Makeup Mondays With Mario: Blemishes Begone!

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.


Hi Mario,

I have a question about concealing blemishes. How exactly do you do it? I am so confused. What concealers are the best? Do you apply the concealer before or after foundation? And what do you apply it with? Every time I try to cover up a pimple, it winds up looking really obviously and kinda cakey. If anyone knows how to create a flawless face, it's you - so please help, Mario. Thanks a lot!

Your biggest fan,
Keisha

Hi Keisha,

Concealing blemishes shouldn’t be so stressful. Follow these steps and you'll have flawless skin in no time!

First, apply foundation as you would normally, followed by a cream concealer applied directly on the blemish. Choose a concealer shade that's a bit lighter. Blend the product with your finger or damp sponge – then, with a translucent loose powder, set the blemish only. Now you can go ahead and powder the rest of the face as you would normally.

When choosing a concealer, look for one that is not oily. I really love La Mer's concealer for blemishes. Benefit and CoverGirl make great cream concealers too.

Try this technique and I'm sure you will be a pro in no time!

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario.

xo,
Mario


Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Winners of the ZENO HOT SPOT Giveaway!

Congrats to Holly B and Tania Katherine, winners of the ZENO HOT SPOT Giveaway.

The ZENO HOT SPOT Blemish Clearing Device is the new secret weapon in the war against pimples. This hand-held device uses a single ingredient you can actually pronounce - heat - to destroy the bacteria that causes your pimples. The result: quick and painless pimple relief. Unlike other treatments, HOT SPOT can eliminate or significantly reduce 90% of blemishes within 24 hours.

Many thanks to ZENO for sponsoring this giveaway. And stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway announcement, coming later today!

ZENO HOT SPOT Giveaway!

The makeup artists behind the scenes at Fashion Week can work wonders, but no model wants to be that girl showing up at call time with an unsightly blemish.

It is with this in mind that ZENO launched the ZENO BlemishBuster Hotline. This emergency "skin-tervention" service is available exclusively to models walking the runway at New York Fashion Week. All it takes is a simple text or email, and within six hours, a new ZENO HOT SPOT Blemish Clearing Device will be delivered to her door - charged up and ready to zit zap.

The ZENO HOT SPOT Blemish Clearing Device is the new secret weapon in the war against pimples. This hand-held device uses a single ingredient you can actually pronounce - heat - to destroy the bacteria that causes your pimples. The result: quick and painless pimple relief. Unlike other treatments, HOT SPOT can eliminate or significantly reduce 90% of blemishes within 24 hours.

Intrigued? Want a ZENO HOT SPOT of your own? Of course you do. Models are already blessed with tiny waists, un-cellulite-y thighs, and legs for days...so why should they be the only ones with photo ready and fabulous skin? Spoiled Pretty feels you, which is why I'm partnering with ZENO for a giveaway.

Two lucky readers will win the ZENO HOT SPOT (retail value $39.99), to keep their skin in the clear!

To enter the giveaway, leave a message in the comments section; make sure to leave a way for me to get in touch, just in case you get lucky. Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The giveaway ends at noon (EST) on Thursday, February 25, 2010. Good luck!

Clean & Clear Giveaway!

You’ve heard of the 100 years war? Well, let me tell you about the 20 years war. What’s that, you ask? It’s just this pesky little battle I’ve be waging with acne. Pimples, blackheads and whiteheads are no strangers to my skin – and I have tried hundreds of products to keep the situation under control.

When it comes to skin care, I tend to shop in department and specialty stores because my complexion requires the crème de la crème of cleansers, creams, masques and moisturizers. So imagine my surprise to discover a drugstore brand that tamed my temperamental skin; plus the cost of the entire regimen is about the same that I would typically pay for one high-end skin care product.

Meet the Recessionista's Fabuless Pick of the Week...

Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Foaming Acne Wash goes beyond cleansing to treat acne as you wash, while working to prevent future breakouts. The innovative formula combines a breakthrough oil dissolving technology and acne-fighting ingredients to thoroughly cleanse skin and control breakouts. I love how easily it removes my makeup and the daily grime without stripping my skin.

Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment is a lightweight gel that reduces size of pimples while diminishing the appearance of post-acne marks. The breakthrough formula allows acne medication to start working quickly, reducing blemishes, as well as addressing the after effects of blemishes on skin. If you have acne marks or other types of hyperpigmentation, I highly recommend this treatment.

Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser is a daily scrub that treats acne and helps prevent breakouts. Micro-beads in a creamy cleanser formula exfoliate and slough away pore-clogging dirt, oil and impurities while Benzoyl Peroxide treats acne, revealing a clearer complexion.

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask reduces blackheads and helps prevent new ones from forming. Specially formulated to treat blackhead prone skin, the mask is infused with acne fighting medication and ingredients that draw out dirt, oil and impurities that can clog pores and lead to blackheads.

Clean & Clear Morning Burst In-Shower Facial is a citrus-scented, invigorating deep cleansing treatment that works with the steam from your shower. Clay helps draws out dirt, oil, and impurities from skin, moisturizers keep skin from over-drying. I absolutely adore this product! Used 1-3 times each week (in place of your normal cleanser), it wakes me up and re-energizes my skin – leaving it looking and feeling refreshed. The first time I tried it, Mr. Spoiled Pretty kept complimenting on my skin. “It looks healthy and shiny,” he said. Usually, ‘shiny’ isn’t an adjective I would want attributed to my skin; but I understood that in man-speak, he meant that my complexion looked vibrant.

This week, I’m not content to just tell you about my fabulous new drugstore finds. I’m partnering with Clean & Clear and we’re giving away a set. And because we’re confident that these products will help keep your complexion in check, we’re throwing in the Polaroid 7MP Pink Digital Camera – so you can document the improvement in your skin!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Clean & Clear Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Wednesday, December 9th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Thursday, December 10th, I'll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. Good luck!

Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel: Don't Judge a Cleanser By Its Label

When it comes to skin care, there's only one thing scarier to me than benzoyl peroxide in the ingredient list (I'm severely allergic)...and that's the words "deep cleansing" on the label.

All of the deep cleaning cleansers I've used have left my skin feeling desiccated and looking like peeling paint. So when I received a sample of Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel, I almost gifted it to one of my friends. But I'm glad that I decided to give it a whirl because it's absolutely fabulous.

Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel sucks the dirt and grime out of pores without sucking the life out of your skin. When you rinse it off, your face feels refreshingly clean - never dry and tight. I highly recommend it - especially for dry, acne prone complexions.

Now, kids...what's the moral of this story? Don't judge a cleanser by its label.

Class dismissed.

ANSR Too Cool For School Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Giselle Espinosa, winner of the ANSR Giveaway!!!

Giselle will soon receive the ANSR: Acne Care Kit ($185). Along with the BEAM (a handheld and portable photo light therapy device), the kit includes PREP, an exfoliating cleanser, DAY, a protective moisturizer that helps prevent blemish outbreaks, and NIGHT, a concentrated gel that treats blemishes overnight.

Many thanks to ANSR: for sponsoring this contest, and to all of you who entered. Stay tuned for Spoiled Pretty's next giveaway!

ANSR Too Cool For School Giveaway

This school year, head back to the hallways with the best-looking skin in the building. Whether you’re a freshman in high school or a college professor, a law school student or a nursery school teacher, ANSR: has the solution with its two amazing skincare kits, which target the biggest skin woes, no matter what age.

ANSR:’s development team has harnessed the effectiveness of photo light therapy into the BEAM, a handheld, portable device that uses both red and blue photo light therapy to treat your skin – doing more than any other device out on the market and for a fraction of the cost of similar spa treatments. The blue light helps destroy impurities beneath the skin, and the red light penetrates deeply to rejuvenate the skin and stimulates collagen growth to improve skin tone and texture and reduce redness.

