Fuller brows aren’t only in the game, they are the game!  And, by now, most women have learned how to maximize what they were born with so their brows look big and bold.  With that said, the single most important thing to do on a daily basis is DEFINE, and Boom Boom, owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar, has a new precision brow pencil that makes it super easy.

Boom Boom Precision Brow Pencil is a micro fine pencil with a grooming spoolie on the end for controlled filling and defining.  The precision point draws little tiny hair-like strokes that look like real brow hair and the spoolie is used to blend the pencil so brows look super natural, not drawn on.  It has the accurate control of a pencil with the creative shading benefits of a shadow.  And, it’s easy and fast.  To use, draw small upward strokes following the general shape of the brow, filling in sparse spots and curating the length, width and arch.  Smudge desired areas with spoolie to shade and blend.

Features and Benefits

• Micro fine point to define and add color and volume
• Smudging spoolie
• Color lasts up to 10 hours
• Formula has vitamins C and E for conditioning
• Comes in three easy to match shades (blonde, brunette and deep brunette)
• 
• Boom Boom Brow Bar is 11 years strong!! As one of the first walk-in brow bars in NYC, Malynda Vigliotti (aka Boom Boom) empowers others to celebrate their own personal gorgeousness without breaking the bank or making appointments.  She makes brows fast, convenient, affordable and FUN – 26K+ served last year…376K+ since 2008!  The Loyalty Program is a MUST – comes with 2 free services and no wait! Anyone can have thick gorgeous eyebrows, Boom Boom makes it happen!! Just walk in! FREE lip with brow 4-5pm every Monday-Friday for Happy Hour.  Shop for products, services and gift cards on boomboombrowbar.com.  Instagram: @BoomBoomBrowBar; Facebook: @BoomBoomBrowBar and Twitter: @BoomBoomBrowBar.

www.drmanishshah.com

With Memorial Day fast approaching, many are even more focused than usual on their bodies and getting them into tip-top shape at the gym. While exercise has multiple benefits, very often workouts and great looking skin don’t go together.  We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Board-Certified Denver plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert, to give tips on how you can get the six-pack and still have glowing, acne free skin.

Sweat Itself Does Not Cause Acne 

First, “It is important to know that sweat itself does not cause acne,” says Dr. Shah. He explains, “Professional sportsmen are predisposed to accumulating dirt and bacteria in their pores during and after workout periods. If left without proper cleansing this can cause worsening in skin conditions like acne and dermatitis.”

Avoid Makeup

These days a gym visit almost doesn’t seem to “count” unless one Instagrams it. This often leads women to wear makeup to the gym. Just don’t. Dr. Shah says, “Most makeup will clog pores by not allowing the skin to breathe naturally during workouts. A better option is a tinted moisturizer if you are self-conscious about your skin tone.”

SPF

If you’re going to be outdoors, apply a light moisturizer with SPF to keep your skin protected from UV rays.  Make sure to choose a lightweight product as not to clog up your pores. Look for words like “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” to know that your sunblock won’t cause acne.

Don’t Touch Your Face at the Gym!

Cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, these all breed bacteria. Touching them and them wiping beads of sweat off your face is a sure way to spread bacteria that can create new breakouts. Make sure to bring a towel for this instead of using your hands.

A Flowing Mane of Hair is Not Your Friend During a Workout

When you are working out it is a good idea to keep hair out of your face by styling it into a bun or rocking a dry and clean sweatband. Sweat and dirt can get transferred from your hair onto your face. If you haven’t washed your hair and you use hairspray or other hair products, these can also splash onto your pores along with perspiration. This can cause irritations and breakouts.

How to Choose the Right Gym Towel

An old rag won’t be effective at absorbing sweat. However, you don’t want a gym towel that is as absorbent as a bath towel you would use to dry off your body after a shower at home. Dr. Shah says that “The gym towel should be a happy medium — absorbent enough to keep your face dry during a workout, but not so thick it clings to bacteria even after a wash.”

Wear Loose and Comfortable Gym Clothes

“Spandex is tight clothing that can lead to skin infections from bacteria and fungi,” warns Dr. Shah. “Wear loose attire that will also help wick away the sweat preventing it from being absorbed by your skin.” Just google “sweat-wicking workout clothes.”

