Nose Job Part Two: One Week Away

Thankfully, big huge hair was in style. However, I would have worn it ten times bigger if my hair would take the focus off my nose.

My graduation photo.

After the first nose job. Notice how pinched it looks? You can't see the big valley in the bridge of my nose. It seriously looked terrible. Don't comment on the shoulder pads. You're here for the nose.

This is from last week. Ten years after my second nose job. Remember, after that second surgery I went back numerous times to the doctors office to have excess cartilage taken out of my one nostril. For the past TEN YEARS I've been avoiding the camera, only posing when I can turn my head to the side so no one can see me head on. Or else you heed to be several yards away from me so its more of a long distance shot.

My prayers will be answered if I can have a smooth, straight nose. Finally! Most people are born with one and take it for granted.

One week from today the surgery will be over. My nose will be changed forever, I hope for the better because I don’t want to go through plastic surgery ever again. Maybe a little face lift or filler when I’m fifty, sixty. But no more cutting in to my face.

What the surgeons do is cut the spot between your nostrils and lift the nose like the hood a car. Once its open, they can work their magic. I’ve seen the photos, its not pretty! I’m glad they know what they’re doing because I wouldn’t know where to start. Although I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t eyed up my X-acto knife and considered trying to remove cartilage myself.

During the first week after the surgery, I’ll have a bandage on my nose. When I told him I wouldn’t be going out in public, my son offered me the option of wearing a mask, like a ninja or as he put it, "a terrorist". My husband scoffed at my reluctance to go out in public with a bandage on my face. I’m insecure enough, do I need everyone staring at me? I’ll be at home, reading and watching tv, thank you. Season One of Mad Men.

For ten years I dreamed of this. I consulted, through the years, plastic surgeons, only to retreat home feeling deflated because the surgery was so expensive. I’m not going to lie, it is. I’d go in hopeful and excited only to be told it was either too complicated or the doctor didn’t have the same vision as me about how I should look. Mostly, the price was exorbitant and I would never dream of imposing such a debt on my family expenses.

I felt that someday, when everything was meant to be, the details would fall into place and for the most part they have. All I have to do is wait . Next Wednesday morning, I will get up early and head to the medical center, try to calm my knocking knees and jittery hands, wear some kind of hospital issued night gown, put my hair up in a paper cab and lay down, waiting for drugs to take effect. I hope I’m not given whatever killed Michael Jackson. Yikes.

For the people I haven’t told, I wonder what the reactions will be. Will they stare? Ask questions? Will I look so different that I won’t recognize myself when I look in the mirror? Will I want more, like a plastic surgery addicted Hollywood starlet? Doubtful. I just want to be content when I look in the mirror. I wonder how my children and husband will react?

I've been reading and rereading the blog from my surgeons. They know what they are doing as revision work is their specialty. I am content about my choice in doctors. I don't know how comfortable I'd be going to someone who did boob jobs and tummy tucks along with nose jobs. I wanted to find the very best doctor who specialized in what I required. As luck would have it, I met Nadine and she told me about their work. Take a look at the before and afters! These guys are really good.

One week from this very moment, it will be all over. I'll be in recovery and anxious to get home. And finally it will all be over.

Must Haves for Summer Heat!

In the summer heat, you cannot go without deodorant. I don't know why you would anyway. I know some celebrities go au natural but that is NOT how I roll. First up in Avalon Organics Deodorant Spray. I tried the Lavender scent which is lovely. Because it smells so good, it doubles as a body spray or room freshener. Really, I just sprayed a scented cloud around my desk.

This product contains no harmful chemicals and is 100% natural, utilizing safe, pure ingredients. If you are concerned about chemicals in your beauty products, this is for you. And it works!

I spritz it on in the morning and once in the afternoon, just in case. Plus, I love the scent. It comes in four varieties: Rosemary & Peppermint, Clary Sage & Lemon, Lavender, Grapefruit & Geranium. Next time you are in the health food store, pick up a bottle!

