Would You Fill Your Wrinkles With Blood?

Looking for a smooth complexion without any artificial injectables? Good news! The secret to youthful skin is already coursing through your veins. Nicknamed the “Vampire” face lift, Selphyl is a new procedure that harvests platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood to inject in your face and fill out wrinkles and lines. While this beauty treatment has nothing to do with actual blood-sucking vampire bites, it may give your skin eternal youth. We spoke with Lauren Zeifman, RPA-C and founder of Manhattan-based aesthetic center Park Avenue Solutions, on why her patients love the treatment so much.

HOW DOES SELPHYL WORK?

First, blood is drawn from any part of your body and placed in a centrifuge for six minutes to separate the nutrient-rich platelets, which are then injected in your skin the same day. "We physically inject the platelets into your skin because they are responsible for cell regeneration," says Lauren. These platelets contain an array of proteins, enzymes, and hormones that stimulate tissue growth. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes total, and patients begin to see results within a few days. Side effects include a couple of hours of mild swelling and bruising at the injection site, and patients can expect results to last approximately three months. But the worst side effect is the dent on your wallet. Prices can range from $1500 to $2000 per treatment.

WHERE DOES SELPHYL WORK BEST?

The treatment is most widely used around the periocular region (the area around the eyes) to fill in hollow under-eyes or to plump crow’s feet. "It's more about the area of concern than the age of a patient. I've treated women of all ages from their twenties on," reveals Lauren.

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

Initially, patients get two or three treatments in the first year to test the treatment’s compatibility on their skin, then come in for treatments every three months to perpetuate cell regeneration. "Additional treatments can vary depending on your personal results," explains Lauren. "The blood and viability of the platelets affect how dramatic your results will be." Regardless of blood type, results are subtle and natural-looking with PRP—you’ll notice fewer fine lines, and wrinkles will look softer and skin plumper.

IS SELPHYL AN ALTERNATIVE TO BOTOX OR FILLERS?

Selphyl and Botox are not the same. To smooth out fine lines, Botox stops muscle function when injected, while Selphyl acts more like a filler. Selphyl’s PRP fills up wrinkles like fellow plumpers collagen and hyaluronic acid (the main ingredient in Restalyne and Juvaderm), but they work in opposite ways. The older injectable fillers temporarily plump the skin, while PRP encourages long-term plasma growth on a cellular level, and gives a more natural effect on the surface of the skin. "With PRP, your body absorbs the fluid and keeps regenerating cells," explains Lauren. "That's why patients see better results with each treatment." And since Selphyl also has no allergy risk (which can be a problem with hyaluronic acid and collagen), this "organic" option might be your best bet. If you're curious about the treatment, Lauren suggests visiting Selphyl online to locate a licensed practitioner near you.

Beauty Detox: Man Magnet Almond Milk

Beauties, are you looking to snag a man this Valentine's Day? A healthy diet won't just improve your skin and slim your figure, some foods can actually make you smell more attractive to the opposite sex!  "Almonds are an ancient symbol of fertility and have a sweet fragrance that may act as an aphrodisiac to the opposite sex," explains Kim. And if that isn't enough to get you reaching for a handful, almonds are also one of the most nutritious nuts for you. They are rich in fiber and contain a ton of good-for-you omega-3 fatty acids to reduce wrinkles and plump up your skin (and who doesn’t want to impress a guy with a beautiful, glowing complexion?). They're also high in magnesium, which is essential for healthy bones, blood flow, and getting a better snooze! "Making your own, fresh almond milk at home is much better for you," says Kim. "Unlike the store-brought variety, fresh almond milk doesn't contain any preservatives. Use it in place of regular milk in smoothies, cereal, or granola." And if almonds aren’t your thing, try using hazelnuts instead.

Homemade Almond Milk

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups raw almonds (soaked overnight)
2. 2 ½ cups filtered water
3. Stevia or dates, to sweeten to your taste (be sure to buy whole dates and remove the pits yourself. Pitted dates are more processed and may even contain added sugar and preservatives)

Directions:
Rinse the soaked nuts well with a strainer. Place the soaked nuts and the water in a blender and mix on high until smooth. Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth into a separate container. Squeeze all the liquid out of the cloth with your hands (so you get all the milk out), and discard all the nut pulp and nut fiber. If you are in a rush, pour the liquid through a fine strainer.
Do a quick rinse of the blender, and put the strained milk back in. Add the stevia or dates to sweeten to your taste, or leave it out altogether if you like your milk plain. This almond milk will last for up to two days in the refrigerator.

