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It’s not new news that looking good will make you feel good and more confident of yourself, and according to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, many working females are willing to consider cosmetic surgery to get a head start in their careers. 

They did telephone interviews with 756 women between the ages of 18 and 64, and many respondants revealed that cosmetic plastic surgery procedures appear to be an important rung on the success ladder

• 13 percent (more than 1 out of 10 of the 115-million working-age women) say they would consider having a cosmetic medical procedure specifically to make them more confident and more competitive in the job market.
• An astounding 3 percent (nearly 3.5-million working women) say they’ve already had a cosmetic procedure to increase their perceived value in the workplace.
• 73 percent (almost three out of four or, 84-million working women) believe, particularly in these challenging economic times, appearance and youthful looks play a part in getting hired, getting a promotion, or getting new clients.
• 80 percent (four out of five or 92-million working women) think having cosmetic medical procedures can boost a person’s confidence.

John Canady, MD, president of ASPS, says, “Consumers need to remember that while cosmetic procedures might help them in the job market, they’re still medical procedures.” Canady says women still need to proceed with caution. “Patient safety is ASPS’ number one concern. Women need to do their homework. Go to the ASPS website at www.plasticsurgery.org to find an ASPS Member Surgeon in your area.”

A while ago, my other post talked about double eyelid surgery. Alternatives to surgery is the use of eye tape, stickers or glue to create the coveted double eyelid. This is very popular in Asia where many girls and even celebrities use it to enlarge their eyes and to make it look larger and brighter. This post will focus on using eye tape to create or enhance double eyelids for those with single or hidden eyelids.

EYELID TAPE

It’s good for enhancing pre-existing small/hidden double eyelid, asymmetrical right and left double eyelids and droopy eyelids.

There are two types of tape available: 1) Precut eyelid tape, and 2) Roll of tape which you need to cut yourself to shape and size.

Product recommendation: I like to use surgical tape- its cheap, and there’s a skin coloured option. As for the precut tape, you may still a need to trim it a little.

*If you do not have any eyelid crease, you may want to consider using eyelid glue instead as the eyelid tape will show.

Steps:

1. You will need: Eyelid tape, scissors (small beauty scissors with a slight curved blades-see picture below), mirror.
2. You can put on the tape after applying foundation, but its best to apply it on when your eye is clean and makeup-free. Makeup can come after application of the tape.
3. Based on the curve and length of your shape, cut out a thin strip. Make sure the tape is slightly shorter than the length of your eye so they do not stick out on both ends. Tip: to make your new crease higher, the tape will have to be thicker. However, too thick a tape will be obvious and seen when you blink and close your eyes.
4. Locate your natural crease line on your eye. Use a pair if tweezers to apply your tape along this line. Tip: The two ends should be on the crease.
5. Open your eyes, blink a few times and if you do not see the tape  with your eyes open, you’ve got it! It may be uncomfortable at first, especially the hard plastic precut types.

  Beauty Scissors

Makeup application:

1. When buying the tape, pick one that is non-reflective and smooth. Your makeup will be less likely to be affected by the tape this way.
2. Eyeliner along your upper lash line decreases emphasis on the tape and make your eyes look bigger. Tip: Do not use thick eyeliner, or your eyes will end up looking smaller instead.
3. If you are want less attention drawn to the tape, wear false eyelashes to draw focus on your lashes instead. 
4. Beware- glitter eyeshadow may fall into this new crease and form a line. Allow glitter glue to dry fully before opening eyes.
5. Avoid using white or light coloured makeup over tape- the eyeshadow on the tape will be a different shade and stand out, making the tape obvious.
6. Removing the tape is easily done with makeup remover.

*If used long enough (like daily for years), your old crease may remodel and a new crease can form!
* Practice, practice, practice! It takes a lot of practice to get the tape right- getting the size and the position right. But you can wear it day and night- even when sleeping. 

EYELID GLUE

It looks more natural than tape.