ANSR: also developed accompanying topical solutions to create two separate kits targeting different focuses – anti-aging or acne treatment:

If you are troubled by acneic skin, your ANSR: is the Acne Care Kit ($185). Along with the BEAM, the kit includes PREP, an exfoliating cleanser, DAY, a protective moisturizer that helps prevent blemish outbreaks, and NIGHT, a concentrated gel that treats blemishes overnight. Together, the BEAM and the topicals create an easy-to-follow skin regimen that will have your skin looking better in no time. $185

If you’re concerned about fighting the signs of aging, your ANSR: is the Skin Rejuvenation Kit ($195). In addition to the BEAM, this kit includes SERUM, an advanced formula that combines powerful antioxidants, botanicals and vitamins to rejuvenate skin texture and tone. You’ll be mistaken for a student in less than a semester.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with ANSR and one lucky winner will receive the kit of his/her choice!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name, mailing address, and which kit you would like (Acne Care or Skin Rejuvenation). The subject line should read "ANSR Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Wednesday, September 16th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Thursday, September 17th, I'll announce the winner's name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents.

Good luck!

My Favorite Skin Care Products EVER: Amala

It's really difficult to admit this, but I used to be very dismissive of natural and organic beauty products - particularly skin care. I used to believe that I needed to patronize products with harsh chemicals to get my problem skin to act like it had some sense. In fact, I would often joke that I didn't care what damage a product did to my insides, as long as my outsides were looking good.

But I've done a complete 180 since discovering Amala, a luxurious collection of skin care and body care products with 100% natural formulas.

Earlier this month, I began testing Amala's new Purify line - for Earth Day editorial consideration. Purify is a collection of products formulated for oily and acnegenic skin types. The products help control excess oil and shine, clear clogged pores, and prevent and heal blemishes and blackheads with treatments inspired by the healing plants and flowers of Eastern Asia.

So for three weeks, I've been religiously using the Purifying Gel Cleanser, Purifying Face Polish, Purifying Toner, and Purifying Moisturizer. And I have to say that besides feeling like I'm indulging in an extravagant spa treatment every time I use these citrus-scented products, my skin hasn't looked this good in years.

My acne is now very mild, if not practically nonexistent. And my skin is so radiant that many of my friends have remarked about the drastic improvement in my complexion.

While Amala's Purify price tag isn't exactly recessionista-friendly (products range from $30 to $136), these products are, in my expert opinion, an absolute steal for the results you'll see.

I am so enamored with the Purify line that I want to tell every person I meet about this brand. I would gladly be the company's spokesperson and do commercials - because I feel so strongly about how the treatments have transformed my skin. Hell, I'd do it for free...in exchange for a lifetime supply of this stuff.

Amala is available at Barneys New York and amalabeauty.com.

Get Clear Skin Contest: Proactiv Giveaway!!!

Surprise! Here's another Spoiled Pretty contest coming at ya...

Proactiv Solution, a long-standing leader in acne prevention and treatment, fights and prevents breakouts with its unique the 3-Step System. Used together the 3-Step System products cleanse and refine skin, helping to clear up existing pimples and prevent future breakouts.

Five readers will receive the Proactiv 3-Step System, which includes:

Renewing Cleanser: A unique, oil-free formula. Smooth tiny beads exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities. Prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide penetrates pores, attacks and heals blemishes fast.

Revitalizing Toner: Refreshing, alcohol-free. Removes dead skin cells to help unplug pores. Helps remove excess oil so your skin looks and feels refreshed. Soothing botanical agents gently balance your skin tone.

Repairing Lotion: A light, oil-free lotion. Finely milled prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide heals blemishes, and helps prevent new ones. Advanced delivery system is safe for your entire face.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Proactiv Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, April 19th. Five winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, April 20th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.

Bonne chance!

Do The Dew: DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15

I was very excited to try DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15, considering it was recently named a finalist in the CEW 2009 Beauty Awards. And after testing the moisturizer, I agreed with CEW's assessment, as I found that the product did - indeed - deliver on all of its promises.

The ultra-lightweight formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog pores. It protects skin from UVA and UVB rays without that telltale white finish that many SPF-infused products leave behind. Since it’s oil-free and fragrance free, Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15 is ideal for those with sensitive skin and acne. It’s man-friendly too. And with warmer weather just around the bend, I’ll definitely be using this product when I move my heavier winter formula to the back of my bathroom cabinet for its summer hibernation.

