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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

TUESDAY INSPIRATION with Diptic

#rose #lancome #beauty #pixie #makeup

My style, beauty and fashion icon - Georgina Chapman


Georgina Chapman - Owner/designer of Marchesa
#beauty #fashion #style #inspiration 

This English Rose is my style, beauty and fashion icon. Georgina Chapman encapsulates glamour, sophistication and sexiness, perfectly. 

Georgina Chapman began her career as a costume designer after graduating from Wimbledon School of Art in 2001. In 2004 she launched Marchesa with Keren Craig, who she met while they were both students at Chelsea College of Art and Design. Marchesa was named after the scandalous socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati. Born in 1881, Casati triumphed as one of the brightest stars in European society. Possibly the most artistically represented woman in history after Cleopatra and the Virgin Mary. She was well known for her daring fashion choices including parading nude under her furs and wearing live snakes as jewellery. And so, Marchesa was born.
In 2006, Marchesa was named one of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund's top ten finalists and has dressed many red carpet stars including: Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde, Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson. 
Georgia Chapman is currently a judge on America's Project Runway: All Stars which airs on FOX 8, Monday nights at 8.30pm (AEST). 
I personally love Georgina's style, grace and beauty. She truly defines a modern-day woman who has it all: a thriving career, a family and she does it all looking so glamorous! This is why she is my style, beauty and fashion icon. 
SJM. 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Tuesday inspiration #quote #confidence #women

"Beneath the makeup and behind the smile, I am just a girl who wishes for the world" - Marilyn Monroe

Friday, July 13, 2012

C H E M I C A L P E E L S - what you need to know.


C H E M I C A L   P E E L S  - what you need to know.

Chemical peels are a more aggressive form of exfoliation and are very effective for correcting irregular pigmentation, sun damage and scarring. Depending on the strength of the peel, they can also improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. All peels including light, medium and strong are best performed by a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon. This is for safety reasons, as strong chemicals and often anaesthetics/sedatives are involved. Day spas and beauty salons only remove a little more skin than can be achieved using AHA or BHA creams at home - don't be sucked in by clever marketing! 

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL: The application of a solution onto the skin to remove layers of the epidermis and dermis. Peels partially burn and remove layers of skin which then stimulates new collagen formation. The result is improved texture, tone and overall appearance. Results and recovery time will vary depending on the strength of the peel and how far it penetrates the skin. Chemical peels can be applied to the face, neck, upper part of the chest and arms. 

RECOVERY / DOWNTIME INVOLVED: Superficial peels which include glycolic acid and salicylic acid have little or no downtime at all. You may experience mild redness and peeling, both of which can be easily disguised with make-up. Medium to high strength peels can cause swelling, severe redness, peeling and scabbing and therefore have greater downtime (approx. 2 - 10 days). The trade-off is that you get much better results with the high strength peels. Unfortunately this often means taking time off work to recover, when you would much rather be sipping cocktails on a beach! 


BENEFITS OF A CHEMICAL PEEL: The benefits of a peel are mostly cosmetic and to enhance your appearance. The tone and texture of your skin will improve and also help erase any fine lines or wrinkles. Peels can also remove some pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne and improve facial scarring. 


ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICAL PEELS: Other procedures include dermabrasion, laser and skin resurfacing, fat injections, skin medication (the pill, antibiotics, roactine), filler and botox. 





SJM RECOMMENDATIONS: 
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a facial and some pampering at your favourite day spa. However, I am definitely of the belief system that only medically trained professionals should be allowed to perform chemical peels (doctors, nurses - under supervision of a doctor). It is also important to note, treatments available at salons/spas are the weakest strength and there are no long-term effects or benefits. For any real improvement the solution must penetrate the epidermis and dermis. 


MY TIPS:

1. The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, Melbourne - www.thevictoriancosmeticinstitute.com.au
The team at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute consists of specialised cosmetic doctors, cosmetic and plastic surgeons, nurses and beauty therapists. They use the latest research, products and technology to provide you with the most up-to-date techniques in non-surgical procedures. The Vic Cosmetic Institute specialise in non-surgical facial treatments.


2. See a Dermatologist - www.healthengine.com.au is a great search engine for specialists across Australia. Remember you will need a referral from your GP before making an appointment. I would also advise you ask which specialist they recommend and why before making any decisions. 


SJM. 

To be a success is to do what you love - SJM.






Tuesday, July 10, 2012

A hairy situation!


The condition of our hair is often a true reflection of our health. 
We have all heard the old wives' tale that personal, work-related or financial stresses will result in disastrous effects on your hair. Myths include turning grey and massive hair loss. This is simply not true. Like we do with our skin, it is also important to maintain a regular hair-care regime. There is nothing we can do externally that will alter the quality of hair that grows. We can, however, improve its condition. 


STRESS & HAIR: A normal head of hair contains between 120,000 and 150,000 strands and approximately 90% of those hairs are in the 'growing phase'. This phase will last between 2 - 3 years and grow at about half an inch per month. Towards the end of the cycle the hair then moves into what is known as the 'resting stage'. This stage lasts for a further 3 - 4 months before the hair falls out, and is then replaced by a new one. Research has shown we can lose up to 100 hairs per day, often without even noticing. This will also vary depending on length, strength and how often you wash your hair. 

WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS: There are certain medications and diseases that can cause hair loss. Examples include some blood pressure medications, thyroid disease, and nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin D deficiency and excess Vitamin A are well known causes of hair loss. However, there is no definite cause of shedding. There is actually a lag time between either a stressful event/medication course and the actual hair loss itself. If you do suffer from severe or sudden hair loss I would recommend you see your doctor or Dermatologist for a proper evaluation. It would also help to look back at significant stressors over the last 3 - 9 months that may have contributed to the hair loss. Other causes may include:
  • Low-calorie/FAD diets - sudden and drastic change in normal diet
  • Hair products - eg shampoo, wax, dry shampoo
  • Childbirth - normal falling levels of oestrogen after childbirth can cause a sudden loss  
  • Illness/high fever/disease - eg psoriasis, eczema, polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Temperature and environment - exposure to extremes, including excessive travel 
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: I am a firm believer that if we live a healthy and balanced lifestyle our hair and skin will benefit. Diet and exercise is a key component. Unfortunately, if you were born with thin hair, using voluminous products is probably the only way you will achieve slightly thicker hair. However, a well balanced diet that includes plenty of protein and iron can make a difference. Some healthy hair food includes:
  • Beans - legumes, lentils, kidney beans (great source of protein, iron and zinc for growth)
  • Salmon and oysters (contains zinc, a powerful antioxidant) 
  • Dark green vegetables - spinach, broccoli (great source of iron and calcium) 
  • Eggs and low-fat dairy products (protein and zinc for growth) 
I hope you find this information informative and helpful. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and any questions you may have.

SJM.


PHOTO SOURCED FROM: www.ag-law.net