Makeup Artist

Every girl (and some guys) knows that good skincare and makeup techniques can turn a tired, unsightly face into a bright and beautiful one. So, I thought I’d go to an expert and find out how she helps the stars keep their skin looking great. Meet Jo Baker, makeup artist to Queen Latifa, Eminem, Will Ferrel, Sarah Chalke and more….

Jennifer: How long have you been a make-up artist?
Jo Baker: 10 years. Makeup and color have always been my most useful tools for expression, an endless opportunity to create looks and trends. I also love the transformation of mood and confidence that can be created when a little makeup is applied.

Jennifer: What are some of the most common celebrity
skincare concerns?
Jo Baker: The high demand of celebrities means they are always on the go—jet setting and long hours on set can easily create a skincare crisis—overly tired eyes and breakouts seem to be the most concerning!

Jennifer: What is your favorite Murad product and why?
Jo Baker: I am a HUGE fan of Dr Murad! Not only am I addicted to the facials in his gorgeous spa, but I have seen remarkable results with my own skin. My favorite product is the Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum. I use it on all my clients. It glides onto the skin and sinks in immediately, creating smooth and healthy looking skin!! It’s the first thing I grab, and often whip it out during flights, and make sure clients apply it before they fall asleep!

Jennifer: What are your favorite skincare ingredients?
Jo Baker: I’m a big fan of pomegranate. It’s fantastic to eat and use in skincare. And its antioxidant properties rank as some of the highest nutritional value in the world.

Jennifer: What are some skincare & makeup products every girl should carry in their purse?
Jo Baker: Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector—Its gorgeous sheer pink gloss is full of conditioning properties and it has a glam glossy finish without the sticky feeling you can find with other lip treatments. SPF—I can’t express enough to all my clients that even if their skin tans well they need to protect it from premature ageing and sun damage. SPF 30 is on my face before I leave my house everyday. I have one in my car, purse and gym bag. Sheer Lustre Day Moisture SPF 15—Mix it with a couple of drops of your chosen foundation and you have a gorgeous glowing alternative finish on your skin!

Jennifer: Any final thoughts?
Jo Baker: Everyone thinks their skin could be better and we are always looking for that one product that will fix it all! When really being healthy and happy, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables are the most important things! Head to toe glow starts with a positive attitude towards yourself!

In the Blink of an Eye

The skin around the eyes is fragile, and readily shows the signs of age, fatigue and stress. The tissue is thinner, water evaporation is rapid and the collagen and elastin fibers are less numerous.

Signs of Eye Aging:
Early (age 20-40)—Degradation of Elastin
Elastin is produced by the body throughout the period of growth, the production of elastin reducing after maturity (22 years). It is therefore the first protein to degenerate. As a result the skin around the eyes can become lined and wrinkled from in your early 20’s, elastin loss is seen as horizontal lines and is commonly found under the eyes and loose skin across the eye lid.

Advanced (age 40+)—Loss of Collagen
Collagen is responsible for the structural integrity of tissue and skin density, we produce collagen throughout our life, but collagen production decreases in quantity after the age of forty. Both collagen and elastin are surrounded and supported by fluid called glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s). This fluid is responsible for keeping both collagen and elastin in good condition. Collagen loss manifests itself in the form of fine vertical lines, with common areas of loss being the corner of the eye and eye lids.

Let’s look at some of the most common challenges:

• Puffiness: The noticeable puffiness in the eye area is due to the fineness of the tissue and just under the skin there is a slack tissue which contains no fat and becomes easily distended. This is why the eyelids swell up quickly.
• Under Eye Bags: Never use oils around the eye area. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, and get plenty of sleep. Do not rub the eyes excessively. Drink plenty of water to help flush your body of toxins.
• Dark Circles: One of the biggest complaints we hear as estheticians is the dreaded “dark circles”. The causes could be many, but again more likely to be hereditary or of ethnic origin However, tiredness and stress are additional factors. In some instances the only alternative to reducing the appearance of dark circles is to camouflage them, however protecting the delicate skin with eye creams is still important prior to applying any concealer.
• Crows Feet: Crows feet are lines resulting from extrinsic aging. Caused by sun, wind, cold and overall lack of care. A prevention program should start in your late teens to early 20’s with eye creams, sensible eye care and a sun protection. Wear good quality sun glasses that are large to cover the entire eye area and surrounding skin (think Jackie Onassis sunglasses) and be sure they have broad-range UVA/UVB protection. A great topical choice for added protection is Murad’s Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15.

Soccer
by Melissa Vera, Assistant Brand Manager

With a desire to live according to Dr. Murad’s philosophy, twelve brave Murad employees have come together to form the Murad Transformers soccer team. We have embraced this challenge and have been practicing twice a week for the past month, boosting our endurance levels, developing game strategies and most importantly—having FUN!