Diet Foods That Don't Work

Nonfat, sugar-free, zero calories. You may think that diet foods with these labels are shortcuts to slimming down, but this isn’t always the case. Just like diet drinks, diet foods often do you more harm than good. We spoke with Washington, D.C.-based nutritionist JJ Smith, author of Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out, to find out why we should stay away from these weight loss traps.
When you're perusing the supermarket aisle, foods with nonfat and calorie-free labels can be extremely tempting. The promise of being able to eat what you want without putting on weight is a dieter’s dream. However, these weight loss products aren’t as healthy as they sound. "The main problem with diet foods is that they still contain ingredients that are bad for you, even if the label says there’s no fat. Manufactures don't want to make food that doesn't taste good, so they add sugar to give it flavor," warns JJ. Conversely, if a product claims to be calorie or sugar-free, it will probably contain more fat, salt, or artificial ingredients. According to JJ, companies make one claim and then use other ingredients to add flavor and ensure that people will continue to buy the product. It's a tricky cycle that traps people into purchasing the same product over and over again, especially because they’re not losing any weight and still need to diet.
"Sugar-free cookies, fat-free dressings, and nonfat yogurt are some of the worst offenders," warns JJ. Sugar-free cookies became popular through brands like Weight Watchers. If you check the label, these “guiltless” treats contain ingredients such as fructose, glucose, and corn syrup (all of which are sugar and turn into fat if they’re not burned off). "Because of the sugar-free label, people assume that they can eat as many as they want. Then after finishing a whole box, they wonder why their pants are too snug," says JJ. Nonfat dressings and yogurt are also diet sabotagers in disguise because they typically contain an extremely high amount of preservatives. "While the yogurt may not contain any fat, there are so many artificial flavors added to make it taste good that the probiotics—which is the good part of yogurt—are basically useless.”
Many diet foods also claim to be low calorie, which JJ describes as a label trap. "Calorie tables are extremely misleading," cautions JJ. "The important thing to look for is the type of calorie, not the amount. While the table says there are only two grams of sugar, there may be six grams of bad fat." A healthy diet depends on a variety of foods that help your body to function. By replacing whole, raw foods (such as fruit and vegetables) with diet foods, you are cheating your body of essential vitamins and minerals, and filling it with artificial flavoring that will clog up your body and turn into fat.
JJ's advice? Swap all of your diet foods for fresh fruit and vegetables. Eat Greek yogurt with no extra flavoring and fresh berries, and make your own dressing from lemon and balsamic vinegar. By cutting out the diet foods and eating whole-fat foods moderately, you'll not only improve your chances of living longer and looking better, you'll find that you lose weight without having to work out! "Be mindful of what you're putting in your body, and always read the ingredient list!" she adds.

Beauty Tips for the Perfectionist

Do you consider yourself a little obsessive when it comes to your beauty collection? With spring cleaning in full swing, it's time to put a little order and structure into your regimen. From color-coded brushes to quirky organizing habits, we’ve got the perfectionist's checklist to make sure your routine gets an A+ in management.

SHELF LIFE

Most skin care aficionados have their regimen down pat, but they still have to rifle through boxes of bottles and elixirs. Take the sorting out of your routine and line up your seasonal skin care on your counter chronologically. Once you’ve physically set the products in order, you can go through them factory-line style. It will help cut down the morning rush!

PILLS, PILLS, PILLS

You're advised by experts and editors to take every beauty supplement in the book, but how can you remember to take your omega/flax/olive/fish oil/rosehip/vitamins without feeling overloaded? A little forethought and a plastic bag can help. Take 15 minutes every Sunday to prepackage all of your vitamins and supplements for the week into purse-sized Ziploc bags. In one swish and swallow, you get your daily dose of inner beauty.

FAIR WARNING

Perfect beauty upkeep requires time management. Schedule bi-monthly manicures and pedicures with consistent monthly dates, and keep track of any facial or massage appointments by requesting quarterly calls from your spa. For your day-to-day routine, perform your bi-weekly mask treatments three days apart from one another. If it's on the calendar, do it!