Product recommendation: Koji Eyetalk

STEPS

1. You will need: Eyelid glue, glue applicator, fan/hairdryer(helps to dry the glue faster, although Eyetalk dries rather fast within 30seconds), Y stick (comes with eye glue), mirror.  
2. Watch the how-to video from Koji (a famous Japanese brand specialising in eye and nail products), but its in Japanese.
3. Clean the eyelid area.
4. Close your eyes.
5. Use the applicator to draw one line of glue on the lid where u wan the cease to be. Let it to be 3/4 dry. *Tip: Not too dry or it doesn’t stick. The glue turns transparent when dry.
6. Use the Y stick to put the lid inwards at the level where you wish your new crease to be. Tip: Do not to place the stick on part of lids the glue! otherwise the glue will be removed as well when you pull the stick out. 
7. Tip for Y stick placement:  if you want deeper eyelids, place the Y fork higher up from the edge of your eyelid, but I find that this gives an unnatural effect. For a more wide eyed look, place the fork nearer to your eye duct. i realised that the place where you place the y fork is very important in determining the shape of the lid that you create. 
8. Open up your eyes and take the Y stick out. You’re done!
9. Removal: wash with warm water.

EYELID STRETCH FIBRE

Its better for those with existing double eyelid and want to enhance it. 

Product recommendation: Mezaik stretch fibre   

STEPS

1. You will need: Eyelid stretch fibre, mirror.
2. Pull the pink stick on both sides till you see the white fibre. The fibre will stretch with pulling.
3. With eyes closed, press the fibre onto the eyelid. Position it at where you want the crease to be and follow the shape of your eye. Do this by pressing the fibre into your skin with the stick while tracing your eye shape.
4. One it’s to your desired length, paste it firmly onto your eyelid.
5. Cut off the pink bits.
6. Use the stick provided to press the ends down.

It can even withstand a shower!

* Regardless of method used, some users may develop local irritation/ allergy to the tape or glue used. If your eyelids turn red and puffy, discontinue product and routine.

*Frequent pulling of the eyelid may lead to droopy eyelids in the long run. I recommend massaging the area with oil-based makeup remover like Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (US$27/125ml), vaseline or even baby oil to ease removal or the glue/tape.

With the weatherman saying that the temperature in the coming days is going back down into the negatives and hitting a low of negative 23°C, it looks like winter will not be going away anytime soon. 

I have been using Clinique’s Moisture Surege Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer (US$46.50 per 75ml bottle) for the longest time now, and I really love it. It’s nourishing, and hydrating without having any sticky after it dries! It’s great for my face, and can be used as a moisture surge mask once in a while! Sometimes when my body’s feeling particularly dry, I apply it on as well (yeps what a luxury!) and it does a great job there as well! Moreover, it does well in a humid climate as well like in Singapore where I was staying without feeling heavy and sticky like many other face moisturizers.

The cons about this moisturizer that I have is that it seems to disappear quickly- both from the bottle and my face. I suspect that it its a heavily water based moisturizer evaporates in this dry winter air. And in extreme dryness (our winters in Calgary are cold and dry), it doesn’t last long enough. If I apply it in the morning, my skin already feels dry by 3 hours later.

I will continue using it, and its still my favourite facial moisturizer till date. But if this winter dryness continues, I may contemplate switching to a heavier one.

Skyn Iceland has its products designed for stressed, anxious skin. They know physchological emotions will affect skin lusture, leading to acne, puffy eyes and dull skin. 

Gilt Groupe has a offer on for a set of its products:

SOLUTION FOR STRESSED SKIN at Gilt Group price of US$48 (usual price US$104)

I recently read an interesting article Eyes Wide Open: Surgery to Westernize the Eyes of an Asian Child. 

It was about a Caucasian father (a plastic surgeon) who put his adopted Asian daughter under the knife to beautify her eyes- to create double eyelids. Basically “When she joined her new Caucasian family, her eyes, like those of many people of Asian descent, lacked a fold in the upper eyelid, and that lack was problematic—in his view—because it made her eyes small and sleepy and caused them to shut completely when she smiled. A plastic surgeon himself, he knew she did not need to endure this hardship, so he arranged for her to have surgery to reshape her eyes. The procedure, he explained, was minimally invasive and maximally effective. His beautiful daughter now has big round eyes that stay open and shine even when she smiles.”

The article basically “reexamine the paradigm that defers to parental choices concerning health care for children when the medical intervention sought addresses the social, cultural, or aesthetic preferences of the parent rather than a medical condition in the child.” It really explores and makes us think to what extent does parental decisions become an self motivation rather than for patient autonomy and children’s decision?

