Product Pick of the Week!

My product pick this week happens to be among the first recommendations I ever made on MensSkinCareWithRoss!

Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder is an ultra-fine, translucent, finishing powder that will give your skin a shine-free, smooth, even appearance. The powder is talc-free and contains light-reflecting particles that will soften the look of imperfections and even out your complexion. Just dust a little on your T-Zone and you'll be looking great! Just remember to use it sparingly.

There isn't any other powder like this on the market, however other brands have attempted to imitate it without success. Be warned: To the naked eye this powder is invisible, however, with flash photography, the particles can reflect the camera's flash giving your face a white glow. Use the smallest amount possible with each use and you'll be fine!

The HD Microfinish Powder is available in 2 sizes (0.17 oz & 0.35 oz), and I HIGHLY recommend their HD Kabuki Brush (VERY high quality and designed specifically for this powder)!



Here is a video in which I discuss this product (an oldy, but goody!)

Enjoy!

Ross

Music Monday

This weeks musical inspiration is Jessie J!  I really don't like her as much as I like her MUSIC. This song has been all over the radio but I love it everytime it comes on!

Looks like its going to be a beautiful week here in Philadelphia, so I'm in a great mood! Pump up the jams and shake yo booty!

Ross

Look GREAT in Green!

Feeling a little flushed after all those Jameson shots? Good thing you are probably wearing green today!

The color green neutralizes red. Since the two colors are opposite from each other on the color wheel they are considered complimentary to each other. As with all complimentary colors, if they are mixed in the proper proportions a neutral color will be produced (grey, white, or black).  This concept is often used in cosmetics and the film & television industry! Wearing a green shirt is like a visual illusion and helps to reduce the appearance of red, especially on your face.

How interesting!

Have a great St. Patrick's Day, and as always, drink responsibly!

Ross

Inaccurate Product Claims!

First off, Happy Friday! I hope everyone has a productive yet restful weekend!

This post stems from a question that was posted to my Facebook wall (see photo below). One of my awesome viewers had asked my opinion on a product, specifically a toner by L'Oreal Paris "HydraFresh Alcohol-Free Toner".

This product represents a MAJOR problem in the skin care industry today. Companies have absolutely no shame in making claims about products THAT ARE NOT TRUE! It really grinds my gears! As a matter of fact, legitimate claims are far and few between.

You see, although skin care companies KNOW what is good and bad for your skin, they will often formulate and market products based on what sells! Luckily, most consumers know the major ingredients that ARE beneficial for skin such as vitamins A,C,E, green tea extract, retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, just to name a few. BUT you would be surprised at how many common ingredients like alcohol, certain plant extracts, and certain natural ingredients are routinely included in skin care products that are downright HARMFUL to skin! Knowing the difference between what is good and bad will really help you make informed decisions when it comes to proper skin care.

It's very upsetting to me.

This toner by L'Oreal Paris boldly states it is "Alcohol-Free". A quick look at the ingredients like will tell you otherwise. The THIRD ingredient is ALCOHOL! WTF!!!!!!!!

Lies!

I actually owned this toner at one point and used it as part of my skin care routine before I knew better! Now I know how to decode the ingredients listing so I can tell if the claims are legit or not, but that is something that comes with time. Learning the Latin and/or chemical names for ingredients is very tricky!

Below you will see some photos that prove my point. These examples BARELY scratch the surface when it comes to false claims and deception in the skin care industry. Don't make me go all James Bond on your ass!

The other product I show below in the photos is by CVS Pharmacy. A basic daily facial moisturizer with SPF 15 for sensitive skin. The statements on the front make this product pretty attractive! "Light, non-greasy" "Vitamin E & Aloe". Looking at the back label, it even says "100% Oil Free!". Read through the ingredients and you will find something totally different.

See it?

Herbaceum (cotton) seed oil! Oil free my ass! Oh, and by the way, Aloe Vera is the second to last ingredient, AFTER all the preservatives which are included in extremely small amounts. There is practically no Aloe in this product. They just included it so they could make a claim on the front of the box.