In the summer, my husband and I have a constant battle over the AC. He turns it off, I turn it on. Off, on, off, on etc. It happens starting in June and we fight until late October. I sit upstairs in my office baking in the 89* heat. I thought we reached a decent compromise keeping the air at a balmy 82* but yesterday he turned it off and insisted we didn't need it on. Meanwhile, sweat is dripping down my face. And my arms. Gross.

Enter the new Degree Clinical Protection for Women! I like the baby powder scent and the fact that when applied the night before, it lasts all day long. You can't go wrong with this one. Keeps you smelling good, no wetness (very little if you are sitting in 89* heat..inside), perfect for the summertime in southern California!

Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield

I'm not going to lie. I'm a little obsessed with my teeth. Maybe I've told you stories about how I would come home from being out late at night- sometimes even into the early morning- and I couldn't go to sleep unless I brushed and flossed. I feel guilty if I don't run some floss through my teeth in the evenings. My most frequent dreams are of losing my teeth. I wake up in a panic and have to make sure they are all in place.



With that being said, I love toothpaste and new, clean toothbrushes and rinsing with anything that will keep my teeth strong and healthy. Enter Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield. Let me give you the details about enamel loss:

Enamel loss can occur when acids from everyday food and beverages (like fruit, yogurt, salsa, orange juice and sports drinks) attack the tooth surface. Yikes. Once this happens, teeth become weak and susceptible to cavities (I was 21 when I got my first cavity- a bit of trivia for you) gingivitis, plaque, and many other oral ailments that you want to avoid.

I consume tons of fruit, salsa and yogurt plus I chew gum all the time. Good thing I'm brushing with the Pro-Health Enamel Shield! For more information, please go here. Take care of your teeth!

Tips and Tricks from Celebrity Stylist George Kotsiopoulos

I received this email from my friends at Suave and wanted to pass it along to you.

These tips come courtesy of Celebrity Stylist George Kotsiopoulos (stylist to celebrity moms Courtney Cox Arquette and Heidi Klum). Lets just call him George K for short. I can't pronounce his name. Keep reading!

This Summer, Mom Can Look Gorgeous at a Guilt-Free Price
Suave Brings Professional-Quality Beauty & Summer Fashion Tips to Mom & Family

Forecast: Humid with a Chance of Frizz
Who says mom can’t have salon-inspired hair despite humid, sticky conditions? She can stash salon-quality Suave Professionals Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream in her beach tote to keep hair smooth, soft and frizz–free.

Tip from George:
To flaunt this summer’s ethnic-inspired fashions, mom can steer clear of pricey department stores and instead do some strolling in the ethnic pockets of her city (think Chinatown and Indiatown). Mom will be sure to turn heads in amazing imports (that she found at great prices!) such as saris, embellished ballet flats and bangles.

Forecast: Likely Chance of (Fragrant!) Showers
Although mom would love to experience Washington DC’s Cherry Blossom season, the reality is that the summer is a better time for her and the family to get away. Luckily, mom can get her daily dose of cherry blossom fragrance (no matter the season!) thanks to new Suave Naturals Wild Cherry Blossom Shampoo and Conditioner and Suave Naturals Wild Cherry Blossom Indulgent Body Wash. This guilt-free trio nourishes hair and skin with Vitamin E and leaves an alluring, fresh scent.

Tip from George:
Swimsuit, sandals and sunglasses are the essentials mom needs for a hot day at the beach. She can look for swimsuit separates (rather than sets) to ensure the best fit tailored to her body. For sandals, mom can turn to affordable, rubber flip-flops for her and the family or do some online, comparison shopping to find designer sandal steals. To finish the look, every mom needs a pair of high-style yet low-priced sunglasses in a fun color or classic shape (think Ray-Ban® aviators and “cat eyes”) to add a touch of glam.


Forecast: Rising Temperatures with Breakage on the Horizon
Putting her hair in a ponytail is the quickest way for mom to cool down as temperatures rise, though this easy ‘do can be a strain on strands and increase breakage. Mom can restore distressed hair with new Suave Professionals Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner, fortified with proteins and ceramides to leave hair healthy, strong and shiny.