The ‘Asian Eye Surgery’, or upper blepharoplasty, refers to the creation of  double eyelid. It is also the most popular aesthetic operation performed in the Far East. The surgery has long been popular for Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese women and now the number of surgeries for Chinese-Americans have increased. It is estimated that 40% to 60% of Asians have a single upper eyelid or an absent superior palpebral fold. Most patients prefer a natural appearing small double eyelid and not a large fold characteristic of a “Westernized” face. The popularity of the procedure is the desire to make the eye look slightly larger and leads to an appearance of youthfulness, alertness, and vitality without compromise of ethnic identity. 

There are three main differences between Asians and Caucasians with respect to the upper eyelid: (1) the Asian upper lid contains more prominent preseptal fat resulting in greater lid fullness; (2) the presence, position, and depth of the superior palpebral fold (the eyelid crease) are highly variable in Asians; and (3) many Asian upper eyelids are characterized by a medial epicanthal fold. The term “double upper eyelid” refers to the presence of a discernable upper palpebral crease. This crease, when the eye is open, naturally divides the upper lid into pretarsal and palpebral (supratarsal) components, forming a “double” lid. In a single eyelid, the absence of a crease produces a smooth eyelid from brow to lash line.

Blepharoplasty performed on Westerners and Asian is significantly different. The most prominent differences between the two operations are the intended goals, surgical techniques, and the patients’ age. Asian blepharoplasty is actually a variation of the standard blepaharoplasty. Its advantage is it has more flexibility in sculpturing eyelid configuration.

Westerner

• Goal: To rejuvenate the aging upper lid.
• Surgery: Help to remove the excess skin on the upper eyelid and the puffiness in the inner corner and middle of the upper eyelid caused by the underlying buildup of fat.
• Focus: Minimal attention is devoted to reshaping the already-present crease.
• Age: Middle age group.

Asian

• Goal: Create new crease where no crease exist or enhance an inadequately defined crease.
• Surgery: Minimal skin and fat removal.
• Focus: Realignment of youthful internal eyelid structure.
• Age: Young.

 The success of the operation depends on execution of the numerous details and nuances of this procedure. The complications of surgery should be reviewed, with a particular emphasis on scarring, asymmetry, and palpebral fold release, the most common problems incurred after surgery. Postoperative asymmetry is a common source of dissatisfaction after double-eyelid surgery, occurring in 13% to 35% of Asian blepharoplasty. Asymmetric lid or brow or mild unilateral ptosis (droopy lid) preoperatively is a frequent cause of this complication. The resection of eyelid skin and the creation of a double eyelid amplify even a subtle discrepancy, making this asymmetry obvious. All patients with asymmetric lids need to be counseled appropriately, because precise postoperative symmetry may be more challenging to obtain. The dermis of Asians contains a higher concentration of collagen and tends to be thicker compared with that of whites, and although infrequently seen, overactive scarring in Asians is a higher risk. Scarring and tethering of the skin to underlying tissues can produce multiple irregular folds and a deeply sunken eyelid. 

Besides surgery, lasers have also been employed in this procedure since 1984! Baker first introduced the carbon dioxide laser in blepharoplasty back then. Nowadays there are multiple lasers which aid in the surgery to reduce post operative complications. In a study by Kang, 241 women underwent double-eyelid blepharoplasty using a carbon dioxide laser.  only 5 patients (2%) had superior palpebral fold release, which is substantially lower than the usual 5% to 10% rate observed in cold techniques. There were no instances of hypertrophic scar, wound dehiscence, collateral laser injury, or hematoma. Postoperative swelling, ecchymosis, and pain were subjectively improved but not quantified. Long-term follow-up suggested no difference in scar pigment or quality compared with the cold scalpel technique. Other surgeons have used the fiber-delivered contact neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for double-eyelid fold operations. Although they acknowledged the high cost of equipment and the need for well-trained personnel, they achieved excellent results with no short- or long-term complications. The success was attributed to preserved tactile sensation provided by the fiberoptic delivery system and to the minimal collateral laser burn damage seen with this laser. .