IMAGINATION ARCHIVES

Bombarded with inspiration but not sure how to organize it all? Create a blank checklist document in your word processor for any online links, images, and tutorial ideas that intrigue you. When you've tried the look, check off the item and move the content to bottom of the page. Set a goal of two new looks per week.

BRANDED BRUSHES

In a perfect world, all of our makeup brush handles would look perfectly alike. Realistically, that’s not that case—most gather their applicators from various sources over time. But if you’re a stickler for uniformity, unite your diverse brush kit with color! Use acrylic paint or nail lacquer to mark the ends of all your brush handles using whichever hue you prefer. The colored tips automatically unify your collection, and you’ll always know which brushes are yours.

SYSTEMIC SETUP

How many times have you organized and reorganized your makeup drawer(s)? Don’t lie—it’s probably more than you can count on your fingers. That’s the fun of amassing a curated cosmetic collection! For the most functional setup, organize your stash by products (eyeliners vs. lipsticks). For a more visual statement, group your pots, pans, sticks, and wands by color or brand. Whichever method you choose, remember that consistency is key.

Wake Up Beautiful!

Smudged nail polish, smeared makeup, and bad breath? Even if you prep before bed you can wind up with beauty blunders in the AM. We know how irritating it is to wake up from a peaceful snooze only to find your sheets stained and all of your beauty routine gone to waste. We've rounded up solutions for the most common mishaps so you can rest easy and welcome the sun looking gorgeous!

SMUDGED NAIL POLISH

Caution: wet paint! Hate when you think your manicure has dried only to wake up with sheet prints and smudges? Although your fingertips may feel dry to the touch in minutes, complete hardening takes over an hour. To be safe, use a fast-dry top coat and be sure to paint your nails two hours before hitting the hay.
magical beauty recommends: CND Air Dry Top Coat

TANNER STAINS

To avoid bronzer or self-tanner stains on your clothes, it's wise to apply the golden glow at night. But how can you make sure the hint of tint doesn't rub off onto your sheets? After the fake bake dries on your skin, apply a light layer of baby powder to absorb any excess moisture and leave your skin smooth and soft.
magical beauty recommends: Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder

WRINKLES

Although you may think a peaceful slumber helps relax facial muscles, stressful dreams can cause wrinkles to form on your face while you snooze. Zap these fine lines with a healthy moisturizer packed with oxygen, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid such as Kate Somerville's Dermal Quench Liquid Lift. The gentle foam works like an instant shot of botox!
magical beauty recommends: Kate Somerville's Dermal Quench Liquid Lift

MAKEUP TRANSFER

Are your pillowcases covered with dark smudges from makeup leftovers? Your cleanser probably isn't strong enough! Use an oil-based makeup remover around the eyes to help break down particles, ensuring you wash away every bit of liner and mascara without causing breakouts.
magical beauty recommends: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

BAD BREATH

Even if you brush your teeth before you hit the sheets, you are bound to wake up with morning breath. While there is no cure for that funky taste, there are methods to reduce the odor. After brushing, be sure to floss and swish mouthwash. This will dislodge any small particles stuck between teeth. But the most important step? Scrub your tongue with your tooth brush or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the surface.
magical beauty recommends: Orabrush Inc Tongue Cleaner

The Next 5 Trends in Eco Beauty

Ready for a greener routine? The natural beauty category has grown exponentially in recent years, and many are hopping on the bio-fueled train to a cleaner beauty regimen. Today, research and technology has given these eco all-stars an advantage over standard products. “If I don’t think it works well, I don’t sell it, no matter how pure or pretty it is,” vows organic beauty expert and Spirit Beauty Lounge founder Spirit Demerson. Her online boutique has evolved into the premiere digital destination for luxury eco beauty products, and the store has launched some of our favorite hand-made indie brands. We chatted with Spirit to discover the next five big things happening in the naturals category. Trust us, the future of earth-friendly beauty is anything but granola.

Eco meets high-tech! Stem cell research has already shown promising results in the skin care sector, but stem cells derived from plants such as apple, edelweiss, and argan can become game-changers in the industry. These special cells have increased potency, purity, and efficacy on the skin, and work to promote cell turnover and overall health. “We’re also introducing the technology to hair care and makeup! I’m really excited about their potential,” says Spirit.