But despite this ringing endorsement, there is one minor caveat. With a name like Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15, you might expect that the moisturizer would give your skin a dewy effect. At least, that’s what I assumed. It doesn’t. This moisturizer is going to quench your skin’s thirst, but the finish is definitely matte...which is great for shiny sistas like me.

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15 is $38-$40 and is available at Beauty.com, BlueMercury, DermStore, Sephora, Ulta and ddfskincare.com.

I Can See Clearly Now, The Acne’s (Almost) Gone

It is with wholehearted exuberance that I recommend Philosophy’s On A Clear Day products for all of you complexionally challenged readers out there.

After months of feeling defeated by my adult acne, I decided enough was enough; it was time for me to take back my skin. Problem is, the dead of winter isn’t the best time to be messing around with an acne regimen that can strip already desiccated skin.

Most acne products leave my skin so flaky that it looks like my face has dandruff. No joke…like I’m molting. So when I heard about Philosophy’s new On A Clear Day line, I felt compelled to sacrifice my face in the name of beauty. Philosophy has never done me wrong before, so I decided to take a gamble. And, let me tell you, this one paid off with rich dividends.

After only testing the system for five days, my skin was significantly clearer and brighter - with no drying whatsoever! I couldn’t believe that acne products this gentle could yield such noticeable results, in less than a week.

What I love most about the On A Clear Day line is that the products (Oil-Free Foaming Acne Cleanser, Oil-Free Spot Treatment, Oil-Free All Over Acne Treatment, and Retinol Clarifying Lotion) are all meant to be used once in the morning and again at night. The fact that this system is my AM and PM ritual makes it super easy for me to use the products consistently, which is the reason why I’ve noticed such amazing and immediate results.

Sold separately, the products cost between $18 and $40...but I wouldn’t recommend purchasing a la carte. Do your wallet a favor and pick up the Completely Clear Skin System, which includes the four full-sized products and costs $65. If you’re feeling extra frugal, Sephora sells a quartet of smaller sizes for $35.

This past weekend while shopping at Sephora, I noticed a woman holding the Completely Clear Skin System. She was intently reading the box, with a somewhat cynical look on her face. I brazenly tapped her on the shoulder and insisted she put the box in her basket and march on over to the register. That’s how impressed I am with On A Clear Day…I’m in the store pimping out the products like I’ve got stock in the company.

Considering the results this line delivers, maybe buying stock isn’t such a bad idea.

Amino, What A Mask-o!

There was a blogger, had clogged pores
Amino – what a mask-o!
A-M-I-N-O
A-M-I-N-O
A-M-I-N-O
Amino – what a mask-o!



For the past month, I have been walking around with the most clogged pores ever. I'm not talking about a blackhead here and there. I'm talking about pores so congested that I can actually feel how engorged with gunk they are.

I tried just about everything to purge my pores. In my bathroom, I was channeling TI...chanting "bring em out" while slathering my face with every cleanser, toner, and treatment in my beauty arsenal. And while these products left my complexion looking a bit better, my face still felt full.

Enter Bioelements Amino Mask - the answer to my proverbial prayers. This medicated acne treatment coaxes dead skin and sebum from pores, destroys acne bacteria, controls overactive oil production and helps to hear existing blemishes. The creamy and airy texture was a welcome surprise - and after just one use, my face felt like it could breathe again. Amino Mask is like Vicks VapoRub for stuffy pores.

Neutrogena Fresh Faces 2008 Concert, Featuring Vanessa Hudgens

On September 7, Neutrogena will present the Fresh Faces 2008 Concert at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. The concert will be emceed by Susie Castillo and will feature Vanessa Hudgens performing songs from her latest album, “Identified.”

Beginning at 2pm, Neutrogena will offer on-site product sampling and giveaways, a photo booth, prize wheel and other exciting activities. Those who register online in advance will receive VIP gift bags, while supplies last, and VIP access on a first come, first serve basis. Visit neutrogenaconcert.com for event information, and to register for free VIP access to the show.