Beauty, however, is in the eye of the beholder and is also culturally variable. Although the entire procedure may last for just an hour, and has a short recovery time, to many Asian-American women it is not a question of cosmesis, but a loss of ethnic identity that leads many of them to reject this procedure. Probably in Asia, people do not see the procedure as ethnically altering. However in America, unlike their peers in Asia–where blepharoplasty is the No. 1 cosmetic procedure--young Asian-American women who consider the surgery are more likely to grapple with the idea that the procedure will also alter their ethnic identities, according to Dr. Charles Lee, a plastic surgeon in Los Angles who specializes in blepharoplasty.  Some extremeists have called it a form of self mutilation! 

Pondering on the moralistic and ethical issues around this controversial surgery, I feel privileged to have double eyelids on my Asian eyes.  While some people are comfortable with their single eyelid eyes, others do everything to achieve the ‘coveted’ look. For those who want to mimic double eyelids without undergoing the knife, you can use eyelid tapes or use a special glue and a small fork-like device to create the illusion of a crease, which I will write more about in another post on creating double eyelids for those with single eyelids, and those wishing to enhance and deepen existing double eyelids.

Just wanted to share an upcoming workshop

You would not BELIEVE what some celebrities do to themselves to prepare for the Oscars and other special events…

Long before crash diets and extreme workout plans go into effect, Hollywood’s hottest stars are planning out their beauty regimens – right down to the minute they walk the red carpet! Aside from typical hair, makeup and Shapewear, movie stars are known for “cheating” their way to perfect skin, plump lips, and smooth-as-silk foreheads with the latest cosmetic procedures offered by some of the countries top cosmetic surgeons.

According to Dr. Anthony Youn, of the popular blog CelebrityPlasticSurgery.blogspot.com says, “Hollywood has most of America fooled. They tell reporters things like ‘Oh, I just do Yoga and Pilates and drink lots of water!’ when they really have meticulous schedules set months in advance of awards season to guarantee they will look flawless on the big night.”

Below some of the top experts in the industry explain both quick fixes and the long-term planning that goes on leading up to the Oscars – the biggest night in Tinsel Town…

Two Months Before: The Pinky Toe Tuck

As cosmetic benefits of foot surgery are becoming more common place, more and more individuals with congenital foot disorders are also stepping forward to seek out the latest innovative corrective techniques. For stars preparing to done strappy stilettos on the red carpet, New York City cosmetic podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong offers several surgical options to get fat toes slim. Fat toes can be slimed, long toes can be shortened, and feet can even been slimmed to fit into narrower shoes.

Two Weeks Before: Chiseled Cheek Bones

Structured cheek bones and jaw lines are all the rage in Hollywood. According to Dr. Youn, there are several things stars can do to achieve a “structured” look. “Stars often use facial fillers like Radiesse and Sculputra to plump their cheeks before a big event,” says Dr. Youn, “another great option is Botox for the jaw line. It can be injected into larger jaw muscles to create a more contoured look.”

One Week Before: Botox for Pore-less, Perfect Skin

Botox, which is most commonly associated with reducing wrinkles in the face, is now being used by New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Kamran Jafri to treat other skin conditions such as large pores, oily skin, and inflammation from acne. The injection of Botox into the skin actually causes the pores to constrict in size, which is a huge plus for anyone who has tried to reduce them in the past – there have always been different methods and applications to reduce pore size, but there is nothing topical that can be applied to the skin to reduce their appearance. “Botox has been used in the ‘off label’ form for many years, with the most notable targets being wrinkles. Throughout the course of the application of Botox for wrinkles, doctors were noticing a reduction in pore size and an overall ‘matte’ finish on the skin,” says Dr. Jafri.

The Night Before: Cortisone Shots

All the stress leading up to the Oscars can leave some stars with unsightly breakouts. According to Dr. Youn, “Cortisone injection into the blemish can help flatten the pimple and make it easier to cover with makeup.” Dr. Youn uses a solution of diluted corticosteroid to lessen inflammation and promote healing. “It also is great for stars who do not want a bad breakout to cause scarring on their skin,” says Dr. Youn.

Taken from: The Fashionable Housewife

As part of our “Ultimate Guide”, I will present to you today the best products from Sephora Cosmetics.

Remember that this is a study of personal opinion, and my point of view is strictly personal and professional. (There could be hundreds of differing opinions about the same product.)