Tip from George:
This summer, mom can pass on purchasing a designer tote and instead revive and update her beach bag from last season! Mom can have last year’s sand and surf stains removed from her tote by dropping it off at a local shoe repair shop for a good cleaning. She can then source vintage consignment shops for a one-of-a-kind scarf to tie on her tote’s handle for an instant update.

Forecast: Sunny Outlook with Gentle Conditions
After a day of sun, surf and sand, elements that can be harsh on little ones, mom can give her kids’ hair the gentle treatment it needs. New tear-free Suave Kids Free and Gentle 2 in 1 Shampoo is specially formulated to be gentle on hair, contains no dyes and cleanses and conditions in one simple step.

Tip from George:
When it comes to clothes, keeping up with little ones’ growth spurts can be an expensive endeavor! Instead of purchasing a whole new summer wardrobe, mom can give kids’ clothes a chop to extend their use. Children especially outgrow the length of pants quickly, but a pair of shears (or a trip to the tailor for a more finished look) is a great way to keep khakis and jeans around just a bit longer.

Forecast: Sticky with 99 Percent Chance of Perspiration
Transporting kids and overflowing beach totes from the parking lot to the sand is enough to make mom and dad break a sweat! Luckily, Suave Clinical Protection PROsolid gives mom 24 hour prescription strength wetness protection. Dad can experience the same 24 hour odor and wetness protection with new Suave Men Anti-perspirant/Deodorant in Sport.

Tip from George:
Although mom might be tempted to stay cool during the summer in a pair of shorts and tee shirt, she can dress it up a notch by opting for easy, breezy dresses that will keep her looking polished and prevent overheating. Choosing shapeless, short shifts is a great way to show off gams and empire styles are a trendy option perfect for hiding the sins of winter (hey, after all the work she put in, mom deserved those holiday treats!).

Forecast: Triple Action Showers Moving In
Mom can help dad streamline his grooming routine by stocking the shower with new Suave Men 3-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Bodywash. Enriched with Keratin Amino Acids and Glycerin, this formula gently cleans and conditions hair and cleanses skin in one simple step. Now Dad has more time to help mom fire up the grill for dinner!

Tip from George:
Mom can help her hubby lighten up this summer by trading in his heavy denim jeans for a pair of summer trousers in lightweight cotton. Mom can also swap out his heavy leather belt for a super affordable colorful canvas one that can be purchased at a local army/navy surplus store.

Daily Dollfaces

Jennifer Love Hewitt and her gigantic pocketbook. I bet its stuffed with tabloids!

I'd like to know how much botox Nicole Kidman has used. I think she got some lip injections too.

This is unusual! Heidi Klum is nearly covered from head to toe. Except her toes are peeking out. It must be cold where ever she is.


Not crazy about the pants but I love Drew Barrymore's hair!

Aww, cute. Brooke Shields and her adorable little girl. I love that reddish hair.

Speaking of hair, Blake Lively's mane of blonde is making me drool. Why am I the unlucky recipient of stringy, frizzy locks?

I think the caption on this was something about a drunken Reese Witherspoon sporting a black eye. Nice!

At first glance, I thought this was Janice Dickinson but no, its Lisa Rinna!

Baby bumps are so cute on some people, like Nicole Richie....

...but not cute on others like Jon Gosselin. Here he is with his girlfriend (!) in France. I hear he's going to design a line of kids clothes for Ed Hardy. I guess I missed the part where Jon went to design school or had a fashion background? Judging by the shorts, it must have been an online place.

New from BareEscentuals. And you will love it.

While I liked Bare Minerals the first time around, delighting in the Mineral Veil powder, I felt a little sad that my appearance was ruined when my oily skin began to ruin an otherwise flawless look. I liked the Bare Minerals powders and strongly urged my friends to try them, especially those with sensitive skin. But the oil thing really bugged me.



Enter the Holy Grail of foundations. The new BareMinerals MATTE foundation with spf 15. OMG! Run out today and buy it. Do it now! BareMinerals MATTE gives light to medium coverage, lasts all day, covers up flaws, doesn't sink into pores and the best thing about it is, this foundation controls the flow of oil!



Enriched with pure RareMinerals Active Soil complex, this product aids in cell turn over and minimizes pores, is weightless on the skin and is free from chemicals. I use the brush pictured above. I don't use a lot and don't need to retouch. Its a miracle.



