Nothing working to clear up that sudden breakout? After trying practically every treatment and cream in the book, I’ve found that less is more. Sometimes harsh acne treatments only aggravate your skin more, stripping skin’s natural moisture, causing more oil production. Try taking a more gentle, natural approach. Here’s what has been working for me…

The first thing you need is a pack of premium cotton pads. They won’t leave cotton lint on your skin. I spray the lined side of the cotton pad several times with rose water. Then I put two or three drops of tea tree oil onto the saturated cotton pad. (That’s two or three drops, NOT dropper-fuls) Tea tree oil is very strong and should never be used full strength on the face.  You may be able to find a tea tree oil that comes with a dropper, otherwise you should purchase a dropper bottle separately. If you don’t have rose water, you can spray the cotton pad with plain water. Next, wipe the cotton pad over clean skin. (You would remove any makeup beforehand.) The rose water and tea tree oil work as a gentle toner, and both have natural astringent properties.  This will help unclog pores and treat any breakouts you might have. You can feel the gentle tingling sensation. If your skin seems like it’s getting dry, lessen the amount of tea tree oil you are using. If nothing seems to be working for your skin, give this a try and let me know what you think!

Products I use:

• Home Health Rose Water available at Sprouts
• Premium Cotton Oval Pads available at Walmart
• Desert Essence 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil available at Sprouts

I had to post this amazing makeup look that my friend and makeup artist Oscar Xtravaganza did on Lady La. It reminds me of a look I’ve seen on Kim Kardashian, and the makeup is incredible! Read on for product recs…

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I saw this great modern twist on the french manicure, and decided to give it a try myself. Traditional french manicures have been such a “DON’T” in recent years, so when I saw the nude base with a navy tip (two nail colors I am very fond of) I fell in love. The difference with this “New French” is that the tip is much thinner. Even on long nails, you aren’t going to do the entire length of your tip navy. The thin stripe of navy adds so much chic.

All you need is a nude base, warm or cool depending on your skintone. I used OPI Tickle My Francey, mostly because my Samoan Sand is down to the last drop *tear*.

For the Navy tips I used a thin nail art brush from a beauty supply store and OPI Sapphire in the Snow. I love using Sapphire in the Snow on my toes in Fall and Winter months. I will probably soon be running low on that gem too.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

“This revolutionary invisible dry spray builds incredible volume and sultry texture. Patented polymers absorb oil at the roots, leaving you with just-styled hair for both day and nights. Shake. Spray where you want volume and style. A brilliant alternative to dry shampoo.”

Over the weekend I had a hair emergency. It was my hubby’s birthday party and I wanted to look fly. I had a hair appointment at Drybar, something I only do on special occasions. Unfortunately, the 101 freeway was down to one lane and I had to call and cancel last minute. Sad Panda.

Luckily I remembered I had this Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray on hand. I sprayed it lightly all over my hair and then curled it in sections with my enzo milano curler. Result, volume and texture galore. Thank you Oribe, for saving me from my hair emergency.

I have the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray in the purse size, which retails for $19.50 and is available at Neiman Marcus and Oribe.com.

Currently loving this glittery look that Michael Franco did on Lady La for her upcoming 2012 calendar. My favorite product for a sparkly, smokey eye is MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Cinderfella.

It’s a pigmented carbon black with silver sparkle.

You may be able to snag one of these on Ebay, but since it’s no longer available, I’ve compiled a list of products that can give you a glittery look, including the one used in the above photo.

• MAC Glitter in Reflects Pearl – $20 (Available at MAC PRO)
• Lorac Liquid Lustre – $16 (Available at Sephora)
• Makeup For Ever Glitters – $13 (Available at Sephora)

Just dab a bit of cosmetic-grade glitter on top of your eyeshadow for this sparkly look. Lorac Liquid Lustre is a liquid product that can be mixed in with your eyeshadow or dabbed on top as well. This is the product on Lady La, shown in the above photo. (Makeup by Michael Franco)

Tip: Glittery looks are great for a night out.. not so much for everyday wear.

• crushed ice
• lemonade
• sliced strawberry
• slices of key lime
• fresh chopped mint leaf

How are you staying cool?

With the Fourth of July just up ahead, I thought I’d post a Patriotic Polish look.

I recently received these two ORLY polishes in the mail and they were perfect for the look. I added a few white stars with a Hot Topic Nail Art Kit that I have from 2009. Look for the Konad Nail Art stands in the mall for similar stamp kits.

Here’s a closer look at the individual colors, both available at ULTA.

ORLY Royal Navy

A bold royal blue jelly with teal micro-glitter.

ORLY Star Spangled

A bold red jelly with red micro-glitter.

Another alternative is adding white stripes to an accent nail with a stripe polish in white, available at Sally Beauty. Don’t overdo it though, red and white stripes can get candy cane real quick

You don’t need fancy scrubs to get rid of dry, flaky skin. You may even have everything you need for soft, smooth skin right in your kitchen cabinet.

• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm with your regular gentle face cleanser for some extra exfoliation. Rinse off thoroughly to reveal a smooth and bright complexion. (Once a week should be enough, Don’t over do it)

• Make a paste out of a handful of baking soda and water to scrub your body. This works great for the feet when you can’t get in for a pedicure.

• Add a cup of baking soda to your bath water for super soft skin. I noticed sodium bicarbonate is a main ingredient in many of LUSH’s bath products. It doesn’t quite compare to the experience of a LUSH bath, but it’s a nice alternative for when you don’t have a LUSH bath bomb laying around.

• Sprinkle some baking soda into your palm along with your shampoo. This is especially good for people with dandruff problems. Massage away the itchy, flaky skin and your scalp with feel clean, and hair clarified.

What are some of YOUR favorite DIY beauty tips using household products?

Tinted Moisturizer evens out the skin without the mask-like appearance that full-coverage foundation can sometimes give. Tinted Moisturizer is perfect for spring and summer. Glowy skin is IN and here is how you can achieve the look without the trial and error of finding a decent tinted moisturizer on the market… Read the rest of this entry »

Our favorite red head Patricia Field has teamed up with Kotex for a contest titled Ban The Bland. Due to the boring aesthetic of feminine hygiene, Ms. Field will offer the chance to design a maxi pad, carrying tin, and inspiration board. The winner will receive the opportunity to work with Field herself, to create a new line of feminine care products. I can’t help but wonder how many “True Blood” themes will be entered. Put some pizazz in your period and start designing HERE