Reduce the Redness

Calm down a flushed face with your redness control remedy made up of a little bit of iced green tea and a spray bottle. “You’ll cool down your skin and add in a few extra anti-oxidants in the process,” says Dr. Shah.

After your workout

Dr. Shah stresses, “Wash your face immediately after your workout. You don’t want a mixture of dirt, oil, and bacteria clinging to your skin, affecting its pH, and clogging your pores. If you are exercising in a park where there is no sink, bring cleansing facial wipes with you.”

Moisturize Post Workout

No matter your type of skin, after cleansing you must moisturize. Dr. Shah says that “Skipping this essential step can unknowingly dehydrate your skin causing your oil-producing glands to overcompensate by producing an oversupply of oil. Use a moisturizer that’s been produced for your specific skin type and condition immediately after cleansing for the best results.”

Skip the Hot Shower

Sure, your muscles are sore, and you’re in the mood for a hot shower after a workout. Dr. Shah points out that, “Hot water strips skin of vital oils, leaving you with dry, itchy, dull skin.” Exfoliate more often to avoid “Bacne.” Breakouts on your back or chest are particularly common for “gym rats.” To avoid this, use a gentle body scrub three times a week. Dr. Shah says, “This will keep pores clear and skin functioning well.”

Save Your “Superhero” Products for Night

Save serious treatment products for bedtime. Dr. Shah points out that, “Even seemingly normal skin can experience much more sensitivity right after a workout.  You may want to wait until redness decreases by bedtime to use your super-active acne or anti-aging treatment products.”

About Dr. Manish Shah

www.drmanishshah.com

Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. was born in Canada and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. He graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a degree in biomedical engineering. He then completed his medical training at the University of Virginia, earning his Medical Doctorate. During this time, he also completed a one-year fellowship in microsurgery research at the New York University School of Medicine / Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. As a prelude to his plastic surgery training, Dr. Shah completed a rigorous five-year training program in General and Trauma Surgery at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. His formal training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was completed at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga Unit. After completing his plastic surgery training, he moved to New York City when he was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. This fellowship is widely considered to be the best of its kind in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!

Dr. Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.  He maintains a private practice in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver.

Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

It is difficult to imagine any bride not succumbing to a case of jitters before her big day. Weddings, large and small, are joyous occasions, but sometimes the prep can cause stress, which has been known to bring on acne flare-ups.¹ Not a bride-to-be, but in the wedding party? Unfortunately, that likely doesn’t exempt you from stress.

“Stress may lead to an increase in hormone levels that stimulates oil production, causing acne flares in some people,” shared New York City dermatologist, Joshua Zeichner, MD. “Topical retinoids treat acne, including breakouts caused by stress, by preventing cells from sticking together within the follicles. This essentially keeps the pipes clear so oil does not become trapped and cause pimples.”

If you know that you’re prone to acne, especially when feeling stressed, make sure to speak to your dermatologist well in advance of wedding season to help ensure that your skin looks its best.

But don’t wait. It can take up to 12 weeks for an effective medication to get your acne under control, so make sure to keep this in mind as part of your bridal count down.

An acne medication called Altreno™ (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05% from Ortho Dermatologics may be just what you need to help ensure that when you’re referred to as a “radiant bride” (or bridesmaid!), your skin looks its very best. Altreno™ Lotion offers all the benefits of a tretinoin product without sacrificing tolerability, as it is the first and only acne treatment that provides the proven efficacy of tretinoin in a hydrating, elegant lotion formulation. You can use it night or day and it fits seamlessly into an existing skincare regimen.²

Altreno™ (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05%

• The first and only tretinoin lotion
• Delivered in an elegant lotion vehicle that spreads smoothly and absorbs quickly into the skin
• 4% or fewer patients reported adverse effects in clinical trials
• Formulated with ingredients such as soluble collagen, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate that are known to hydrate the skin
• Has the established efficacy of a tretinoin
• Suitable for all skin types
• Once daily application
• A cash pay product

So, don’t wait until the last minute to get your acne in check. If you’re already seeing one pimple, there may be more lurking under the surface of your skin.