Also new from BareEscentuals is the Buxom Lips Big & Healthy Lipstick. Can be used as a liner, plumper and lipstick! Goes on with a pleasant, almost minty tingle and gently plumps the lips. My favorite is a pink shade called Las Vegas.



Equally awesome is the Buxom Inside Eyeliner. Go ahead and line the insides of those eyes without irritation! Won't smudge or budge. I line the upper inside lid, close to the eyelashes. It makes my eyelashes look thicker. I really get that Inside Eyeliner right up in the lashline!



These products will be available in August! Only two weeks away.

Day Tripping in San Diego

When I first got my Canon Rebel, I let it sit in the box for months. Afraid to use it, I eyed it nervously. See, I dropped my other camera on the floor with the lens extended and broke it. God forbid the Canon Rebel met the same fate. Plus, it was so intimidating! Two lenses, a variety of options...it sat untouched by human hands. Much like my ipod which rested on my desk for a YEAR. I didn't think I could properly navigate that little device that even ten years olds could master.

Finally, I dove in. And at once, I fell in love. And then a friend loaned me Photoshop Elements. I say loaned but I kept it. So really she gave it to me. It's been a year and I'm still learning how to do things. Mostly I just wing it.

This past weekend, my friend Christina and I took a trip down to San Diego. Balboa Park to be exact. I loved every second of exploring and taking pictures. Time flew by. If writing is my passion then photography is my favorite hobby. You should always have a passion and a hobby. Even better if they are one and the same, right?

I especially love taking pictures of flowers and buildings. Not so much strangers. It's kind of irritating when random people walk in front of my camera as I'm trying to take a picture. Don't disturb a genius at work! I'm kidding.

This one captured my eye because you could see the window on the far side through the window in front.

I love nature. Flowers, greenery, beauty. This is why I like to travel so much. Alaska, Costa Rica, Mexico, the islands of the Caribbean, San Francisco...only when I bring my camera, I ignore everyone and disappear into my own world. Much like when I'm writing.

Can you believe the architecture? So intricate!

More beauty reviews and Daily Dollfaces later. Once I tear myself away from editing my photos. I hope you like them.

Daily Dollfaces

If I saw the Beckham's in the airport, I'd stop and stare. And wonder why don't they fly private? I hear Angelina can pilot a plane. They should give her a call. Would you be comfortable traveling in Victoria's short dress and high heels?

I used to think Tori Spelling was just another mom with a team of nannies to take care of her kids but after watching her show, she really spends a lot of time with them. By the way, why is she wearing Pocahontas slippers? I saw those in the Disney store.

Word that come to mind when looking at Teri Hatcher: spindly. Teri, please eat. And don't tell me that you have a speedy metabolism!

Reese Witherspoon knows how to dress. She always looks good when she's out and about. I wonder if she has a stylist on call or if she picks out her own clothes?

Cute family but I believe the all denim ensemble that Jerry is wearing is commonly called the "Canadian tuxedo".

Mary Kate Olsen could possibly put a hairbrush to good use.

Heidi Klum sans makeup still looks good. Her nose looks odd to me, like she's had surgery on it. Once I looked up photos of her when she was younger but discovered she looks the same now as she did years ago.

Kim Kardashian is gorgeous but I always try to steer clear of wearing black and white for fear I will look like a waitress. Kim, I'll take a mojito please.

Oh dear. Kat Von D looks like Michael Jackson and I'm not talking about the red blazer. Something about her face looks like its been tampered with.

You couldn't pay me to wear giant Mickey hands but Jennifer Lopez doesn't mind. I'd also be very mindful of that Flashdance neckline.

Jennie Garth in a cute hat, trendy long dress and hideous orthopedic bright school bus shoes. UGGGGly!

Is Jennifer Garner on her way to the dojo? All white looks like a karate uniform to me. I avoid it.

Is this not a stunning family? Halle Berry and daughter + hot model boyfriend.

Rebecca Gayheart looks like she's seen better days.

Britney has the money and potential to dress nicely but chooses not to. Those shoes!

