Paula Jackson has over twenty years experience in the beauty industry. This former Estée Lauder account executive’s a licensed esthetician, MAC Professional Makeup Artist, and certified in Reconstructive/Corrective Makeup. Paula is sole owner and operator of Esthétique Salon (978)462-2983. She is a proud member and supporter of TCNE and IFGE. Have a question for Paula, email her at: Paula@myEsthetique.com

May 5, 2010 – Esthetique Rapid Lash Quick Evaluation
Recently Esthetique had a chance to test Rapid Lash, the new mascara that claims to have an innovative high-performance formula which helps thicken the appearance of and improve the condition of your lashes and brows. They promise results in 3-4 weeks.  At Esthetique we’ve been pretty amazed as we’ve seen significant changes in only 10 days!

April 13, 2009 – Q&A with Esthetique: Paula Answers Your Beauty Questions
Q. I love the look of a healthy tan but I’m concerned about sun exposure. I’ve tried tanning booths in the past but don’t feel comfortable about their safety. Any suggestions?

A. I highly recommend using self tanners! There are many brands on the market to choose from. They may come in the form of a lotion, tint or spray. I recommend that you read the directions thoroughly and use gloves for the application. This way, you’ll avoid staining of your hands and fingernails. Self tanners have come a long way over the years. Gone are the days of “orange”. Tanners provide a beautiful healthy glow without the risk.

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Q. My eyebrows are very fair without adding color to them. I’ve found that using a pencil looks too harsh & brush-on powder doesn’t stay on. What other choices do I have?

A. I actually prefer wetting my eyebrow brush before dipping it into my brow powder. Surprisingly, this method not only works beautifully but provides great wearability as well.

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Q. Are there any skin care products that truly yield results?

A. Retin A (retinoic acid) & Retinol products DO yield results if used on a regular basis. Retin A is a prescription which may be obtained from a physician. Many skin care products on the market now contain retinol in varying strengths. Though both are related they are distinctly different. Retinol, once applied, must wait until it gets converted to retinoic acid. The conversion rate is low and varies greatly among individuals. In addition, when exposed to air either during storage or use, much retinol may get oxidized or degraded even before it can become available for conversion to retinoic acid in the skin. Personally speaking, Retin A works best and provides a better shot at eliminating fine lines and reducing wrinkles than even the best retinol formulations.

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Q. I have long legs that are in great shape. However, I’m plagued with broken capillaries and veins. Is there any help for me? I’d love to wear a mini skirt or dress.

A. First of all there are many cover creams on the market specifically designed for legs.

Should you decide a more permanent solution, laser or sclerotherapy may be just what you’re looking for. I know many people who’ve had great success with these treatments. Many plastic surgeons now offer this exciting service as part of their menu.

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Q. I’m interested in a quality mascara. Which would you recommend?

A. Honestly speaking, to spend a great deal of money on mascara is a complete waste. I’ve tried every mascara ever manufactured and found the cheapest works just as well. Maybelline, Great Lash is my mascara of choice right now ~ cheap yet effective!

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Q. I hear so much about the medication that grows lashes. Is it worth the investment?

A. At present, I’ve heard more bad than good about Latisse. The most common complaint is eye redness and itching. I don’t feel as though the product has been on the market long enough. I’m not willing to take any chances. However, you must make those decisions for yoursel

Thanks so much for the questions. Please keep them coming!  Wishing everyone a wonderful Spring!

February 22, 2009 - The Non-Invasive Liquid Facelift
The question I’m asked most often in my salon is, “What options do I have outside of feminization facial surgery that will minimize expression lines and soften my appearance”?

Assuming that you’ve got a skin care regimen down pat, it’s certainly possible to greatly improve your overall look!

Minimally invasive procedures are becoming increasingly more popular with those who want to avoid or postpone cosmetic surgery.

