The Zeno Mini: An Affordable Way to Banish Acne

Since I use makeup as wearable art, I like to fancy my skin as a canvas. Flawless skin is impossible to come by, so I try to make due with a highly calculated, medically advanced skincare regimen. However, once and awhile, there is always that stubborn pimple that magically appears at an inconvenient moment (be it a first date, or an important day at work).

That's when my Zeno comes to the rescue as a zit zapping miracle! The older models of the Zeno range around $160, which sounds steep during a recession, but at $89 the Zeno Mini is the perfect price for budget fashionistas.

This lightweight, handheld beauty device is clinically proven to make 90 percent of blemishes disappear within a 24 hour time period. FDA approved, it treats a single zit by using ClearPoint technology that uses heat to target the bacteria. Most blemishes can be treated within two to three treatments, but it is best to target the zit at an early stage using one treatment. The device is safe to use and requires no extra cleaning.

Unlike the older models of the Zeno, the Zeno Mini runs on two AAA Batteries, and the tip should be replaced after 45 uses.

My favorite part? It's portable! I've always been a girl-on-the-go and now I don't leave home without my Zeno Mini!

To find which Zeno product works best with your lifestyle, see MyZeno for more information.

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Beauty Basics, Tips For Gorgeous Hands

You can tell many things about a woman by looking at the state of her hands. Hands play a huge part in your overall look and if you have been neglecting them, it's really time to take notice. The best way to keep your hands looking flawless is to get a weekly manicure at a salon like my favorite, Dashing Diva . Or DIY by buying a manicure kit and a selection of nail polishes from the best nail polish companies, Essie and OPI. Don't forget to pick up a base coat and top coat

I've recently started using this great Rejuvenating Hand Cream by Become Beauty. I love it because it has some amazing ingredients like orange oil and peppermint that are clinically proven to improve the appearance of your hands. I also adore how fast it's absorbed and also pleased that the formula is non-greasy. I recommend slathering it on at night and then secure with cotton gloves to wake up with supple beautiful hands. Then apply it religiously during the day. Get your tube of Become Rejuvenating cream here.

This Is Clean, This Is Natural - Suki Skincare

It can be hard to find effective, high quality products in the vast sea of the new breed of organic skin care products. Most claim to do such and such but fail to deliver their promises. Believe me I've been through many. So I was especially pleased when I found Suki, a new skin care line by Suki Kramer that utilizes the best natural ingredients for 100% pure and natural products. Minimally processed and bio-dynamic, Suki is one of the few product lines to not use fragrances, dyes or any synthetics of any kind.
If you want to go natural, I suggest starting with the most important part of your beauty, your skin. Start your morning off with the Suki foaming exfoliating lemongrass cleanser. It smells delicious and leave your skin bright and smooth. Then use the clarifying toner to pick up and residue and also to help tone uneven skin. Finish off with the Suki intensive brightening cream and then of course an oil free sunscreen of your choice after that. Your skin will be free of toxins and petrochemicals you'll actually feel your skin breath. Suki is pure, natural and most of all, all you. Get natural with Suki today.

Beautiful & Lush Skin Courtesy of AMBI

No matter what you wear, rich, moisturized skin is a must. If you're a woman of color like myself, you need a little extra TLC. I trust AMBI to keep me well moisturized. AMBI skincare is formulated especially for women of color and delivers smooth even skin. I've been a fan of AMBI for the past 3 years and love the way my skin stays moisturized for hours. AMBI products have also helped my skin stay even and silky smooth. I currently use the AMBI Body soft and even line.

I use the AMBI fade cream every night as recommended by my derma. If you have dark skin you know how annoying hyper-pigmentation can be. This cream helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots, and it works. Cosmetics guru, Shalini Vadhera suggests you wear sunscreen during the day to help protect hyper-pigmented skin from harmful rays that can make them even darker.

I also love love love the stretch mark diminishing oil. It's great for reducing the look of stretch marks. The key to getting great skin is staying hydrated. AMBI will take care of the outside hydration but make sure you drink lots of water. Water is nature's beauty secret and you should take advantage of it. Find AMBI products at your local drugstore.

Beauty Tips and Secrets

Skin Care:

Start of with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil for Normal to Oily skin. This one is a gel base that does not clog pores. All it does is clean gently and it gets rid of extra unwanted oil.

Brush of dead skin cells gently, but thoroughly, with a dry towel. Be careful not to pull the skin harshly.

Use a new, clean, mascara tester wand to brush dead skin cells off of eyebrow area. Don't forget to brush off the dead skin cells that fall on your cheeks from doing this. Use small dabs of hair moisturizing cream on eyebrows. Eyebrow hair needs care too!

Moisturize dry spots quickly after washing so it will have time to absorb before you apply cosmetics. I like to use natural moisturizers with as little ingredients as possible.

Color Cosmetics:

Try out a foundation primer before you apply any makeup. There are many new brands on the market to experiment with. I use Smashbox Photo Finish. Do not over do the primer because it can cake.

Apply concealer after foundation and blend well. Leave concealer on for a minute or two to let it thicken, and apply another layer if needed, to cover flaws seamlessly. If you have very dark circles, you can apply concealer before and after foundation, in thin layers until the desired effect is achieved. My favorite is Origins Quick, Hide! concealer.

Use a smooth, almost oily, creme concealer for upper eyelids as well. This type works well for skin discolorations.

Wipe of any excess liner or mess ups with a cotton swab dabbed in your foundation or concealer color cosmetic.

Use blush and contouring powders to add depth and a beautiful glow to your skin. Use an all over translucent powder to set your entire look.

Apply mascara after eyeshadow and eyeliner. Wipe off any mistakes on eye lids with a cotton swab, and use your forefinger and thumb to gently pull away thick globs attaching lashes together. We want the full and feather-like look, ladies!

Line lips with a similar color to your lipstick, and fill in the entire lip area. Wait a few seconds to let the liner set, and then apply lipstick. Use more than one coat to get the full effect of the lipstick color. If you use lip gloss, apply it after the lip liner, or after the lipstick, and use one coat for a subtle sheen effect. Layer it on like there is no tomorrow for high drama! I love lip gloss!

Taking time to do these simple things can really effect your mood and outlook on the day.