Now that Summer is in full swing, you need to really protect your skin while you're out there having fun.  Purchase high quality hair products as well, the sun and surf (or pool) is madness on the tresses.  If you are a consumer, please let us know if you have any recommendations for products which have helped you and don't forget to check us out on the YTF! Skin Care & Beauty Forum.  

= Highly Recommended (aka I can't live without)

This Page Was Last Updated On: July 04, 2007

Moisturizers

• Face: Kinerase -  It seems to be the best thing for my skin, I try all kinds of products but always go back to Kinerase. Visit our beauty forum for more tips on what may work for you.  Try our Cosmetic Surgery Store if you want to try Kinerase for yourself! This is my absolute favorite and I'm out, and if I don't order some for myself soon, quite frankly I am going to die.

• Lips: Noni Lip Balm - It is the best for lips in my opinion.  Don't ever use anything with camphor, menthol or phenol in it.  It actually dries your lips out.  If you have cold sores, fine but if you're cold sore free, why dry your lips out??

• Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion -  Having tried a lot of lotions, I feel this one is really nice and at a really great price.  Plus it comes in a huge pump bottle that lasts quite awhile.  I use Aveeno right after my shower and it keeps me smooth all day.  

• DRINK WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunblock, Specialty or Anti-aging Products

• Anthelios XL 60 Fluid Extreme Sunblock - Until recently Mexoryl was not approved in the US.  Now it is!  Mexoryl provides higher protection than any other sunscreen product commercially available in the US.  Seriously, with Anthelios L or Anthelios XL 60 Fluid Extreme Sunblock and a hat, I can skydive, play golf, sail or ride horses all day and not get a spot of color, burn or hyperpigmentation.  I have never said that about any sunblock--ever.  Thank goodness it was recently approved.  The US product name is called Anthelios SX.

Cosmetics

• i.d. Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation - This crushed mineral powder foundation is great!  I use the Light #1.2 with a little Physician's Formula Pearls of Perfection® Multi-Colored Pearls of Powder Bronzer when I am not "tan."  If I am pretty bottle-tanned I use the Medium Beige #2.3 .  Bare Escentuals isn't exactly cheap for what you get and the kabuki brush is ridiculously expensive for what it is ($28.) But hey, the brush works very well so, of course, I had to get it.  The Flawless coverage brush is really great too, I use it daily!  Plus, Bare Escentuals is absolutely, without a doubt, one of the best foundations for taking photos because the minerals create a flawless glow in the camera by reflecting light. *Note: if you have crepey skin or deeper wrinkles, Bare Escentuals can accentuate them in some people.  Using a good moisturizer can lessen this effect.  Using a good moisturizer also hinders the itching associated with the bismuth in the product for those who are sensitive to it (like me!)
• Smashbox Cream eyeliner in Caviar with a synthetic, square eyeliner brush. I use this one on a daily basis--cannot live without it.
• Physician's Formula Eyebrow Pencil in Brown-Beige - Love it Love it Love it!  I haven't found a better brow pencil.  I use the pencil then brush it outwards for a more natural affect.  I even cover it with a little B.E. powder to tone it down and set it sometimes.
• i.d. Bare Escentuals mineral eye shadow in "Summer" - I love this color!  I use it in my crease with a little sparkle dust (mentioned below) on my brow bone.
• Alexis Vogel Sparkle Dust in Sugar - This is a great color!  I use this fine, gold-colored mineral powder to highlight under the outer, upper 2/3 of my brow and dust it lightly on my upper cheeks to catch the light. 
• L'oreal Paris Double Extend Mascara - I am a mascara freak.  I must say this one is the best I have tried for a dramatic look, especially for the price.  I have tried almost every mascara out there and this one is far superior.  I don't even use the white "bulking agent" step (step 1) half the time, and just use the mascara, unless I go for super-dramatic.  It really is a great find at an affordable price!

Extra Tips!