The season began July 30th—a team with a lot of heart took the field, a sideline of co-workers and their families cheered us on and I played with the knowledge that I had accidentally signed us up for the advanced league…not only were we signed up for the advanced league, we were playing last season’s champions!

While our team experienced a brutal defeat (9-1) that night, we held our heads high. We knew we played hard and put forth a valiant effort, and without knowing my little secret, our team was still eager to return next week and try again. We are a team that isn’t afraid of a good challenge.

I have since told the team of the mix up and everyone had a good laugh. Win or Lose, our active lifestyle and friendship will boost our physical and emotion well-being, as well as the health of our skin. In the end, we’re all Winners.

Get your wellness on!

American Idols Sing Murad’s Praises

It was the pause heard around America….

And the winner…………………. of American Idol 2008 ……………is………………..……….. David………………………… (and if your Tivo didn’t cut out here) ……………………… Cook!

Admit it, you shed a tear as you saw poor little David Archuleta’s baby face fall on national television when his name wasn’t announced. Love him or hate him (can you really hate that face?), he won over the hearts of America as the youngest contestant in the history of American Idol. David’s career is moving on up and apparently his skincare regimen is too! This little baby-faced crooner is now keeping his skin soft and youthful with Murad! He loves the Clarifying Toner, part of Murad’s Acne line, and has also used the Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30 and the Soothing Cream Mask. You may have come in second on Idol David A., but you are first in our hearts!

But, wait! Who is that also using the Murad products? It’s American Idol WINNER David Cook! David melted our hearts with his soulful voice, love for his family and his honest, down-home spirit. Now he’s winning us over again with his love of Murad. David uses Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30, Murad Man and the Soothing Cream Mask. We’re HUGE fans of you, David. Thanks for being a fan of us!

Are You in the 90% Club?

I don’t know… am I? Well let’s explore some questions to see if
you qualify:

• Are you a female? If yes, continue on. If no, consider yourself out of the club.
• When you looked in the 3 way mirror at the Department Store recently while trying on a bathing suit or shorts did you have a reflection in the mirror that made you think “Oh-no are those my thighs?”
• Did some significant person in your life suggest you eat less, exercise more and do something to get “rid” of those lumps and bumps we commonly know as cellulite?
• When presented those suggestions in question 3 did your blood pressure jump about 200 points?

So, you ask, what can I do to help improve the appearance of my problematic areas?

• Realize you are not alone…your in the 90% Club.
• Pick up a copy and read Dr. Murad’s book The Cellulite Solution.
• To help in achieving improvement, requires your commitment and a combination of regular exercise, a healthy nutritional program and supplements with key ingredients to fight cellulite (such as the Murad Firm and Tone Dietary Supplements.
• Incorporate spa services such as massage and body treatments targeted to improve circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Utilize home skin care products that address the concerns of cellulite. Look for ingredients like Pomegranate Extract, Goji Berry Extract and Vitamin C.
• And most important remember you are not alone! Murad is here to help you with products and treatments targeted to address this challenge.

Ugly Betty Trip

I LA!

If there is one thing I love about living in Los Angeles, it’s the celebrity sightings. Eating dinner, there’s Keanu Reeves. Shopping on Montana, is that Goldie Hawn? Quick stop in the restroom, hello Nick Lachey (he was going in the men’s room, come on people!). So, imagine my excitement (and near aneurism) when we got invited to the set of Ugly Betty! Turns out the make-up team over there are HUGE Murad fans (especially of our acne products). Seeing a great opportunity to show our appreciation and hoping to see (and, dare I hope, meet) a few great celebs, we packed up some gift bags and headed to Hollywood.

Our first stop was the make-up trailer. As we are talking to the head make-up artist, in walks Eric Mabius, who strikes up a conversation with us, and I get a little flushed. Rounding the set, I make eye contact with Christopher Gorham, and the blood starts to drain from my head. So many celebs in such a short time! Next, we are toured around by the Set Decoration and Consistency Manager (seriously, his job is to ensure that between takes and set changes, everything in the scene remains exactly the same), and are introduced to Becki Newton. I am officially having a celebrity meeting! Seeing the opportunity to make a personal connection, I introduce myself with my full name (see, we both have the same last name) and it turns out her mother’s first name is the same as mine. I’VE CELEBRITY BONDED! It’s too good to be true! As we walk out of the set we lament that we didn’t get to see the big celeb, America Ferrera…But wait, who is that over in the parking lot on her cell phone? It’s her! Just another perfect day in LA.

