teenage.me

After a recent nail treatment left my nails in TERRIBLE shape, I’ve been wearing more nail polish than usual in order to conceal their horrid state. This super happy, super bright shade from Kitson is awesome! And perfect for a gorgeous sunny day… Visit shopkitson.com to see all the cool colors in this new collection! 

Tina (pictured) is one of my fave makeup artists out there (as you can tell by the fact that we use her as an expert on the website at least once a week!)… And DanniJo is one of my favorite jewelry brands (I’ve been rocking stacks of their bracelets for the last few weeks… Will post a few pictures of ‘em later next week!)… In a case of cosmic confluence, I recently found out that DanniJo interviewed Tina for their blog! Here’s the linky-loo:
http://dannijo.com/pulse/2009/06/tina-turnbow/

Here, the founder of DERMAdoctor, dermatologist Audrey Kunin, MD, recently shared her top tips with me… Hope they help you guys out

“What can teens do to improve their skin in both look and feel within: 2 Months… An acne prone complexion typically takes 6-8 weeks to significantly respond to therapy; even if it is prescribed by your dermatologist! At home, use a combination AHA/BHA cleanser or a salicylic acid based cleanser such as DERMAdoctor SalAc Wash. Combination therapy tends to work far better than single agent therapy. You can use benzoyl peroxide 5-10 % that kills bacteria, and salicylic acid that helps unplug pores (use them at different times of the day). You can use a product that targets multiple points in the way acne forms such as DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated Acne Control Serum.

1 Month… Restore the phytosphingosine layer of the skin that helps prevent the bacteria that cause acne to thrive. Use DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Intensive Skin-Correcting Acne Mask with Phytosphingosine.

2 Weeks… Oily skin and large pores don’t take long to respond to treatment; often less than 2 weeks. Use an oil-absorbing agent that is polymer-based rather than silicone-based. Polymer beads help surround and lift the excessive oil off the surface of the skin and instantly mattify the skin (reduce shine). Silicone-based oil control gels lie on top of the skin’s oil (envision plastic wrap floating on an oil slick and you get the picture). Large pores take time to  snap back to what nature intended. Reducing the excessive oil is step one. Removing surface debris is step 2. You can use microdermabrasion creams and AHA/BHA solutions/lotions to help. Make sure to minimize cosmetics use so that you don’t keep applying product that will plug the pores, and make sure you don’t over-strip the skin of its essential oils. After all, oil is meant to be protective. It’s just that too much is not ideal.
 
Overnight Overnight therapy can help take a dull complexion to a glowing, vibrant one. Plus, it can help minimize the appearance of blackheads and pore size. Exfoliation will provide fastest improvement followed by a hydrating/exfoliating mask. Follow with an acne prevention mask.”

My lash type: Medium length and thickness, slight curl
I tested: Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion
Thoughts: I never thought much about the well-being of my eyelashes, but I can attest that this powerful, paraben-free potion works! I’ve used it the past few days and lash health will never slip my mind again… This product is definitely staying in my beauty regimen–my eyelashes seem softer and stronger!  If you’re the type of person who is always getting ready last minute you probably wouldn’t be a fan of any primer, but you may want to consider waking up a bit earlier for this.  To use it, apply the primer and let it dry. Then, layer on your own mascara. You may think this double-duty a lot, but the primer lengthens, strengthens, and thickens your lashes with silk and wheat proteins, and will enhance your regular mascara.  One last thing, the formula is white so don’t be shocked when you put it on and look like an ice princess!  
Best for: Short, curly, straight or long lashes, all lash types would benefit!
Buy it at: urbandecay.com or Sephora  $17

–MARIEL TYLER

Holly Willoughby once dressed as a Playboy bunny outfit at school.The 28-year-old tv presenter - who was unveiled as the new host of Itv daytime show ‘This Morning’ earlier this week - has always received plenty of male attention and was never afraid to show off her assets, according to her friend Glenny Gibson. She said: “Holly always loved to dre…

Former ‘X Factor’ contestant Rowetta is trying to re-start her career appearing in tv adverts.The singer - who is also a former member of pop group The Happy Mondays - joins ‘London’s Burning’ actor Richard Walsh and ‘2.4 Children’ star Ray Polhill in auditioning for the ‘Second Daim Around’ campaign. Five forgotten celebrities are competing to bec…

Dannii Minogue wants to star in ‘Desperate Housewives’.The ‘X Factor’ judge is keen to revive her acting career and has her sights set on the popular US comedy-drama series about the lives of a group of wealthy female friends.In a bid to break Hollywood, the 37-year-old star - who shot to fame when she appeared in Australian soap ‘Home and Away’ in…

Alan Carr and Justin Lee Collins have quit ‘The Sunday Night Project’ to concentrate on solo ventures.The hosts - who have fronted the programme, previously called ‘The Friday Night Project’, for three years -called time on the show because of their ties to other chat shows.A source said: “Alan and Justin have loved the ‘Sunday Night Project’, but …

‘EastEnders’ Neil McDermott is still pinching himself that he has landed a part in the soap.The 28 year old Actor -who plays teen tearaway Whitney Dean’s half brother Ryan - admitted it was daunting acting alongside characters he has grown up watching.He said: “Most people say that the first time you see June Brown as Dot walking towards you throug…

Michelle Keegan says her ‘Coronation Street’ character won’t be able to cope with losing her father.The actress, who plays Tina McIntyre in the Itv soap, said she was “very emotional” to hear news her on-screen dad Reece Dinsdale -who plays Joe McIntyre - leave the soap and isn’t sure how Tina will react. She said: “I have no idea how she’ll cope. …