COST:   About $115.00 USD cash payment for up to 3 month supply

AVAILABILITY: By prescription only

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

It is not known if ALTRENO is safe and effective in children under 9 years of age. ALTRENO is for use on the skin only. Do not use it in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ALTRENO?

Before you use ALTRENO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

–  are allergic to fish. ALTRENO contains fish proteins. Tell your healthcare provider if you get hives or itching during treatment with ALTRENO.

–  have eczema or any other skin problems.

–  have a sunburn.

–  are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ALTRENO will harm your unborn baby.

–  are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ALTRENO passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medicines, vitamins, or supplements may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Tell your healthcare provider about any cosmetics you use, including moisturizers, creams, lotions, or products that can dry out your skin.

What should I avoid while using ALTRENO?

  ·     You should avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet light during treatment with ALTRENO.

  ·     Minimize exposure to sunlight. If you have to be in the sunlight or are sensitive to sunlight, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to cover the treated areas.

What are the possible side effects of ALTRENO? ALTRENO may cause serious side effects, including:

Skin Irritation: ALTRENO may cause irritation, including skin dryness, pain, redness, excessive flaking or

peeling. If you develop these symptoms, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop using ALTRENO for a while, decrease how often you use it, or stop it altogether. Avoid applying ALTRENO to skin that is affected by eczema or sunburned.

  ·     These are not all the possible side effects of ALTRENO.

  ·     Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

www.drmanishshah.com

Each year brings with it fashion trends, decorating trends, and beauty trends.

The latter covers everything from nails, haircare, makeup and skincare. With the ubiquity of social media, beauty users now can pick up popular trends from anywhere across the world and follow them. Skincare is the biggest segment in the beauty industry with global sales that hover around $130 billion in 2019. There is so much for consumers to digest and decide on. We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and skin care expert. He takes a microscope to some of the hottest trends in 2019 to give you insight into what’s worth your hard- earned dollars.

CBD In Skincare

Much like it did in 2018, CBD is taking off in the new year. In fact, CBD (short for cannabidiol) has no plans of easing up its reign on the skin-care world in 2019. As a case in point, there are at least two MAJOR skin care brands that now include CBD in their skincare, not to mention the indie companies who have created CBD skincare. Dr. Shah’s take: “As far as it being good for skin, it acts as both an anti-inflammatory agent and an oil reduction agent. Theoretically, its addition to skin care products, especially those tasked to fight acne and other inflammatory skin conditions, is probably legitimate. It is also a good antioxidant that can help protect against free radical damage to skin cells. CBD can be made from hemp which helps skincare companies get around the federal ban on marijuana. Side effects of unregulated use include: Nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does.”

Microneedle Patches

Some beauty editors and bloggers swear by pimple patches. According to experts, those patches are about to get even more advanced by way of a ton of tiny microneedles (or “microstructures”).The logic is that you can out put a smaller amount of acne-fighting ingredients into these tiny little cones and apply it to the skin, it’s a better, more effective delivery system.

Here’s how they are purported to work: The small band-aid-like sticker has spikes coated with hyaluronic acid that are thinner than a hair follicle. Through these teeny painless pricks in the skin, the patch drives the active ingredients deep in to the skin. Dr. Shah’s take:

“There is plenty of good medical literature on the validity of these small patches that are impregnated with various chemicals. The patch gets worn and the needles (either metallic or made out of absorbable polymer) penetrate the skin delivering the chemical treatment. Their design takes advantage of the concept of transcutaneous delivery of drugs. Patches can be custom made to fit various areas of the face and deliver anti-aging or other chemicals while a patient sleeps. The efficiency of delivery is better through the tiny skin punctures than if you only put the chemical directly on the intact skin. In theory, aesthetic practitioners can make custom topical treatments and place them on the patches to deliver customized at home skin treatments for their patients.”

Is a Cryotherapy Facial Is the Best Way to Brighter, Tighter Skin?