Ashlee Simpson Wentz's baby Bronx is getting so big! He looks like a little man. So cute. I love a big juicy baby.

Amanda Bynes is casual and cute in a summery red dress. I dig it. When you're young like her you can wear the short dresses. When you get old like me, you have wear things a little longer. Like to the ankles.

Two, two, amazing products for you!

The Cool Fix is a product meant to be kept close by in the bathroom. After shaving, apply this cooling product. It instantly soothes the skin, moisturizing the delicate area that has just been shaved or waxed. Maybe even threaded. I just saw some girls working a mean spool of thread at the mall, shaping eyebrows.

The Cool Fix gives you 12 hours of comfort! It fights ingrown hairs which can be painful, as we all know. I've tried a little home based surgery with an ingrown hair and all did not end well. This product contains excellent ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid and phytic acid. You can find it at Sephora stores.

From Bikini Kitchen comes this body butter self tanning lotion that will leave your skin surprisingly silky smooth. Booty Butter Tanning Lotion contains Aloe, Kukui Nut, Light Mineral Oil and Kona Coffee and gives your skin a healthy, bronzed glow all while imparting serious moisture- without being sticky. It smells like a day in Hawaii, a sweet coffee scent.

It makes me hungry.

And did you know that caffeine from coffee helps prevent skin cancer? Its true. Booty Butter uses 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee which happens to be my favorite. When I lived in Honolulu, I couldn't get enough of the Kona coffee. Or coconut syrup.

If you can't get to Hawaii to tan your buns, try a little Booty Butter!

Daily Dollfaces

I love this dress! But I have mixed feelings about Megan Fox. A pretty girl but there's something about her that I'm not feeling. Is it the enormous tattoo? Her eyebrows? The way she speaks?

Jessica Biel has great legs, you can tell she works out. However nice her gams are, I think her fashion sense leaves something to be desired. I'd like that skirt with a fitted tank top instead of the blazer. If you wear poofy on the bottom, wear sleek on the top!

Reese Witherspoon displays fabulous legs AND a cute outfit. What a great shade of blue for her. I never get dressed up to go shopping, maybe I should start. Perhaps thats where I've been going wrong all these years.

Jennifer Garner reminds me of my sister in law, her name is Jennifer too. She can go out of the house without a stitch of makeup on, wet hair pulled back in a ponytail, a casual outfit thrown on and still manage to look cute. Meanwhile, I've curled and sprayed my hair into submission, spackled on foundation and sunscreen, loaded up on mascara, coated my lips in gloss and feel like a slug.

Heidi Klum! What else can we say? She's beautiful and pregnant.

Cindy Crawford and family outside of Nobu. Two things:

1) she eats at Nobu all the time. My kids are lucky if we go to Red Robin every other month for burgers.

2) I hear her husband is a serial cheater! That's been the rumor for years. Sad!

Catherine Zeta Jones sans shoes or makeup! I love seeing celebs in their natural state!

Gorgeous Cate Blanchett! She needs her dress hemmed about three inches. Right below the knee is a terrible length for anyone!

Check out the dude giving Jessica Simpson the side eye! She looks portly and stout in that dress. Not overweight by any means but the dress is just unflattering!

Britney, Britney...why do you make us look at your wonky nips? She needs a bra. That Victoria's Secret 100 ways bra would work. The hair is a mess too. Britney really can't dress herself, she needs a stylist with her. I'd love to see her revamp her image with elegant clothes and sleek hair. Not going to happen.

Ben Stiller and wife Christine Taylor. He reminds me of Adam Sandler here. They should play brothers in a movie.

Look at adorable Shiloh and Zahara! I like Angelina's long dress. I have a few of these. I forgo shorts in the summer because they look ridiculous and I wear dresses instead. I've seen the covers of tabloids proclaiming Angie is pregnant but I don't think so.

Normally I like Kate Hudson's casual, boho style but not here. Her hair needs a brush and she needs a tank top under that droopy shirt. I know she's dating A-Rod or whatever his name is. Imagine dating a guy who dated Madonna? I dont think I'd ever stop asking questions. And secretly recording the answers! Then writing them on Hello Dollface!

