Tips for a Whiter, Brighter, Healthier Smile!

A happy smile will help you look years younger, boost your self-confidence and make you more approachable! Here’s how to make your smile your best feature:

Practice Proper Dental Hygiene: I have to state the obvious…brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once and visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.

Eat For Healthy Gums: Eat these foods as often as possible: Salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, will reduce inflammation as will pistachio nuts, high in CoQ10. Strawberries, chock full of Vitamin C, can prevent gingivitis. Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal contain iron and B Vitamins, essential to gum health. Drink green tea–it’s high in antioxidants and will combat mouth bacteria.

Don’t Smoke: Among the long list of reasons you should never smoke (lung and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, fertility problems, macular degeneration, bad breath, wrinkles, etc.) tobacco also turns teeth yellow.

Steer Clear of the Tooth-Stainers: Over time, red wine, coffee, tea and dark sodas will turn teeth dingy. If you must indulge, drink them through a straw which will prevent the drink from coming in contact with your teeth.

Choose your Whitener: Available in your local drugstore or pharmacy, over-the-counter whitening treatments can remove surface stains. To make sure they work, look for the ADA Seal of Approval on any at-home whitening treatments you purchase. If you’re looking for something more effective than what you can buy yourself, your dentist can fit you for a whitening tray. You’ll use it at home and results will be reached in up to 7 days of use. Laser whitening is the fastest way to whiten your teeth. Though you’ll pay a lot more for this treatment, it’s like magic, all it takes is one 30 minute session.

If you prefer to go the do-it-yourself route, here’s something to smile about, courtesy of Dr. Oz:

  • In a small bowl, mix a little bit of baking soda with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon. The mixture should bubble slightly.
  • Use a q-tip to wipe saliva and excess plaque from your teeth before brushing on the mixture.
  • Leave the mixture on your teeth for a minute before gently brushing it off with a toothbrush.

Note: Don’t leave the mixture on your teeth for any longer than one minute or it can damage your enamel.

Now, say cheese!

 

 

Beach Babes!

A few days ago, I got 4-5 inches cut off my hair. It’s still below my shoulders, but what a difference…my dry, fried ends are gone! My daily use of a flat-iron got me in trouble. I know that summer is extra hard on your hair–the sun, chlorine and weather-induced over styling can all take a toll. My plan? To avoid heat appliances as much as possible and use a weekly deep conditioning treatment.

If I’m going to stick to this less is more approach with styling I need an option besides pulling it back in a ponytail or putting it up in a top-knot, neither of which will make me a slave to a blow-dryer. For hair inspiration I looked to Gisele, Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung, all modern style icons and all known to sport variations of the beachy wave style. No matter what length your hair, the key to pulling off this subtle “non-styled” style is long layers.

  1. Begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair.
  2. Apply your product. Use a texturizing cream or sea spray for fine, straight hair, a styling lotion for medium, straight or slightly wavy hair and styling cream for thick, wavy to curly hair. To do, rub a bit of product in hands, from palm to fingertips and take random sections (choose slightly different widths) and cover each section from root to end as you twist it. This look is all about separation and this is how you get it.
  3. Air dry or use a diffuser to keep the wave or curl intact and don’t touch. When completely dry, loosen a bit with fingers.
  4. Spritz with a light-hold hairspray if desired.

Products to try: Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray, $23 at ouidad.com, Kiehl’s Creme with Silk Groom, $18 at kiehls.com or Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious DefiningCreme, $29 at sephora.com

(photo courtesy of whowhatwear.com)

 

 

 

Look What I Found…Your New Summer Bag!

New season, best reason for a new bag!

For day, play and evening:

Sturdy leather on canvas with a nautical motif. Pottok Geoff McFetridge Canvas Tote in Charcoal Wales, $165, at pottokprints.com.

Boho vibe with leather trim, wool exterior and canvas interior. Mexican Bazaar, Blue Leather Tote, $105 at shoplatitude.com.

