What is your first memory of beauty products?As a child I suffered from acne so my first memory of beauty products was using acne treatment products. They were so awful to use because they smelled horrible and often left my skin dry and flaky. It has been my mission with the creation of my new acne collection (launching in February 2011) to use natural ingredients that are powerful, yet gentle and help to keep skin clear, and blemish free.
At what age did you start wearing makeup?I started wearing makeup and really taking care of my skin at the age of 16.
If you could apply only one product for the next month what would it be?I would die if I could not use my moisturizer. First and foremost, moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin leaving it soft, smooth and younger looking. In a pinch, a moisturizer can be used as a cleanser and can even remove makeup.
If you could give one product to all women in the world what would it be?
My new Acne Spot Treatment! Whether you are young or old, we all have blemishes. My new vanishing spot treatment is absolutely amazing because it can be used in the a.m. or p.m as an emergency spot treatment and also may be used to treat and prevent routine acne. Everyone feels and looks their best when their skin is clear and blemish free!
If you could ban one harmful ingredient from all beauty products what would it be?
I would ban parabens, which are a specific type of preservative that protect food and cosmetics against microbial contaminants, specifically yeast and mold. Recent studies show that parabens may cause cancer and cause allergic reactions/skin rashes. I have recently reformulated my entire line and have removed all parabens and I have seen such a difference in my formulas, they are more efficacious and feel and smell absolutely wonderful.
What is your favorite skincare ingredient?
My favorite ingredient is Gogi Berry. I eat them every day and I have added Goji Berry extract to every one of my products because they are the most powerful anti-oxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, protect skin from environmental toxins and combat the visible signs of premature aging. They are known as “The King of All Berries” and contain carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, over 18 different amino acids and is a source of Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C. It is rich in polysaccharides to help support intercellular communication providing essential nutrients to cells which encourages healthy immune function.
What is the last product you created?
The last product I created was my Radiant Refining Exfoliating Powder which is my new, favorite product because it is gentle enough to use everyday and leaves your skin soft and silky smooth. This unique exfoliating powder activates upon contact with water and gently sweeps away dead skin cells with rice, bamboo, papain and salicylic acid, leaving skin soft, smooth and clarified. Natural brightening ingredients, lemon peel, bearberry root, mulberry root and licorice extract help balance overall skin tone, while tea tree oil and willow bark extract help absorb oil. It also includes my powerful patent pending anti-oxidant blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts help to neutralize free radicals, protect skin from environmental toxins and combat the visible signs of premature aging. Helps refine the skin’s texture and tone leaving it with a flawless, radiant finish.
Who is the business woman you most admire?
I truly admire my dear friend, Gretchen Monahan. She is the entrepreneur behind the Needham-based Gretta Enterprises owns three local salons (Grettacole), two clothing boutiques (Gretta Luxe), and a spa called G Spa. She appears weekly as a style expert on "Rachael Ray" in New York and locally on Channel 7 for a segment called "Gretta's Got It." She is also a design consultant for shoe brands Via Spiga and Naturalizer, she is a consultant for Dove's hair-care line, launching a line of shoes, and writing a how-to book on dressing well. I am also working with her on creating her own line of beauty products…and that is not all!
Whose beauty do you most admire?
I have always been fascinated by how people in different countries take care of their skin. Wherever I travel, I spend hours in various stores and spas looking at the products and speaking to the sales associates and I have to say that I admire Asian women’s skin the most…they have an overall radiance to their skin that gives them a young, healthy glow. In my travels to Asia I am always amazed to see how many women have absolutely flawless skin and it is because they take such great care of their skin, by using a comprehensive skincare regimen that incorporates products that help to illuminate the skin and reduce the signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Their beauty was the inspiration for my Brightening Serum and Moisturizer which include natural botanical brighteners that give an overall radiance to the skin.
What was your best Spa experience?I received the most amazing massage of my life in Phuket, Thailand. There is something so special about receiving a therapeutic Thai massage while staring out at the white sands and deep blue Andaman Sea.
Besides your own, what is your favorite brand?
I love Trish McEvoy. Trish has always been committed to the creation of the highest quality products and she is a genius for creating her iconic Makeup Planner. I am a firm believer in her guiding philosophy that women should be able to maintain a standard of beauty and not be obligated to sacrifice their beauty because of the constraints of time, space and age.
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The mysteries of life are beyond comprehension. Last night before I knew the sorrow today would bring my ailing lower back called me to soak in Ahava Lavendar Bath Salts. I had avoided lavender baths for years because they reminded me of my ex, who I loved dearly and lost to the diseases that are the cruel mystery of this world.