• Baby Wipes for Make-up Removal - I use these to remove my make up, including eye make up.  They are gentle, inexpensive, very effective and can be carried in your purse.  They are also great for removing deodorant or make up from clothing, to freshen up in between anytime of day, are great for removing self tanner and bronzers if you put too much on (before it has reacted with your skin) and many other uses.
• Exfoliating Gloves - I love these things. I use them for everything, including washing my face twice a day.  If you type "exfoliating glove" into Google images and look at either their images or web returns you will see what I mean.  They are  inexpensive and very effective.   Don't pay 5 times the price from a specialty store as you can get them pretty much anywhere, Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. BTW I feel that twice daily use with these gloves and my normal cleanser has basically cleared up my acne.  I hardly ever break out now since I started doing this.  At least try it, they're only like 2 and half bucks.  Try it!  You'll like it :) I SWEAR BY THESE!!!

Hair Products

• Redken Clear Moisture Shampoo - This is great if my hair needs protein.  
• Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Breakage Defense - I swear to you it works.  My hair has been so mushy since I was brilliant enough to start getting my hair bleached at the salon instead of lightened with a simply high lift color.  I need protein every other day it seems, but then I also need moisture.  My hair is very complicated right now. I beg you, don't bleach your hair and wear extensions at the same time.  You will go bald.
• Hask Placenta Leave-in Treatment (spray) - When I need extra protein this stuff is awesome.  Because I lighten my hair, it is very porous and can be deficient in protein structure.  After washing and conditioning my hair, I apply the Hask spray leave in and comb it through.  It really works though. 
• ProHair Daily Conditioning Spray -  I use this for my synthetic extensions.  If you have synthetic extensions the ProHair conditioner is nice, if you have human hair extensions or natural hair, I'd pick the Enjoy Conditioning Spray.  ProHair Daily Conditioning Spray is good to spray on your synthetic hair when you comb it when wet or dry or whenever you need a freshening pick-me-up.  Also 1:10 ration of Fabric Softener liquid works well on synthetic extensions too.
• Sebastian International Colourshines by Cellophanes in Clear if my hair looks dull. For more info see: http://www.sebastian-intl.com/colourshines_index.php  I love this stuff, however, if you have synthetic extensions (not thermofibre) sealing it with heat is not an option.  Think about doing it between installs, that's what I do to get that shine back into my hair.
• Conair Big Curls hot/steam rollers - These rule!  I use these to create large barrel type curls about once a week.  I thought I'd never use curlers after seeing my mom use them for so many years, but they are way better than a curling iron.  You can even use it to create root volume/lifting.  There is a steam option as well.   The clips are the best, however they only give you 6.  If you can buy more somewhere that's great, but if not use the standard metal pins for the underneath hair and the clips for hair on top that is visible in case you get a pressure line on your hair, it is hidden.  The great thing about synthetic extensions is that you can set a curl and it lasts a week at least.  I picked my curlers up on sale  at Ulta for $19.99. I have seen the light.
• T3 Tourmaline Professional Ionic Hair Dryer  - This is without a doubt, THE Rolls Royce (or if you're like me, the Mercedes SLR McLaren) of hairdryers.  Will run you between $200-$279. ($200. at Sephora) but makes your hair feel like silk.  If you can afford it, go for it.  You'll never go back to a standard, cheapie hairdryer again.

Recovery Products

• Vitamedica Bromelain & Arnica Supplements are GREAT after healing.  It really cuts bruising time in half. Visit this link for more info on Vitamedica Supplements.

• Prepare & Recover Dietary Healing Supplement - This supplement regimen is designed for surgery patients in mind.   It contains essential vitamins and minerals for optimal healing after surgery. Plus it contains Uncaria tomentosa, which is clinically proven to promote DNA repair.  Read more about Prepare & Recover Healing Supplements now...

• Home-made Ice Packs - Not a product, but you can make them at home.  Mix 1/4 cup 70% Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and a little over 3/4 of a cup of regular tap water.  Pour into Ziploc Sandwich bags and seal. Freeze and when you take them out they are slushy and mold to your body.   The original recipe is like 1/3 of a cup of alcohol and 2/3 cup water. However I find they are slushier and don't tend to stay frozen long enough.  You can also double or triple the recipe and place them in large Ziploc bags for body procedures.  I can't imagine using frozen peas again. Ask your doc first though!

• Swiss Therapy Eye Mask - Oh yes!  This is a perfect way to soothe your eye area without ice or wetness!  It is light, gel-like and just perfect.  You can use it after blepharoplasty, chemical peels or laser resurfacing or just because you woke up with puffy eyes. Check out the Swiss Therapy Eye Mask now. 