Envelope style straw bag with gold metallic threads woven throughout. Hat Attack Clutch, $78 at clubmonaco.com.

(photos courtesy of pottokprints.com, shoplatitude.com, clubmonaco.com)

Loud Mouth!

I love the  latest summer makeup look–a swipe of lip gloss and little else. For daytime stick to pale pinks, nudes and sheer coral glosses. For evening, go bold with orange, red, fuchsia or plum.

Glossy lips call for minimal makeup everywhere else. After moisturizing, cover up blemishes and circles with concealer or use a beauty balm if more all-over coverage is needed. Give eyes a touch of pale, neutral shadow and a coat or two of mascara on upper lashes only. Swipe on gloss and your done!

Three Favorites:

Girlactik Star Gloss in Orange Twist, $18 at girlactik.com. A long-lasting sheer apricot that works for all skin tones.

Clarins Crystal Lip Gel in Crystal Plum, $22 at macys.com. Glides on smoothly and has a wonderful blackcurrant fragrance.

Chanel Glossimer in Wild Rose, $29.50 at nordstrom.com. Super-shimmery and extra-shiny.

 

The Hot New BB Cream? A CC Cream!

The hot new BB Cream is a CC Cream!

Beauty Balms (aka BB Creams) have enjoyed their time in the spotlight thanks to multiple benefits of an all-in-one moisturizer, primer, sun protection and a light foundation. Color Correctors (aka CC Creams) are the latest take on this craze. Similar to the BB Cream they do all of the above but also address specific complexion concerns like dullness or discoloration while adding a bit more coverage. Both are lighter than your traditional foundation.

Your skin type, desired coverage and even the weather (dry vs. humid conditions) will all influence your preference.

BB & CC Beauty Tips:

  • Apply sunscreen before your BB or CC Cream to ensure you’re getting adequate sun protection.
  • Blend with your usual foundation when looking for more coverage.
  • If skin is oily, use it as a primer to help set your makeup. If skin is dry, mix in a little moisturizer for extra hydration.

To Try:

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF30 , $42 at sephora.com

Ole Henrikson Perfect Truth CC Creme Broad Spectrum SPF30, $36, available at sephora.com

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF20, $34, available at sephora.com

 

Sole Searching…

I’ve done a bit of sole searching…for the perfect flat that is, and I think I’ve finally found it in Tieks by Gavrieli.

I’ve always loved the look of ballet flats, but have never found one with enough arch support and a comfort level that makes me want to wear them all day. Until now. Tieks by Gavrieli are made of fine Italian  leather, available in a slew of colors and patterns, have a non-skid blue rubber sole and are even designed to fold and fit in a purse. They’re not inexpensive, but sometimes you really do get what you pay for.

Here, the reasons they’re worth it:

  • Cushioned back so the heel never chafes.
  • Foldable, compact and lightweight so on your feet or in your purse they won’t weigh you down.
  • They’ll stretch and mold to your feet becoming so comfortable you won’t want to take them off!

Tieks by Gavrieli, prices start at $165, available at tieks.com.

(photo by Tieks by Gavrieli)

Nancy Answers: Can I mix and match different brands of skincare?

Dear Nancy, I know most skin care companies want you to use their whole line of products, but is it okay to mix and match from different lines instead?  Sincerely, G

Dear G, When I first started in the beauty business I was so excited to be surrounded by so many great products I was like a kid in a candy store. I was cocktail-ing with the best of them…and my skin paid the price for it! “The short answer though, is yes, it can be safe to mix and match different brands of skincare,” according to Dr. Komal Pandya, a board certified general and cosmetic dermatologist with The Dermatologist Group in Paramus and Nutley, NJ. But, before doing so, you should “consult with a licensed esthetician or board-certified dermatologist to avoid adverse reactions from active ingredients and determine a skincare regimen that will give you the results you desire.”