SPIRIT RECOMMENDS

Acure Organics Conditioner Lemongrass + Argan Stem Cell

Kitchen produce has been the basis of DIY beauty recipes for generations, and now skin care is getting a molecular boost from potent superfruits and vitamin- and mineral-rich waters from around the world. Infusions and extracts from fruits such as açaí, goji, and blueberry plump up wrinkles and fine lines—“It’s like organic Jamba Juice for your skin!” says Spirit.

SPIRIT RECOMMENDS

Maya Water Facial Mist Organic

Nails and lips are already having a serious beauty moment, and green gals don’t have to miss out on the pigment-rich trend! “We’re seeing so many breakthroughs in non-toxic nail and lip color technology that are making your favorite lip and nail polishes even better,” exclaims Spirit. Your earth-conscious self can now wear every color of the rainbow!

SPIRIT RECOMMENDS

Scotch Naturals Non-Toxic Nail Polish

The “oil-free” era is over. High grade, sustainably-sourced organic plant, seed, fruit and nut oils are coming from all over the world—Brazil, Morrocco, Senegal, and South Africa. They’re antioxidant rich, nourishing, and luxurious, and they help cure—not cause—breakouts! Luxury organic face oils make the best all-in-one moisturizer, serum and makeup primer—and Spirit is sure women with all different skin types will start using them in 2012. “Baobab seed oil, for example, is a wonderfully luxurious, anti-aging ingredient from the ancient 'Tree of Life' and it’s just now popping up in serums and creams.”

SPIRIT RECOMMENDS

Lina Hanson Global Face Serum

Many perfumes on the market are mislabeled “eco” and “natural” but actually contain phthalates, a controversial chemical that is potentially harmful to the body. So what’s a scent-loving Beauty to do? Go back to the basics. Pure essential oils and extracts have become the new sophisticated aroma, housed in gorgeous packaging akin to your department-store favorites. “True-to-nature scents such as neroli, jasmine, bergamot, and tuberose are incredibly popular,” says Spirit.

SPIRIT RECOMMENDS

Tsi~La Organics Fleur Savage Eau De Parfum

Beauty Detox: Diet-Friendly Dressing

Beauties, have you ever looked at the ingredient list on your fat-free dressing and read a bunch of names you don't understand? Although the label may read calorie-free or 0% fat, what it should really be saying is: This dressing is a trick! Store-bought salad dressings are one of the worst contenders in the misleading label race, and are actually full of preservatives, sugar, and chemicals—all of which cause weight gain, pimples, and unbalanced hormones. This week celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder gives us a recipe for avocado dressing, a simple way to make your own topping without all the preservatives! "This dressing uses avocado as the main source of fat, so it's actually fat that's good for you" says Kim. "It works to plump your skin, contains lots of fiber so it's very filling, and is full essential minerals such as potassium."

Avocado Dressing

Ingredients:

1. 1 avocado
2. 1 small garlic clove, minced
3. ¼ cup filtered water
4. 1 Tbsp fresh dill
5. 2 drops liquid Stevia
6. ½ tsp Celtic sea salt

Directions:
Cut the avocado in half, scoop out the flesh, chop into large pieces, and put into a blender. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix until creamy and smooth. If you like your dressing a little runnier, feel free to add more water. This dressing can be used as a dip for vegetable sticks or tossed with greens for a fantastic salad. It will last in your refrigerator for one to two days.

What's Your Lip Balm Personality?

Pucker up! Whether you're a glamour gal or a low-key lady, every Beauty swipes on lip balm. This basic beauty essential can seamlessly protect, pigment, and perfect your pout. But with an endless selection of mouth-moisturizing options, which one is right for you? To help you narrow down the list, we rounded up our top picks from tinted to tasty! 