Simple as that.

I hope you look at skin care products differently from now on.

Now I need a drink.

Ross

Spring is in the Air: Fashion trends for Spring 2012

Going a different direction today, but hey! It's my blog, I'll do what I want!!

There are a few distinct fashion trends that are bound to be all the rage this Spring (and thru the Summer), so to get you ahead of the game here are a few of the key styles you may be interested in!

Tank Tops

Okay, WTF! I have never really been into wearing tank tops unless I'm lounging around the house but during my recent visit to Los Angeles, CA I had an irresistible urge to purchase tank tops. OKAY, maybe I just wanted to fit in, but unfortunately, I acted on this impulse and came home with an entire collection of designer tanks, at least they weren't super expensive!

Above all, tank tops are the cats pajamas this Spring, many of the trends I mention in this post are portrayed thru tanks!  Here are some examples:

Andrew Christian

Yes.

JackThreads.com

YES!

Don't know, don't care.

NO! Definitely no.

Horizontal Stripes

Moving right along, horizontal stripes are SO IN this Spring. I know, I know, horizontal stripes make you look wide, but apparently looking wide is looking good! You would be hard pressed to find a men's clothing retailer that isn't offering items with horizontal stripes. GAP, Urban Outfitters, H&M, they're all doing it! Here's some style inspiration:

Stripes by H&M, Blazer by ZARA

Good look but lose the cig, it's bad for your skin! 

J. Crew

How nautical!

Color Blocking

This trend is a 2-for-1 deal! Bold, bright colors are hot this Spring and the perfect way to express your new found boldness is to try color blocking! In some cases, color blocking seems very similar to horizontal stripes but when you see the photos below, you'll understand. This is all very exciting, do your best to contain yourself. For a better idea what's hot and what's not, scroll on!

Mixed retailers

Chic? no?  (the shoes are great!)

JackThreads.com

Here we go with the tanks again! Very cool tho!

Mixed retailers

These are all stylish and versatile! Spring weather can be unpredictable.

Ray-Bans

It's official, if you do not own a pair of Ray-Ban wayfarers, you are not cool. Well that sucks, because I don't own a pair...  Anyways, if you want to blend in but also look good, get yourself a pair of Ray-Bans. I mean, I guess they are pretty iconic.

Classic Black Wayfarer

There are two styles of the wayfarer, the original leans forward, away from your face, the other sits upright/against your face. Both are VERY similar, just a personal preference.

Blue Frame Wayfarer

Many fun frame and lens colors to choose from!

Epic, Epicness!

If David Beckham does it, it MUST be cool! Love his hair style in this shot!

I personally prefer the Aviators, and the selection of styles and frames is great!

American Indian & Aztec Patterns

I honestly don't quite get this trend but its definitely a trend! Just look in Urban Outfitters, you can't miss it! If you want passerby's to do a double take this Spring, try this weird unique new style! Have a look:

Unknown (probably Urban Outfitters)

Are those wayfarers you are wearing?

Urban Outfitters

U like?

Urban Outfitters

I guess its cool.

Well, that's all for now! Go on with your bad self and work that sidewalk!

Don't forget that beautiful skin is always the hottest fashion accessory! And awesome skin care videos are available (for FREE!) at MensSkinCareWithRoss on YouTube!

Have a great day!

Ross

5 BEST Anti-Aging Tips

I came across this article on MSN.com titled "A Top Dermatologist's 5 Best Anti-Aging Tips". The dermatologist, Diane C. Madfes, is an assistant clinical professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in NYC and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. I found her 5 tips to be straightforward, honest, and most importantly, realistic! Below I have listed each tip with a paraphrased description and of course, my personal commentary.


Hopefully these tips will help prevent this!


TIP #1:  Focus as much on what you put in your body as on what you put on your skin.