Certain active ingredients and different pH levels can cancel each other out or cause irritation if improperly combined. Also, keep in mind that some products work best when used daily, once or twice a week or only at night. Pandya says “choosing one brand of skincare certainly makes it easier to piece all of the products together, and some lines are formulated to work synergistically as a set, but with a little bit of homework – and the guidance of a professional (not the salespeople behind the counters who have a vested interest in the line) – you can certainly stick to your favorites and add in some powerful new products from other companies.”

*BONUS: Mention THE BEAUTY WALL at any DermPerfection Skin Care Center in NJ (Nutley, Verona, West Orange, Morristown) and receive $25 off your first purchase of $75 and over.  No appointment needed, but please call 973-571-2121 for locations and hours.
xoxoNancy

 

Swimming Swimming…5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Hair

There’s nothing like jumping into a swimming pool to cool off…but, what’s great for the body can prove hazardous to your hair! Most swimming pools use chlorine, a harsh chemical used to break down bacteria and oils and keep pool water clear. Unfortunately, it also strips oil and moisture from your hair making it extremely dry and damaged and can even cause lighter hair to take on a greenish tone.

Though everyone should protect their hair, those with color treated, chemically processed, thin, fine or dry hair need to be especially cautious. Here easy ways to keep your hair healthy:

  1. Wear a swimming cap. Obviously, if the water can’t get to your hair, it can’t be damaged.
  2. Pull hair up on top of your head to keep it from getting wet and don’t submerge.
  3. Rinse your hair with clean water before entering the pool. Your hair is porous like a sponge. By getting its fill of fresh water, it’s less likely to absorb the chlorinated pool water.
  4. Shampoo, Rinse, Repeat. As soon as you step out of the pool shampoo your hair. If you can’t wash it immediately, rinse well to remove most of the chlorine and stop the damage asap. Clarifying and chlorine-removing shampoos are recommended but they shouldn’t be used too often as they can be drying as well. Click here for some shampoo and conditioner suggestions.
  5. Replace lost moisture with conditioners. Condition after shampooing but also use leave-in conditioners daily and deep conditioning treatments bi-weekly to keep hair healthy and shiny.

(photo courtesy of fashiongonerogue.com)

 

Memorial Day Thoughts…

Memorial Day means different things to different people. Tradition has embraced it as the unofficial first day of summer, time to throw a barbecue, attend a picnic or shop the sales. But, it’s so much more than that! It’s a day to honor and remember America’s fallen heroes, a day to celebrate the freedom they gave their lives to protect, a day to be thankful.

I look forward to this day every year. Like many towns across the nation, mine holds a parade followed by a beautiful outdoor gathering that is meaningful to all that attend. Speeches are given, servicemen are honored, students read poems, pastors give blessings. Young children wave flags and run toward butterflies, away from bees. My favorite part of the service is when the local high school marching band plays the corps’ medleys and every veteran and serviceman is invited to walk up to the stage and receive a special coin. Young and old alike make their way–some with babies on their shoulders and others with assistance or canes in their hands. It’s a beautiful sight. When my eyes fill I look around at the sea of red, white and blue…I’m certainly not alone as I see many others in the crowd wiping away tears, too.

Today, when you’re out with your friends or celebrating with your families, take a moment and give thanks for all who were willing to sacrifice their lives so that you could enjoy those freedoms. God bless America…God bless the World!

 

Twinkle Toes!

Though my manis tend to be neutral…I have an “anything goes” attitude when it comes to my toes!

Take a walk on the wild side in summer’s hottest hues! Go bright…and if you’re feeling extra bold, top with a kalaidescope of colorful glitter.

Layer your brights over pure white so your color will really pop. Essie Blanc is perfect for this beauty trick, but my favorite way to wear Blanc is with Pure Ice Sexy Mama on top!

From left to right:

  1. Neon Green: Essie Shake Your $$Maker
  2. Electric Fuchsia: Essie Bottle Service
  3. Bright Blue Hue: Pure Ice French Kiss
  4. Multi-colored Sparkles: Pure Ice Sexy Mama

 

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