Jennifer Weiner, Best Friends Forever

This is going to shoot straight up the best selling lists, mark my words. Everyone I know loves Jennifer Weiner's books and I'm happy to say Best Friends Forever does not disappoint. From page one I was hooked!

The book tells the story of best friends Addie and Valerie, two very different girls who become best buds in high school. A single event tears the two apart for years, until Val blows back into town and needs the help of her steady, reliable pal. Drawn back into the drama that is Valerie, Addie ends up helping her friend and learns about herself in the process.

I don't want to give any more away but you have to read it. There are some funny moments, some sad and some pretty gut wrenching but I promise it all works out in the end.

My favorite book of yours is In Her Shoes, I love the sisters and their story line. Which of your books is your favorite and which character are most like you?


I could never pick a favorite! My books are my children! (I guess in that case, I love the one that's best behaved and sleeps past five a.m.).


In terms of characters, there's sort of the "me" character in each of my books -- Cannie in GOOD IN BED, Rose in IN HER SHOES, Becky in LITTLE EARTHQUAKES. Addie is a much more alienated and extreme version of me, but I think that some of the things she thinks and says are things that I would think (but maybe not say!)


Best Friends Forever was written from a few different view points plus past and present tense, did you outline the entire book to keep it straight? How prepared are you when you sit down to write a book?

I do outline before I start, but the finished book diverges wildly from the outline -- there was a version where one of the main characters died, and clearly, that didn't happen! I use the outline as a very rough road map -- one that tells me where I'll begin and where I'll end -- but I try to leave myself a lot of leeway in terms of how I get from one to the other.

Addie had a tough time in highschool as did I and so many others. I was more of an observer than a participant because I felt like an outcast. How was the highschool experience for you?

High school -- at least the first two years -- wasn't easy. I was fairly awkward and bookish and I grew up in a suburb of Connecticut that perfected the preppy ethos -- popped collars and layered Izod shirts and chinos and the right kind of sneakers, which my parents were rarely willing to spring for. Eventually I figured out where I fit in, made some friends, had some dates, etc., but I remember the very vivid sensation of each day being like Thunderdome, where someone was going to say something or do something that would make me feel horribly inadequate and alone.

Of course, I am now Facebook friends with many of my classmates, and we're all struggling with the same stuff, so it all turned out okay.


How do you choose the names of your characters?

I actually give that a lot of thought, because I like to have a name that alludes to or evokes some aspect of the character. Sometimes it's as simple as having a cheerful-sounding name for a character who's generally happy, like Becky in Little Earthquakes, or a name that evokes another character -- Cannie in GOOD IN BED was a homage to Candide, who was also on a journey of self-discovery (but I hardly ever mention that, because I don't believe Voltaire had naked legs and cheesecake on his cover).


With BFF, I wanted Addie to have a sweet, old-fashioned name -- she's a little bit of a homebody, and a throwback, who's not comfortable with a lot of modern life, and I wanted her name to reflect that. Valerie always struck me as more of a glamour-girl name, but the nickname Val is nice and economical and good for a life of crime.

I love beauty products and want to know what are some of your 'can't live without' items?


I'm into the Olay Regenerist face stuff -- it's got SPF, and I can usually remember to slap some on in the morning. Oh, and Lancome Juicy Tubes -- not only do they look good, they taste delicious.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully getting a lot more sleep!

Reader Giveaway!

Orient watch site has a ton of cool watches for you to look at, click here to see more Automatic watches!I am doing a READER GIVEAWAY for this beauty, pictured above: CEM65002D. It's automatic (does not need batteries), is water resistant up to 200M, has a durable stainless steel case, solid bracelet, and screw-down crown (to prevent water invasion). Even though its technically a men's watch, I think it makes quite the fashion statement on a woman. Check out this other watch Orient offers, I like it!

Here's what you have to do to WIN.

1.Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/distressedjeans and link to this contest. Or be a Facebook friend.

2.Get all your friends to read Hello Dollface. Every last one of them. Even the men.