I previously blogged about this topic in a post titled, "Skin Care from the Inside Out", and I truly believe that a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for healthy skin. After all, skin is the body's largest organ! Consider these suggestions:

1. A vitamin D supplement, 1,000 IU's per day (although everyday sun exposure is typically all you need for your body to make it's own vitamin D).
2. Eating omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Ideally these should come from natural and/or nutritional sources such as olive oil, ground flax seed, and fish such as salmon. Fish oil supplements are a great option, but make sure you buy the "no burp" kind or else you'll experience a fishy aftertaste! Increasing these FA's will help protect your skins moisture barrier, the protective outer layer that keeps moisture in, but tends to thin as we age.
3. Cut WAY back on sugar and processed foods. These cause inflammation which is damaging to the skin and impairs the healing process.
4. Drink more water - all day long! 1 liter per day is a good starting point, you may include coffee and tea in your daily totals, but limit wine. Of course wine contains beneficial antioxidants, but it also dilates blood vessels which is NOT beneficial for your skin.

TIP#2:  Halve your sun exposure.

Simply telling people to stay out of the sun is not practical! But if you can cut your sun exposure in half, then were getting somewhere. After years of sun exposure (and I'm not talking about laying out on the beach, rather everyday, normal sunlight) there can be major damage to skin's elastin and loss of collagen. This leads to wrinkles, drooping skin, loss of jawline, discoloration and rough texture. Not to mention skin cancer...just sayin'. Check out these recommendations:

1. Daily SPF. I use a daily moisturizer with SPF 30 everyday, even when I'll be inside all day (don't forget your neck and ears!). Its a good habit! There are many great options by brands like Neutrogena, Olay, and L'Oreal, just pick one. If you are going to the beach sunblock is a MUST. Use a shot glass amount (I KNOW you all can estimate that!) of sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 on all exposed parts. Apply at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure, I find that to be very helpful! Know that older skin tends to be more vulnerable to the effects of the sun than younger skin.
2. If you tend to forget sunscreen, try the newish makeup and dailf facial moisturizers with UV-protection built in. On the downside, you might not get the optimum amount of SPF, but Madfes says that the plus for many women is that at least they remember some protection every day - which is better than going without.
3. Walk on the shady side of the street. I have a hard time doing this, its cold over there! 
4. Wear UV-protective clothing. A host of new apparel blocks UV rays while wicking away moisture, making these clothes especially good for outdoor exercise.
5. Exercise outside in the early morning or late afternoon. If you can, avoid sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are most potent.

TIP#3:  Use a retinoid.

Retinoids are available by prescription only. Retinoids are vitamin A derivative compounds that have been proven to boost collagen production, increase cellular turnover, and maintain the pore lining and shape (unclog pores!). YES THEY WORK! I use prescription retinoid/antibiotic blend called Ziana, and it is awesome! However, retinoids take time to work, typically results are seen after 1-2 months of regular use. RETINOL is non-prescription and many products that contain retinol are available over the counter (see #3 below). Dr. Madfes suggests:

1. Ask a doctor about prescription-strength retinoids. These include tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage). Some insurance plans cover the cost.
2. Follow directions carefully. Usually, starting a retinoid involves a gradual introduction of the product to avoid irritation. Eventually, most people apply it just once a day.
• Use a moisturizer on top of the retinoid, or use a moisturizer that contains retinoid.
3. Know that you can still get lesser, but noticeable, benefits with an over-the-counter product. Look for the ingredient retinol, or retinoic acid. (I personally love Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream, only $11.47!)
4. Apply at night on a clean face; that's when retinoids work best. They're also sensitive to sun, which is why night is a good application time. (But if you use a sunscreen by day, you won't be hypersensitive to the sun by using a retinoid.)
5. Know that retinoids aren't recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

TIP #4:  Spend time - not necessarily money - on a smart AM/PM skin care routine.

