular and not a day goes by when someone doesn’t comment about how good my skin looks. You may not be close enough to use the same beautician I use, and looking for one near you can sometimes feel like a hefty task. There are places like Infinity Day Spa in Santa Clarita offers chemical peel, facials, massage, microneedling facial, microdermabrasion, and body waxing services. If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for, it might be worth searching generic terms like body waxing and then see what other services the beauticians offer.
If you are a skier, springtime might be a better time for you to do the pro – grade glycollics, but a regular Facial for exfoliation and amping up the moisture in your skin, is good at any time of year.
Tianna has taken over the Facial room at Salon X, and is offering mini-facials for only $30.00 through the end of January, to encourage new clients who have not yet had one, to come in and be pampered. Tianna takes great care of her own skin and it shows – she is drop dead gorgeous with or without make-up, which is the way it should be.
No one wants or needs to wear a mask to face the world, so your path to beauty should begin with skin care first. Good products are well worth the long term investment and Tianna uses the PCA line that is for sale at the Salon. Tianna is also available for hair, make-up and expert manis and pedis.
The woman is an all ’round Beauty Bombshell, who is only too happy to share her secrets!
For more info on Tianna’s mini Facial Special, do visit Salon X’s link below this post.
Photographs by Damien Moreau
Lynn- you are absolutely wonderful.
Patrick, you are so sweet but Salon X is the best!