Cryotherapy has gained popularity in recent years with spa treatments exposing clients to subzero temperatures to help relieve pain and improve their health. This wellness treatment has recently undergone another adaptation with the cryotherapy facial treatment. The Cryo Facial is a cryogenic treatment that is performed by what is considered a “cryo probe,” which beams vaporized liquid nitrogen across the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Different from the cryotherapy chambers that can be used for pain relief, the facial targets helping the face look younger. Dr. Shah’s take: “This may be more suspect. There isn’t a great deal of study-based evidence that cryotherapy facials actually do what they claim. Typically, cryotherapy uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze exposed skin cells to kill them, like a wart. The facials use the same liquid nitrogen as a spray, but the aesthetician doesn’t stay in one area too long to avoid frostbite to the skin. Some level of cold injury occurs, probably to a very superficial level of the skin, so there may be some exfoliation. But there are safer ways to get exfoliation without risking frostbite or hyperpigmentation.”

ANTI-POLLUTION SKIN CARE

Your skin is exposed to environmental aggressors on a regular basis. Although unseen, these pollutants can wreak havoc on your skin by breaking down collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin its bounce. To help reduce these unwanted side effects, anti-pollution skin care products are continuing to gain favorability among consumers. Just as SPF is now de rigor in skin care, this seems to be the case with anti-pollution ingredient. Dr. Shah’s take: “I think that this is a new name for old tech. In brief, our skin is exposed to environmental contaminants that create inflammatory conditions. These conditions lead to build up of free radicals in the skin. The ingredients in antipollution skin care are basically strong antioxidants that protect against the free radicals. But the skin is assaulted by more than chemicals. It experiences dehydration, UV exposure, temperature changes, etc. True antipollution skincare should guard against all this. Typical protective and reparative ingredients include vitamin E, vitamin C, retinoids, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, vitamin B3, and bisabolol.”

Dr. Shah’s final verdict: Just as one can become a slave to fashion, the same can happen with skin care trends. My best advice is to consult with your skincare physician. Discuss what you are exposed to during the day.  Is it sun, pollution, humid air, wind, etc.? Talk to your doctor about what type of skin you have. Skin type changes as you age, and as hormonal factors come into play. Someone who had oily skin in their 20’s and 30’s can have combination skin in their 40’s and 50’s. Speak with your aesthetic provider about what your specific goals are for your skin. Is it reduced acne? Fewer wrinkles? Reduced brown spots? Broken capillaries? Just because something is a trend, does not mean it’s right for your skin care type or your goals. If you have a regimen that works for you, stick with it.  Don’t be tempted by designer brands if drugstore brands are effective for you. There is nothing wrong with giving your skin care routine a modern “kick,” but good skincare does not mean one must try everything available on the market or in a med/spa or doctor’s office.

About Dr. Manish Shah

www.drmanishshah.com

Manish Shah, M.D., F.A.C.S. was born in Canada and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. He graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a degree in biomedical engineering. He then completed his medical training at the University of Virginia, earning his Medical Doctorate. During this time, he also completed a one-year fellowship in microsurgery research at the New York University School of Medicine / Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. As a prelude to his plastic surgery training, Dr. Shah completed a rigorous five-year training program in General and Trauma Surgery at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. His formal training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was completed at the Univ. of Tennessee College of Medicine – Chattanooga Unit. After completing his plastic surgery training, he moved to New York City when he was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. He underwent extensive, advanced training in aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body at the hands of some of the most renowned cosmetic surgeons in the world. This fellowship is widely considered to be the best of its kind in the world. Dr. Shah is one of only a select few plastic surgeons in the country who have undergone formal post-graduate training in aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery.

Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you!

Dr. Shah is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.  He maintains a private practice in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver.

Dr. Shah is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Rhinoplasty Society, and the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Shah is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Congratulations, you’re getting married! Getting engaged is definitely a cause to celebrate. Before you get caught up in the whirlwind of planning your wedding, you may want to take a moment to celebrate your big decision by having an engagement party. This definitely requires planning and preparation of its own, so to keep you from feeling overwhelmed, here are a few tips:

Capture the Memories

Getting engaged is definitely up there on the list of memorable life events. Make sure you capture the precious memories you’ll make at your party by hiring a professional photographer for your event. Or you can mix things up and make it more fun and interactive by renting a photo booth. A trusted vendor like the Photo Factory can make sure taking photos at your party will be a fun activity yet still in keeping with an elegant theme.