Skin care does not have to be complicated! A smart routine includes cleansing, moisturizing, and the occasional exfoliation (soft washcloths are better than scrubs). Add in some SPF during the day and you got it down! Your skin regenerates and repairs itself during the night, thats why using retinoids and/or retinol at night with a moisturizer is key! Read this:

1. Remove all makeup and wash your face before you go to bed. All day, your skin is assaulted by chemicals in the air that break down collagen and cause other damage. If you don't clean your face, your exposure to these pollutants will continue all night long, too.
2. After cleansing, apply a retinoid and then a moisturizer — and sleep on a clean pillow (don't go weeks before you wash it). Something people commonly look over!
3. Know that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get effective products. Look for companies that do a lot of safety testing, Madfes says; reputable manufacturers tend to invest more in this. Trust your instincts — if claims sound improbable, they usually are. (YES!) Because everyones skin is unique, you may need to tinker until you find products that work best for you. Ask a dermatologist for recommendations if you're stumped. (OR ASK ME!)

TIP#5:  Pick cosmetic procedures that also help skin regenerate.

Not all skin care procedures and products are truly beneficial to your skin. Many just give the illusion of youth. If you can use your knowledge to pick procedures that will benefit your skin in the long run, than you are gold! See the recommendations below:

1. Try peels. Exfoliating can make skin look brighter (can be mechanical exfoliation, scrubs/wash cloth, or chemical exfoliation, peels/AHA's). This is because the turnover of cells grows slower as you age. Microdermabrasion is a less expensive option, but the results do not last as long as a peel. A chemical peel is a deeper process that does the same thing while also stimulating collagen growth. Regardless, diligent sun protection must be used after either procedure.
2. Find out if you're a candidate to resurface your surface. If the top layer of skin is looking brown, with a rough texture — hallmarks of sun damage — a relatively new procedure called fractional resurfacing can actually reverse some of the damage by increasing collagen production. Done with lasers in a doctor's office, resurfacing can improve skin texture while minimizing wrinkles, sun spots, and acne scars. This procedure can create visible improvements in patients who have significant skin damage.

Use this knowledge to your advantage!


Ross


See the full article at:
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/skin-and-hair/a-top-dermatologists-5-best-anti-aging-tips?page=1

Product Pick of the Week!

This week's product pick is unrelated to skin care but has EVERYTHING to do with personal appearance. Grooming your facial and body hair is essential to maintaining a well-kept look and this tool will make things a heck of a lot easier!

It's Awesome!

It's cordless, rechargable, has 6 different attachments, a stand that keeps everything organized and it is downright perfect! I use this shaver/buzzer/trimmer almost everyday and if it ever broke, I would buy the exact same model.

Other than using this trimmer to shorten my facial hair before a shave, I routinely use it to trim my sideburns, man-scape (oh yea, I said it!), and even to give myself a pretty decent hair cut. Not to mention it is totally affordable!

Check it out on Amazon.com below:

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

Ross

Music Monday, In Honor Of...

John Mayer.

He recently cancelled his Spring 2012 tour of his new album, "Born and Raised". John Mayer has had recurrent problems with his vocal cords; a granuloma that he previously had removed in October 2011, has returned. The newly formed granuloma will require additional surgery, intensive treatment, and lots of vocal rest. The 21-city tour was to be his first in almost 2 years, the new album will be released on May 22, 2012 (2 days after my birthday!).

Enjoy some John Mayer classics below!

"Bigger Than My Body" from album "Heavier Things"

"My Stupid Mouth" from album "Room For Squares"

"Split Screen Sadness" (acoustic version) from album "Heavier Things"

Isn't he great?

Here are the two albums on Amazon.com:

Get well soon John!

Ross

Just a Friendly Reminder....

It's that time of the year! SPRING BREAK! Yes, even for me! I'm headed to LA and San Diego, California to enjoy to weather, meet some new people, and scope out a place to live....relocation to California is definitely in my future!

Anyways, here is some inspiration to do EXACTLY what you KNOW you should do while on vacation...

WEAR SUNSCREEN!

I mean, get a tan, but at least be smart about it! I light glow is FAR better than anything you'll see below.

Enjoy!

Okay....No.  Tan lines this dark should be outlawed!

What? This is just a mess...

This is just disturbing!

No words, you got what you asked for.

 

WTF? This is just weird.

Well, I hope you get my point, Have a great Spring Break!

Ross