Tinted:

Not a fan of the statement lip? A tinted will add a subtle stain to your lips without the richness of a lipstick or the sticky mess of a gloss. The sheer layer is also ideal for color correcting your pout.
  magical beauty recommends: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm
 magical beauty recommends: Clinique Chubby Stick
 magical beauty recommends: Korres Lip Butter

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Flavored:

While many balms come with a delicious scent, the ones that feature a yummy taste can help fight snack cravings, make your lips delectably to kiss, and are perfect for breaking bad beauty habits such as lip bitting. Plus, for most of us flavored lip balms also bring to mind cheerful childhood memories!
 magical beauty  recommends: Lip Smacker 
  magical beauty recommends: Wet and Wild Jumbo Juicy Lip Balm
magical beauty  recommends: On10 Dr. Pepper Cherry Chocolate Lip Balm

With Sunblock:

Just like any exposed surface, lips need protection from harmful rays. Now-a-days there are tons of fantastic balms with high-levels of SPF included in their luxe formula—so you don't have to deal with the bitter taste or pesky white film that comes from traditional sunblock. 
  magical beauty recommends: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
magical beauty  recommends: Jack Black Black Diamond Formula Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
 magical beauty recommends: Nivea A Kiss of Protection Sun Protection Lip Care SPF 30

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Extra TLC:

For those Beauties who suffer from dry or chapped lips, finding a long-lasting formula with medicated ingredients is essential. If Vaseline isn't cutting it, look for balms with rose extract, shea butter, and Vitamin E, which will keep your lips smooth and moist.
  magical beauty recommends: Kiehl's Lip Balm #1
  magical beauty recommends: Eos Lip Balm Smooth Sphere
magical beauty  recommends: Rosebud Perfume Co. Rose Salve

Mom-To-Be Must-Haves!

Pregnancy may give your complexion a natural glow, but it can also wreck havoc on your body and skin. To keep yourself—and your growing baby bump!—pampered, you’ll need some special, Doctor-approved essentials. If you're a mom-to-be or know a close gal pal that’s expecting, check out our list of cult classic must-haves.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks

Prepping for the arrival of your newborn can be expensive! Luckily this beloved skin-soothing product is wallet-friendly, and it’s been a staple on pregnant bellies for decades. No need to splurge on high-priced stretch mark creams, Palmer’s blend of cocoa extract, coconut oil, and vitamin E in this lotion helps soothe itchy skin and will prevent future stretch marks from forming.

Mama Mio Skincare Boob Tube & Neck Firmer

Your tummy isn't the only area to grow during pregnancy! Avoid the stretch marks and sagging that comes with doubling cup sizes by applying this serum to your bust daily. The skin firmer helps maintain the strength and structure of collagen found within your delicate decolleté.

Basq Resilient Body Oil

Finding odd dry patches on your skin? You will love slathering on this ultra-hydrating body oil from head-to-toe. The light-weight formula contains all natural sweet almond and grapeseed oils which moisturize your skin without any greasy or sticky residue.

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Leg and Foot Cream

Happy feet! Swelling of the ankles and the added weight you are now hauling around can lead to sore legs and feet. Treat yourself to a mini massage at the end of the day by rubbing in this peppermint oil and rosemary extract enriched cream. The formula will instantly cool and soothe any foot aches.

Belli Acne Clearing Wash

Raging gestation hormones can result in blemishes and breakouts. Steer clear of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide (which many consider to be toxic for the baby) and instead opt for this safe acne-clearing alternative. The gentle cleanser contains lactic acid which exfoliates, lemon peel oil which brightens, and antioxidants such as green tea extract and cucumber—which fight free radicals in the dermis.

Beauty Detox: Wrinkle Fighting Sweet Potatoes

We love the vibrancy of orange, and it's been named the color of 2012. But did you know that foods of the same hue can help slow down the aging process and provide you with important vitamins? These vegetables—including carrots and oranges—are high in beta carotene (it's what gives them their color), which is one of the highest forms of vitamin A. Celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder's recipe for Italian style sweet potatoes is a great way to get your fill of the vitamin. "Sweet potatoes also contain carotenoids, which act as powerful anti-aging ingredients," says Kim. Carotenoids can only be absorbed through food, and also help prevent heart disease. "They are also high in vitamins B6 and C—both of which accelerate collagen production to maintain your skin’s elasticity," explains Kim. "Plus, they're full of magnesium and iron, which helps maintain a glowing, beautiful complexion."

Italian Style Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

1. 2 pounds organic sweet potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks
2. 2 Tbsp olive oil
3. 2/3 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
4. 1/2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
5. Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
6. ½ tsp Celtic sea salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss the cubed potatoes with the olive oil, oregano, rosemary, cayenne pepper, and sea salt in a glass baking dish. Bake in the oven for around 1½ hours, or until the cubes are cooked through and crispy on the outside. While baking, check occasionally and gently stir as needed.