Even if you're not a California girl, click the link above to sign up for a free sample of Neutrogena's new Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit!

Concealers For All Complexions

Twenty-some odd years ago, I was swinging on a metal gate at the playground near my house. I vaguely remember some adult telling me to stop, but I was having a blast making myself dizzy. So I ignored them. After a few minutes of swinging, I was riding that thin line between euphoria and nausea, so I hopped off. Before I realized what was happening, the gate swung back at me, hit me in the face, and knocked me out cold.

When I came to, I still had all of my teeth – thank heavens – but I also had one hell of a shiner. My mom was extremely upset…not just because her child had been injured and subsequently rendered unconscious due to her own stupidity. My First Holy Communion was mere days away, and a black eye just doesn’t go well with a white dress and veil.

There weren’t too many concealer options (or foundations, for that matter) for women of color, circa 1985. But whatcha gonna do when your 7-year-old daughter looks like she’s been moonlighting as a cage fighter?

I don’t remember the name or brand of the concealer my mom used to mask my bruise - but it came in a tube, smelled like Play-Doh, and was crazy pasty. Seriously, the label may have said “tan” – but the color was straight up brownish gray (I really don’t think the color exists in nature). But that’s all we had…so my mom made it work as best she could.

The 80's was a great decade, but the dearth of makeup shades for women of color (with the exception of Fashion Fair) was definitely a low point. Thinking back on my mom’s chalky concealer really makes me appreciate the limitless options that are available today.

For example, I recently discovered (and fell in love with) Murad’s Acne Treatment Concealer. Usually, I’m just too lazy to use concealer, although my skin could certainly use some. But this concealer has the dual benefit of treating blemishes with acne-fighting medication (which really works) and concealing them with an oil-free tinted formula. It’s also a breeze to apply – just dot on and go. But my favorite thing about this concealer stick is that the Medium Dark shade is spot-on perfect for my typically hard-to-match complexion.

We’ve come a long way, baby!

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer is available at Sephora and murad.com.

Kate Somerville's 9!! Kit To The Rescue Of...

Congratulations, Tracy Iglesias - your skin is about to get a whole lot clearer!

Tracy has won Kate Somerville’s The 9!! Kit, which contains four absolutely fabulous products for acne-prone skin: Detox Daily Wash, Clarifying Treatment Toner, Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion, and Clearing Mask.

Thanks to Kate Somerville, for making this contest possible! And thank you to all of the readers who entered.

Check back later for your next chance to get spoiled pretty. There will be multiple winners this time ‘round...so stay tuned!!!

Don't Forget To Enter This Week's Giveaway

Got a problem with pimples? Then don't miss out on this week's giveaway!

Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Kate Somerville for a giveaway! Enter now to win The 9!! Kit, a collection of four bestselling treatments (retail value is $116). The contest ends at 9pm EST on Sunday, April 20th. So don't delay.

Saving Face

Hello, my pretties. Sorry for the lack of posts, as of late. But I have a valid excuse. I've been trying to save face. Literally.

A few days ago, I gave Kate Somerville's 9!! Kit a test drive - before announcing this week's giveaway. But yesterday, my face broke out in an inflamed, itchy rash - and I've spent the past 48 hours either resisting the urge to scratch my face off or rendered unconscious by Benadryl.

You see, I am one of the 1-3% of individuals who are allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide - the active ingredient in Kate Somerville's Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion - as well as numerous acne treatments. The good news is that while my face is looking pretty effed up right now, my doc assures me that it should be back to normal in a few days.

So just a word of warning - from one beauty addict to another: if you're going to use a new product containing Benzoyl Peroxide, do a patch test on your inner arm before slathering said product all over your face.

Acne ain't pretty, ladies. But contact dermatitis is much, much worse.

The 9!! Kit By Kate Somerville - Plus A Giveaway!!!

It’s 3am, and you’re tossing and turning in your bed. You’re having nightmares about problem skin. Then you wake up to learn that your nightmare is indeed a reality. There’s nasty acne erupting on your face.

