Transformations......Keeping it simple

A few weeks ago I saw 3 radical facial transformations that our guest blogger had performed on some very appreciative women over 50. They were stunning and it set my wheels in motion. Who doesn't want to look their best? What do we need to know to keep our skin it's best despite gravity? I can't think of anyone I'd rather have share her years of skin care. Here's my interview with her. 

K, When did you first realize the importance of good skin care? In my teens.10th grade to be exact. My Mom purchased my first skincare regimine- Cliniques 3 step. However, some of my earliest memories were applying  Revlons bright blue peel-off mask in the 70's/80's. The lid had what looked like a big paint brush on it and I was so fascinated with how it would stay in one large piece when you peeled it off.I would do it over and over.

You come by this knowledge honestly. Could you tell our readers a bit about your background? I started out in Beauty supplies offering knowledge on hair care, hair color and cosmetic application, then specialty beauty boutiques and large box retailers such as Sephora and now Kiehls. As a skincare specialist I have trained with many different brands, so I have many perspectives on skincare.

Does it take a bucket of cash to keep our skin in it's best condition? Yes and no. It really depends on how many steps you are willing to do in your regimen. In the long run skin care is less expensive than plastic surgery....and less painful! You have to be committed and consistent. Determine what works best for your skin and stick to it.

Tell us where to begin -  What are the essentials? Wash, tone, moisturize, use SPF (90% of skin damage is due to sun exposure) and exfoliate!!! No exceptions!!!
Serums are my best friend, especially Vitamin C. It's great for anti-aging.

What are your favorite products right now? I'm always loving the simplicity and efficacy of Kiehls Ultra Facial Collection. It is a fragrance free, colorant free pH balancing skincare line that is extremely affordable. Skincare doesn't need to be complicated.

I just discovered Bobbi Browns Extra Face Oil and I'm obsessed with the softening results it gives as well as the luminosity. They also make amazing eye creams like Hydrating Eye Cream and Extra Eye Balm....

The key to really good results is pairing your favorite skincare with the Clarisonic products. They make a tool called a skincare brush to wash your face and it cleans the skin 6 times deeper than using your hand or washcloth, diminishes fine lines, temporarily closes pores and helps your products absorb better so you use less.

The Clarisonic Opal delivers a sea serum deep into the under eye skin and gives the result of ironing out a wrinkle. Its like botox without the pain and has great cumulative results.
Find a salesperson you trust in a department store you like and work with them. Many brands offer samples so that you can try the products to see what works for you. Whats great about department stores is that they can track all of your purchases and samples and that makes it really easy. You'd also be really surprised at what kind of events and gift with purchases you are missing out on if you don't have a connection.
Take some time this week and find someone to work with.....You wont be sorry.


Thank you for all these wonderful skin care tips. For those who may not know, we sought out our interview with K today after seeing so many amazing transformations on her customers - transforming them from scullery maids to Cinderella's. She is tops in her field having helped many A List celebrities and public figures over the years. From time to time we will have her update you on any new products  that come along.