Renting a photo booth removes the burden of making sure you capture important memories at your party. They make it possible for you to get your photos in seconds, and they also make it easy to share your photos on social media with just a few clicks too. These are just some of the reasons why thephotofactory.co is the top photo booth rental in NYC.

Send Formal Invitations

In this digital age, it’s now so easy to send mass invites to a party via email, calendar invite, or social media. But sending old fashioned, paper invitations adds to the elegance of the affair, even if your party isn’t a strictly formal one. You can easily design beautiful invitations yourself using an app like Canva.com, or order them from a supplier.

Be sure to include all the important details like the date, time, venue and dress code so your guests come prepared. If you have limited space or if you would like to keep the affair an intimate one, be sure to specify that on your invitation so your guests won’t unwittingly bring along uninvited plus ones.

Plan Activities

Even if your engagement party is more on the casual side, it’s still appropriate to say a few words about the engaged couple. A bit of structure also adds to the elegance of an affair. Enlist one of your parents or a family member to “open” the party and to welcome everyone, and you and your fiancé can share how you met and fell in love. You could also show a video about your relationship, and use the occasion to announce your wedding date and other details.

If your guest list is limited to trusted family members and friends, and you and your significant other are good sports, you could let your guests roast you. You might also want to ask some of your older married family members and friends to share their advice for a long and lasting marriage.

At the end of the day, this is your day to enjoy and again celebrate the big life decision you’ve made. Don’t stress out too much about throwing a perfect engagement party or getting every detail just right. The important thing is to enjoy this time with the people closest to you, and to use this opportunity for your families to get to know each other better and form bonds before your wedding.

While you might have initially launched your beauty blog to share your makeup skills, style secrets, and favorite products, you could soon turn this fun pastime into a lucrative venture. There are also multiple options to choose from to start earning a healthy revenue.

If you have developed a loyal following and want to take your website to the next level, here are four ways you can monetize your beauty blog.

• Incorporate Advertisements

Online advertisements can be an effective way to enjoy a passive income for minimal effort. If you have a steady flow of traffic visiting your website, consider incorporating Google AdSense advertisements.

Each time a visitor clicks on an ad, you’ll make money. Plus, as the ads will be relevant to your users’ search history, they’ll be more likely to engage with them. So, the more traffic you generate, the more money you can make.

• Beauty Affiliate Programs

After your beauty blog becomes popular, it’s likely many brands will reach out to pitch an affiliate partnership. This can be an effective way to enjoy a significant income and many freebies, as you could receive spa passes, free beauty products, skin care items, and more.

However, it is essential to only affiliate your beauty blog with products you genuinely like and care about. If you promote products or services that don’t represent who you are or your fans, it could lead to a drop in traffic and readership.

• Sell Products on Your Website

If you are ready to turn your blog into a profitable business, consider selling high-quality products on your website. For example, you could sell the following items:

• Makeup
• Beauty accessories
• Hair products
• Skin care products

You also can reduce your company’s overheads and processes with dropshipping. To do so, you will need to source products from a dropshipper, who will store your chosen items in their warehouse before sending them directly to your customers.

So, you will not need to worry about warehousing and shipping, meaning you can focus on marketing your high-quality beauty articles and products. Learn more by reading this guide to eBay dropshipping.

• Accept Sponsored Posts

Many companies will pay good money to place an article on a trusted website with great domain authority, which can potentially increase their ranking in the search engines. If this sounds like your beauty blog, it’s likely many companies are contacting you to request a sponsored guest post.

While you have the option to write the blog post yourself for a brand, many might be more than happy to write a high-quality article for your site. If a blog is well-written and complements your branding, you could receive a cash amount for publishing it on your website with a backlink to their site. It is a quick and easy way to make money online.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways you can turn your popular beauty blog into a rewarding business. You never know, it could become so successful that you can ditch your 9 to 5 job and focus on the smooth running of your site.