Though plastic surgery is still the gold standard, dermal fillers and Botox have proven to be wonderfully beneficial – thus the Liquid Face Lift.  Liquid Face Lift procedures have been making a noticeable impact in aesthetic medicine during the past few years. A liquid face lift can help many individuals who are concerned with any one of a variety of issues, as well as providing an alternative for a traditional surgical face lift in a number of instances.

BOTOX Cosmetic (not a filler) may be used to decrease lines of the forehead, eye area, and even the mouth and chin. In addition, BOTOX Cosmetic is also ideal for lifting the brows. BOTOX is a neuromodulator that is produced by a type of bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which is found virtually everywhere. It interferes with the nerve impulses that are responsible for muscular contractions; the toxin dramatically weakens or paralyzes certain muscles without causing permanent damage. Frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet can be minimized or appear nonexistent. Other treated areas most recently added are “bunny” lines on the side of the nose, vertical lines around the upper and lower lips, dimpling on the chin, downturned corners of the mouth, and vertical bands on the neck.

More and more doctors and patients are seeking to improve the appearance of the aging face by filling it from the inside rather than stretching the skin tighter. Fillers do just what they say: they fill unwanted folds, creases, and wrinkles in the skin. Some are for small and shallow superficial creases, others are for deeper folds. Some of the newest ones are designed to address the volume loss that occurs naturally with aging and that usually leads to drooping and sagging. In the U.S., non-surgical full facial rejuvenation is relatively new because the more advanced fillers have only recently been approved by the FDA for cosmetic facial procedures.

There are many injectable dermal fillers on the market and they are not created equal. Each filler requires a different technique on the physician’s part. It’s ideal if they’re familiar with several formulas. Some are better suited for one part of the face than others. It’s up to you and your doctor to decide which is best for the areas you want to treat. These are some you may choose from: Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus, Hylaform, Prevelle Silk, Zyderm etc.

Working with fillers is truly an art form. So when you are searching for a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, look for experience rather than the best price or closest doctor’s office. Find out how much experience the physician has with dermal filler & wrinkle relaxing procedures. Choose someone who’s a true master at his or her craft. The idea is to walk out revealing your natural beauty.

Please feel free to contact me for further info. I’d be happy to provide referrals.

January 14, 2010 – Beauty Check List for First Event
First Event is upon us! Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, we all want to look our very best. Here’s a quick check list that may help in your preparation for the star studded event!

1. Trim or remove hair from nose, ears, neck, chest shoulders, arms & hands.
2. Check your nylons for snags, holes, runs etc. They should hug your legs perfectly without bagging at the knees or ankles.
3. When in doubt or late in putting an outfit together go “black”! Black always works and may be dressed up or down.
4. Tired of the same old hairstyle? Jazz it up with fancy combs or barrettes! Pull up one side or both and show off your earrings.
5. Want to add glamour? Opera gloves are the answer! These elbow length gloves are offered in various colors. As an added benefit, they help to slenderize the appearance of our arms. Think Audrey Hepburn!
6. Smooth away body imperfections with Spanx undergarments. These are miracle workers! Spanx may be purchased online or in major department stores!
7. Shawls work beautifully in adding pizzazz to any outfit. They come in a variety of colors, textures, lengths with or without embellishments. You may throw it over one shoulder or both. They help to minimize large arms or shoulders while dressing in strapless or sleeveless attire.
8. Keep breath fresh throughout the evening by sipping & swishing water along with alcoholic beverages. This actually keeps the mouth moist and works way better than mints or lozenges in preventing bad breath.
9. Always project an air of confidence even if you’re shaking in your stilettos! Remember the adage: Fake it till you make it!
10. All in all, have a fabulous time, make new friends & lasting memories!

December 13, 2009 – Covering The Beard
With First Event right around the corner, I thought an article on Beard Cover may be helpful for those venturing out for the very first time.

