Celebrity Skincare on a Budget

Skincare Tips for Those Without the Hollywood Salary

While stars such as Charlize Theron and Renee Zellwegger spend the day relaxing at Ole Henrikson Face/Body in Los Angeles, most of us aren't quite as willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a facial or skincare treatment. Hollywood beauties have access to plenty of resources for high-end skincare regiments; even though it's not easy looking like a million for the red carpet, many pull off their looks with the help of elaborate body treatments and luxurious pampering at a stylish resort.

Back in the real world, most women look to quality cosmetics and beauty products for glamorous looks and healthy skin. A healthy skincare regimen is essential for glowing skin, regardless of products used. Yet many people, women in particular, make the mistake of thinking they need to shell out the big bucks to see results. It's actually quite easy to learn from celebrities and enjoy a treatment without a severe impact on that (Gucci) wallet. Here are a few skincare product recommendations for those who live life just a little below the ranks of a Hollywood salary:

For a fresh glow that doesn't require that caked-on foundation look, follow the style of Cameron Diaz who uses a mineral powder sunscreen from Colorscience. Colorscience is a leading brand for mineral makeup and supreme coverage. Clear pores are only natural when you're not filling them with toxic material; try the i.d. bareMinerals brand for a low-cost alternative, or the line from Jane Iredale that uses micronized crystals.

Eva Longoria insists on the SunFX Glow All Over skin care line to stay far away from those harmful rays--all without compromising the Mediterranean-kissed glow. SunFX features an all over spray tan, body shimmer, body polish, and tinted moisturizer, and application sessions are available through spas at a price of $85-$100 per treatment. For a similar look, pick up a St. Tropez starter collection for just $49.95; you'll get at least two treatments from this quality lineup.

Thread lifts, Botox, and Restalyne are always top picks for stars on the red carpet, a microdermabrasion treatment or Botox therapy come at a high price. Without upkeep and maintenance, even a single treatment can prove to be less than fruitful. If you need a deep pore treatment or exfoliation, try a basic 30-minute facial at the local spa that includes a mud-based mask. For improving the texture and tone of your skin, look for a overnight firming creams such as Estee Lauder's Resilience Lift Extreme Overnight, or a Phyto Corrective Gel from Skinceuticals.com

In early February, the partnership between Giorgio Armani and L'Oreal led to the Crema Nera skin care line, an anti-aging skin care formula that's scheduled to launch in Fall 2007 at Armani stores. If you're having trouble justifying the $400 per product price tag, consider anti-aging creams and brands with similar properties. Crema Nera is a rich white cream infused with silicium, potassium, and volcanic obsidian rock. You can find quality anti-aging treatments from brands such as Clinique's Repairwar and Derma White, or an organic approach with Eminence Organics.

From exfoliating facials to spray-on tanning products, looking like a celebrity doesn't require spending like one! When you're on the hunt for some fresh alternatives to your beauty lineup, take some time to research key ingredients and track down those budget-friendly alternatives.




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All of us wanted to have a celebrity-like glowing skin, we can have it by finding the right products for our skin. For me, I recommend using natural products. Just be careful in choosing beauty products because not all products that celebrities uses are also good for our skin. It's better to know what your skin needs and never over use beauty products.

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Pregnancy Skin Care

During pregnancy, our bodies experience a roller coaster ride of hormonal ups and downs, which unfortunately cause a number of less-than-glamorous pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, food cravings and fatigue. And just in case that wasn’t enough, these same hormones can also take a toll on the overall appearance of our skin – which doesn’t help the usually fragile state of most pregnant women’s body image. That’s why proper pregnancy skin care is so important. So before you bury your head in the sand, find out what you can do to keep your skin looking as fabulous as you are.

Acne and Oily Skin

For women with naturally oily or acne-prone skin, be aware that you will become more prone to breakouts during pregnancy. These skin conditions worsen because of all those hormone changes that occur during pregnancy – and more specifically, because of rising androgen levels (these are the same hormones that cause breakouts before a menstrual period). And since androgen is at its peak during the first trimester, early pregnancy will likely be the time when you notice the greatest changes in your skin.

To control these breakouts, however, you will not be able to use the same acne treatment skin care products you may have turned to before getting pregnant. In fact, any prescription acne medications as well as over-the-counter skin care products containing vitamin A, retinol or antibiotics should be avoided during pregnancy.
 
Cleansing Care
      Avoid any cleansers (as well as any moisturizers or cosmetics) containing chemical exfoliants such as salicylic, glycolic, and alpha or beta hydroxyl acids – especially during the first trimester. Instead, use mechanical exfoliant products (or exfoliants that actually contain tiny scrubbers you must physically move around your face) to remove any dead skin. If after the first trimester your breakouts are still frequent, consult your obstetrician about what products may be safe to introduce.

Moisturizers and Sun Protection
      Steer clear of moisturizing soaps or any moisturizing skin care products that do not specifically label themselves as "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic". Likewise, look for skin care products that are "oil-free".
      Tip: If you experience excess oil build-up during the day, keep blotting papers on hand for a quick fix.

Dry Skin

Dry skin during pregnancy is usually brought on by a loss of bodily fluids. That’s because your body is quite literally sucking you dry so that it can provide all the necessary hydration for your baby’s development. In fact, because your need for bodily fluids are increasing so much, it is nearly impossible to keep up, leading to dehydration on your skin and extremities. So in addition to your skin care routine, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water – 8 glasses a day to be precise!

Cleansing Care
      To avoid excessive dryness, rinse your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser specially formulated for dry skin. For extremely dry skin, try using a mechanical exfoliant once a week to get rid of any flaking skin. 

Moisturizers and Sun Protection
      When moisturizing choose an emollient moisturizer – and don’t skimp on the sun block, either; not only will sun exposure worsen dry skin, it will also put you at risk for skin cancer. For those experiencing itchy skin as a result of dryness, avoid using anti-itch ointments, as they usually contain cortisone or hydrocortisone. While these medical ingredients have not been proven to be harmful, multiple studies haven’t proven their safety either.

Cosmetics for Quick Fixes

It can be tempting to pile on foundation and concealer at the site of a breakout, but don’t let yourself get carried away. Instead, stick to high-quality make-up products, as these generally last longer and do not need to be caked on for optimal results. Try using a foundation stick that doubles as a concealer – this will give you the combined effect of a more even skin tone and less visible under-eye circles and blemishes. Keep extra oil under control with a matt powder, while those with dry skin can try using a cream blush for added luster.

Finish off with a dollop of moisturizing lip balm and a swipe of mascara, and you’re good to go!

Who said pregnant women shouldn’t feel beautiful?





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True! Even pregnant women should be beautiful. Never forget yourself, you sould always look beautiful and feel beautiful. Just always make sure that the products you use are given by your dermatologist and is not harmful for your baby.

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