• Gel-filled (or water) heat or cold therapy eye masks - If you don't want to make your own, and don't want to buy the Swiss Therapy Mask, these are very effective, inexpensive and very handy.  You can basically pick them up anywhere - Target or Wal-Mart are two places I have found them.  Cold always on the first 48!  But after the first 48 hours, heat packs are great for reducing bruising and increasing circulation.  Just be sure to ask your doc.   I used a water-filled pack microwaved for a few seconds after I had my second Sculptra treatment and it cleared up the bruising faster than when I did not use it.

Every Day Vitamins or Supplements

• Viactiv Chocolate Chews - The only way I will take my calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin K1 every day.  I abhor taking vitamins or any pills, but I do it anyway. One to two chews a day and no chocolate cravings to boot.  It also comes in Caramel, gotta try those next.

Compression Garment Products

• Design Veronique - In my opinion, these garments by far surpass any compression wear products on the market today.  After close inspection of many name brands and generic products, we were most impressed with the Design Veronique brand.  DV exhibited top quality out of all products reviewed and had the most styles and colors.  I have spent about 2000 hours in Design Veronique garments. I used the DV Support Bras during my B/L/B/A redo recoveries and the full body first and second stage garments in "large" for my lipo (they run small in my opinion!).  Also, I still use the Allyssandra 2" Band Cotton Knit Bra when I sleep and the D'Andrea Optimum Support Cotton Knit Bra is great for working out. I simply don't waste my time and money on inferior garments anymore.  If you want the best garment, this is it. You will not be disappointed. Try our Cosmetic Surgery Store for more info on Design Veronique Surgical Garments.

Scar Treatment Products

• Kelo-cote - I use this for my scars after most surgeries. Also great for facial scars like ace, small cuts and scrapes.  Try our Cosmetic Surgery Store for more info on Kelo-cote.  I also believe in silicone sheeting.  Silicone sheeting keeps pressure on immature scars and keeps them from drying out, thereby decreasing chances of them turning into keloid and hypertrophic scars. 

Products I Am Currently Using
This section is to update those who are interested in which products I am personally using at the time.

• Facial Wash:  A Glycerin Bar from Trader Joe's, believe it or not

• Toner:  none, although I probably should.

• Day Treatment:  Nothing right now

• Night Treatment:  Nothing right now

• Eye Treatment:  Lumiere Eye Creme

• Supplemental Moisturizer:   Just Sunblock

• Chemical Exfoliant: Cosmelan 2

• Specialty Products: Gentle exfoliating gloves

• Sunblock: Anthelios XL 60 Fluid Extreme

• Lip Treatment: Whatever I can find in my purse.  I am so pathetic.  I used to use Aquaphor, and like Noni but I have noticed since my Gore-Tex has been removed I don't have chapped lips as much anymore.

• Shampoo: Pantene Classic Shampoo (as ordered by my stylist)

• Conditioner: Pantene Classic Conditioner (as ordered by my stylist)

• Periodic Hair Treatment: Hask Placenta Spray, but sparingly these days.

• Detangler: ProHair daily conditioning spray for my synthetic extensions.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE synthetic extensions.

• Hair Styling Pomade: I like DAAS Play Paste, and TIGI Small Talk.  I do use Sebastian Shaper Hairspray if I have to, but normally I don't like hairspray at all. 

• Body Treatment: nothing presently

• Body Moisturizer:  Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion (in the tan and green bottle)

• Nail Treatment: I have acrylics on right now, so nothing presently 

• Sunless Tanner: L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Gel (takes forever to dry though) And you stink after. 

• Perfume: Right now I am alternating between two fragrances, however I am mostly using Michael (Michael Kors). I can't live without perfume.

  • Michael eau de parfum by Michael Kors

  • L'Eau D'Issey eau de parfum by Issey Miyake, which was my signature fragrance for many years.

• Vitamins - I take Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Beta Carotene, Grapeseed Extract, Coenzyme Q-10, Vitamin C, Viactiv Calcium (K an D) chews and a multi vitamin every day.  I should probably be taking others but honestly, I can't stand swallowing pills. **I haven't been taking it as much lately because of my regular platelet donations.  So I had to stop taking a lot of supplements, especially E and K.

GOODNESS! I had no idea how high maintenance I am--and I do less than I used to since I had surgery!