Covering the beard may be the most difficult part of a transformation makeover. However, it can be done! I recommend following the steps beginning with prepping of the skin. Every little bit helps in achieving the perfect canvass for stellar makeup application.

1. Use a facial brush with a cleanser designed for your specific skin type. Gently go in a circular motion all over. The brush will lift the hairs, provide circulation, and exfoliate for a much better result when shaving.

2. Shave preferably using a razor for the closest shave possible. Gently pat dry.

3. Apply talc and shave gently picking up any stray hairs that you may have missed prior.

4. Apply a moisturizer for your specific skin type.

3. Use a coral shade of stick or lipstick to the beard area. Apply this with a sponge…press and drag for best coverage.

4. Apply a medium or heavy foundation that has some oil to it…not matte as this tends to look dry and will show all imperfections. I highly recommend Linda Seidel which may be purchased online at www.lindaseidel.com or through me directly. Again, use a sponge with the press and drag application. Make sure to take the foundation beyond the jaw line to avoid lines of demarcation. Remember to blend, blend, blend and feather the edges. Lightly powder.

5. Should the application appear mask-like, use a bronzer/tanner all over. This warms the face providing a healthy, sun kissed glow. Don’t forget to contour and apply blush.

Using MAC products:

To neutralize beard shadow, I have found that because the beard line usually casts a somewhat bluish hue, peach or orange shades of foundation tend to cancel it out well. I recommend trying the NW shades of the MAC FULL COVERAGE foundation. Go one shade lighter than the skin tone to neutralize the depth of the five o’clock shadow. Top it with MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION (a powder and foundation in one) in a shade that is one shade deeper than your skin tone (I love to use the #182 BUFFER BRUSH to apply Studio Fix for a flawless finish). Be sure to blend the Studio Fix down the neck past the collar for an even tone.

Please don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed at your first try. Practice will make perfect. Good Luck!

November 23, 2009 – The Eyes Have It!
We all know the eyes are the windows to our souls! Therefore, we must keep them healthy & looking great!

I often see clients plagued with various eye conditions. This can greatly affect makeup application making the process difficult and leaving one very frustrated.

Dry Eyes
The disorder I encounter on a regular basis is “dry eyes”. Surprisingly, most go undiagnosed! I hear that their eyes are “sensitive”.  Symptoms such as light sensitivity, scratchiness, a gritty sensation, itchy, redness and blurred vision are common complaints. Sometimes, a person with a dry eye will have excess tears running down the cheeks, which may seem confusing. This happens when the eye isn’t getting enough lubrication. The eye sends a distress signal through the nervous system for more lubrication. In response, the eye is flooded with tears to try to compensate for the underlying dryness. Unfortunately these tears are mostly water and do not have the lubricating qualities or the rich composition of normal tears.

What causes dry eyes?

Many factors may play a part in dry eyes. These may include the following:

• The aging process
• Medications
• Diseases
• Structural problems with the eyes

Treatment

• Artificial tear drops and ointments
• Punctal plugs
• Medications
• Surgery

How to prep the eye for makeup application

• Apply warm compresses. The warmth stimulates the tear ducts to provide lubrication to the eye.
• Administer artificial tears. Look for those with the least preservatives to avoid irritation.
• Eye cream may be applied on lid & underneath (pat gently from the outside in)
• Powder eyelids and lashes to blot out oils (face or baby powder). This makes a nice matte foundation for eye shadow color. The powdered lashes provides volume & thickness for mascara application.

Prepping the eye for bedtime
Regardless of how tired you may be at the end of the day, makeup removal is key!  Find a gentle eye makeup remover to begin the process. Once you’ve completed this task, I suggest going over your eye with a “no tears” baby shampoo and water (cotton balls work great). This will help to pick up any residue left behind. Follow with a couple of drops of artificial tears. Last but not least, apply your evening eye cream.

Following these simple steps will leave your eyes looking brighter & more vibrant than you ever imagined. Being good to your eyes means that they’ll be good to you!