Gray is the New Black

This season’s hot new look? Classic white paired with the sophistication of a chic gray silhouette—oh yeah, and thousands of tiny gray dots. Wait, what? Inevitably, the runways of Paris and Milan won’t be taking fashion cues from our blog, but we thought we’d celebrate our first birthday in style with a sleek new look. The fashionably modern Skin Deep Blog is packed with everything Murad, including events at our headquarters in LA, skincare tips from the pros and the latest trends and innovations in skincare to keep you looking your best.

Because beautiful skin is always in.

A Close Shave

I’d like to take this opportunity to extol the joys of the pre-shave exfoliating mask. It’s an experience that I believe is little known and hence thoroughly under-utilized. Yes, I realize that masking (or at least admitting to it) is somewhat taboo amongst non-metro straight men. But masks need no longer be linked to the potentially disconcerting image of yourself in a bubble bath with cucumbers over your eyes.

Back in the day, when real men wore fedoras, they would often start their days with a trip to the local barber shop where they would receive an expert shave with a manly, no-frills straight-razor. The barber would prepare the customers’ skin by wrapping it in a piping hot towel for several minutes before applying shave lather with a thick bristled brush. The heat opened up the pores while the massaging of the brush’s badger hair served to loosen up the dead skin covering the hair shafts.

Nowadays the elegance and function of that pre-shave ritual can be experienced in the comfort of your own bathroom (or if you are in a rush, in the kitchen while you make coffee…) with a simple mask. (My personal favorites are Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask and Intensive Resurfacing Peel). In fact, high quality masks are a great improvement on the towel and brush method. While they also prepare the skin for an excellent shave, good masks have a variety of additional benefits. Many will provide an antibacterial effect to prevent folliculitis, and infuse your skin with intense hydration, soothing ingredients and healthy antioxidants. In addition to supporting a smooth shave, a mask can therefore have the added benefits of evening skin tone, moisturizing, clearing pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

I realize some of you may be harboring some reluctance to the experience, but for all of you uninitiated out there, trust me. Try it out. You’ll be glad you did.

The Bu-leg

The Bu-Leg (pronounced buh-leg). You know, the part of your butt that, when you’re not Madonna or Gisele, droops down to mold with your leg, becoming the Bu-Leg…Can I just stop here and say that for my first post I can’t believe I’m going to talk about my cellulite and droopy bottom, but I digress…With bathing suit season upon us, I thought that cellulite might be on the mind of some of you ladies (and men), as it is on mine. So, let’s talk about it - cottage cheese thighs, orange peel skin, call it what you will, it’s not attractive bursting out of a swim suit! Thank goodness the good people and Murad and Lululemon are thinking along the same lines and offered a Firm and Tone Cellulite Treatment community class at the Lululemon in El Segundo, Calif. After attending the lecture, I was inspired to experience this “miraculous” treatment myself.

So, I headed down to the Murad Medical Spa to see if I could actually get some reprieve from the lumps and bumps I’ve been hiding all witner. As I lay under my sheet in fear, the massage therapist began examinging my skin and explaining the 4 different stages of cellulite. She said my condition was a 2 1/2, and soon I learned that I’m not alone; nearly all of us gals have some level of cellulite. My treatment began with a dry brush and scrub exfoliation; then a mask of Vitamin C was massaged into my skin. My massage therapist explained that the treatment was boosting circulation, breaking up connective tissue and moving lymphatic fluid. After removing with warm towels, she applied the Firm & Tone Serum and ended with a lymphatic massage using the Body Firming Cream. As I entered the locker room, I ran to the mirror and looked down at my thighs…THE DIMPLES WERE REALLY GONE! My massage therapist recommended a series of eight treatments and using the serum and supplements at home for the best results. To maintain, follow-up treatments every four to six weeks are advised. I’m now signed up for the next eight weeks..Look out beach, here I come! Now, if only it could get rid of the Bu-leg..

TIP: Don’t shave your legs right before the treatment. The Vitamin C and Cayenne Pepper in some of the products can make your legs tingle a bit.

Time to put away the turtlenecks

These helpful tips can help you spring into summer with glowing, beautiful skin:

1. Spring is allergy seasonwhich means regular use of decongestants and allergy medications can dehydrate the skin and the body. Increase daily water intake when taking allergy medications and switch to a mild cleanser. Mild cleansers will gently remove dirt while calming your skin.

2. Protect the delicate skin around the eyes. Regular use of sunblock will help protect and hydrate while reducing sun abused skin.

3. Time to buff away that dull, flaky skin on your body! Using an exfoliator, apply a generous amount to a damp washcloth and polish skin in circular motions. Follow with a body moisturizer to condition and smooth.

4. Cold, winter weather and dry indoor heat can rob your skin of essential moisture, leaving it dull and dehydrated. Get your skin back on track for the summer. Using daily exfoliators and moisturizers with super hydrators and natural plant extracts will keep skin revived and rejuvenated.