3. Send me a note via Twitter or Facebook and tell me what you like about the watch. Whoever finds me a literary or motion picture agent will win this contest. Okay, kidding about that last part. Winner will be chosen on Friday!

Kerastase Chroma Riche

A few of the words I use to describe my hair include: frizzy, fuzzy, awful, 1980's rock star, dry, color treated, graying, split ended, snarled, rats nest. So when I have the opportunity to try out a product or two that promises my hair will be soft and shiny, I'm all over it.

In this case, I'm talking about the Kerastase Chroma Riche line. This high end, luxury brand promises moisture and color brilliance! Let's start with the shampoo Bain Chroma Riche. It cleans my hair nicely, leaving it soft and my fingers can slip right through it. That's a good start. The Masque Chroma Riche is a deep conditioner that mends hair, leaving it ultra moisturized but not limp. Score! It works. I leave it on while I'm soaping up and shaving my legs. Rinses out with no residue. I'm in love. A little goes a long way so its going to last me a while.

Last step is the slippery Fluride Chroma Riche. I apply only a quarter sized amount of this clear, silicone derived, detangling product to the top layer of hair, the part that receives the most abuse through heat styling. Also, a little goes on the ends to smooth them down. My color really does look more radiant and softer, smoother than usual but thankfully not weighed down or flat! Kerastase does what it says and gives you better looking hair.

To finish my coiffure, I whip out my InStyler and straighten my wavy hair. With these products, a good hair day is never far out of reach!

Brett Freedman's Quick Tips!

I have family in town and I've been on the go go go! Hope to get some good reviews up soon including Kerastase., Too Faced and Benefit. For now, enjoy my pal Brett's quick tips.

My Hot Weather Must-Haves!

Dresses like this one from Old Navy are my hot weather staples. I cannot get enough of skirts and soft dresses. Old Navy has a bunch that are machine washable (a must for me!) and cost less than twenty dollars (another must!). I have a hard time finding good shorts, they are either super short or really long. Im neither a teenager with cellulite free thighs or a Bermudian police officer. Therefore, my summer clothes consist of simple sundresses and knee skimming skirts. Both of which I head to Old Navy for.

photo credit:StarTraks/Sara Jaye Weiss

How to keep summer makeup from melting off your face? Well my dears, keep reading.

I curl my lashes with my BillyB lash curler. I don't do this often, only when I'm heading out of the house for something special.

Prescriptives False Eyelashes mascara adds length and thickness to lashes, plus it doesnt smudge, smear or flake. I apply several coats paying attention to the very tips for added length.
Bobbi Brown gel liner will last all day and into the night, trust me. I love it. A really thin line against the lashline is how it works best.

MAC Prep + Prime Transluscent Powder is a godsend! I have a small brush that I use to lightly dab this finely milled powder along the t-zone. The powder absorbs any oil and makes my face look fresh. This powder is awesome, A+, I cant say enough about it.

At the end of the day, I will use a scrub on my face or apply my Borba Replenishing Masque. It bubbles up and cleans my face, makes my skin look radiant and fresh. I use the Diamond Facial Kit often, I love the feeling of scrubbing my face on a hot day.

I have to mention Product Body's Crush on You Scrub. Again, on a hot sticky day when I get sweaty and feel gross, a cool shower with a loofah mitt and some Crush on You Scrub works wonders. I use it all over. It has great consistency, texture, smell, is made with natural ingredients. Its wonderful.

I've been using Benefits Erase Paste for under my eyes, MAC Studio Sculpt gel foundation applied with a sponge for the face. I think a light touch is best for summer which means skin has to look its best. So you need to treat your skin well, using good moisturizers and sunscreens. I use Neutrogena's spf 90 for Faces on my neck, chest and tops of hands. Benefit's PosieTint gives cheeks a pinky glow, it lightly stains so it won't come off during a hot day. I use it on lips as well. Top it off with Benefits Benetint Lip Balm which contains an spf 15 to protect lips.

Quick tip: VanityMark

I love Brett's tips! Doesn't he seem like so much fun? And he's a super nice guy too! I hope to finally meet Brett soon and maybe have him do a little make over on me. There's a lot to make over!

For more, go to VanityMark.