All over the world, there are women out there just like you…dreaming about solutions to their skin disasters. But there’s a phone ringing at Kate Somerville’s house - and, luckily, she’s awake whipping up clinical-strength treatments to send your skin into recovery mode.

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

For over 15 years, Kate Somerville’s dedication to research and development has kept her at the forefront of skin wellness, and her intuitive approach has set her apart. Whatever your concern, whatever your skin type, it is her goal to give clients and retail customers the tools necessary for a healthy complexion.


My skin is problematic and sensitive - but I have yet to meet a Kate Somerville product I didn’t like, and the following is no exception. The 9!! Kit contains four absolutely fabulous products for acne-prone skin, like mine. The kits contains:

Detox Daily Wash: Every acne treatment performed in Kate Somerville’s clinic begins with Detox Daily Cleanser. This detoxifying cleanser restores clarity to your complexion.

Clarifying Treatment Toner: Result-oriented and alcohol-free, this refreshing toner clarifies and balances oily/problematic skin. Witch hazel, a natural antiseptic, aggressively fights acne-causing bacteria. Phytic acid, a naturally delivered antioxidant, exfoliator and lightening agent, helps to reduce post-acne scars. This toner leaves skin feeling clean and calm while reducing oil production.

Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion: This product is a prescription quality, intensive acne treatment that has been extensively tried and tested at Kate Somerville’s clinic. This advanced formulation has delivered life-changing results to Kate’s personal clients. Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion contains encapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, the most advanced and successful acne-fighting ingredient on the market. The controlled-release formula works around the clock without over-drying skin, like traditional Benzoyl Peroxide formulations. It kills bacteria and treats inflamed breakouts, while helping to prevent future acne.

Clearing Mask: This intensive mask treatment helps heal blemishes, prevent future breakouts and achieve clear, radiant skin.

The 9!! Kit also includes trial sizes of Kate’s Line Release (my Mom’s favorite eye treatment) and ExfoliKate.

Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, Debra Messing, Molly Sims, and Sharon Stone all depend on Kate for healthy skin and ageless beauty. So why shouldn’t you?

This set of products retails for $116. But lucky for you, there’s a blogger in Philly who loves spoiling her readers pretty. This week, you can enter the Kate Somerville Giveaway to win The 9!! Kit.

To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com - be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Kate Somerville Giveaway.” The contest ends at 9pm EST on Sunday, April 20th. A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, April 21st, I’ll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.

Bonne chance!

Clinique Gets Even Better

New from Clinique is a skin care product that promises to create brightness and clarity for all ethnicities.

Even Better Skin Tone Corrector is a lightweight serum that creates a notably more even complexion by helping to undo the visible evidence of sun damage, dark patches, skin stresses, age spots, even the darkening that follows acne scarring. It supposedly even helps to prevent new dark spots from forming.

Developed specifically to address all skin tones, it can be used anywhere on the face, hands, and chest - and results can be seen in 4 to 6 weeks.

Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Dillard's, and Neiman Marcus.

Praying For Pimples

Lately, I've been praying for a pimple. Sounds odd, I know. But ironically, ever since I got my hands on Zeno, my skin has been uncharacteristically clear. So last week when a monster zit erupted on my chin, I was excited. Finally I would see if Zeno lived up to the hype.

Zeno is a hand-held battery-operated device designed with a tip that heats to a pre-set temperature. The tip is designed for direct contact with a blemish on the skin. Once in contact with a blemish, the tip transfers heat into the follicle – killing the bacteria, reducing inflammation, and allowing the skin to return to a healthy state.

For someone like me, who has a problem with hyperpigmentation (resulting from acne), Zeno is a godsend. It literally zaps zits before they have a chance to erupt - therefore thwarting dark marks.

Please note that Zeno isn’t a magic wand. You have to be diligent about using it, in order to see a difference. Acne doesn't just miraculously disappear after one treatment; it takes two to three 2½-minute treatments spread over 24 hours to get rid of pesky pimples. Another bonus is that Zeno doesn’t have the nasty side effects (dryness, irritation, sensitivity to sunlight) that accompany most topical acne treatments.

Available at Sephora and myzeno.com.