PHOTO: www.sephora.com

Experts in products for the professional, but very affordable for the public. Their best products: the brushes, the accessories, and the many little indulgences that we just love.

Face

Bronzing Powder

The best product that they have for the face is their large bronzing powder, which is practical and super-inexpensive (approximately 12 euros). They have both matte and gold shimmer versions, and you can use them on your body as well.

 

 

Eyes 

Shadows

New uses for pencils: use the wide part as a shadow and the thin part as a liner. You need to sharpen them with a special sharpener that is also sold at Sephora.

Another great invention of theirs is the four color shadows: basic shades so you don’t have to work too hard picking them out. There are two great new shades – a palette of blues and another palette of mauves and grays (the last one looks best on me).

 

Clear mascara

Very inexpensive. The best part is that it doesn’t leave white residue on eyebrows and eyelashes.

 

Lips

Lipsticks

The most impressive thing is that the brand has a wide range of colors and textures available. I’ve never seen a cosmetics firm that has this many different colors. Furthermore, you can find mattes, products with a lot of coverage that are very moisturizing, satin textures, transparent and metallic formulas, and ones with glitter. And the four color palettes in mixed textures, the lipsticks, and the glosses are a sure bet.

 

 

Nails 

Nail treatments and polishes

All kinds of products and accessories for the treatment, care, and painting of nails: clear polishes, strengtheners, cuticle oils, polish remover, and a mini-kit with everything for only 20 euros. They also have around 100 colors of mini-polishes: very useful!

 

 

Brushes and accessories

Brushes

You can find clones of almost all of the most selective brands of brushes – natural bristles and at a very competitive price.

Reference: Glam Newsletter

Saw this amazing video on the creation of the gorgeous Hermes bag- stitch by stitch from start to end! It will really heighten your appreciation of hand crafted leather bags!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oTtvhqA-KM]

At the same time, there’s a story  by blogger Michael Tonello as he uncovers the mystery behind the Birkin and in the fashion equivalent of a tell-all book calledBringing Home The Birkin shows the masses of the world how they, too, can by-pass the marketing-ploy waiting list. How did he do it?

“I would go into a store with a list in my Hermes Ulysse notebook and pile up scarves, shawls, bracelets, worth about $2,000. This made me seem a regular Hermes client,” Tonello told Reuters in a telephone interview.

“Once I had that pile ready to buy at the last moment I’d ask for a Birkin and they would usually produce one of the back room. In 2005 I bought 130 Birkins in a three-month period — and you tell me there is a waiting list?”

 So there you have it. The one-step, one-stop shop guide to buying a Birkin. Do, however, learn from his mistakes and don’t buy too many, too quickly:

“In the store in Paris I went in maybe once too often and they checked the computer and discovered how many bags I had bought. They sent me a fax saying essentially they would no longer sell me any bags.”

If you have not heard about the Remington Emi Airwave Dryer yet, where have you been? Its the hottest piece of hair styling equipment any girl can get their hands on now! 

I was ecstatic to receive mine, and tried it out straight away! Initially I was overwhelmed at the size of the contraption, but it was really easy to set up and incredibly addictive, fuss free and fun!

It has anti-static technology, but I felt it still created too much frizz while drying my hair as the hot air blew the little ends out and up. It also has ionic ceramic to give hair a smooth shine.

Otherwise, I would suggest some tips on using the dryer:

• Comb hair to detangle through before drying- any tangles will remain and make combing through tough after you’re done, not to mention that the waves created will be compromised
• You can blow dry your hair slightly to remove excess moisture without the attachment, then add on the attachment to work on the damp hair. I find that the dryer takes a long time on wet hair. 
• Use some leave in conditioner/lotion to help reduce frizzing and flyaways like Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion($18) .
• If you desire a lot of body and volume, apply some volumizing mousse to hair before airwave drying/styling.
• Divide hair into half: above and below the ears. I like to make tighter curls below and bigger curls on top for better effect.
• Blow dry in smaller sections for tighter curls, and larger sections for looser curls
• Remember to blow the ends as well, or it will end up straight or stick out.
• After each section is done, you can roll it up into a curl and pin it. Set with hair spray and keep the hair pinned up for an additional 15-20 minutes till it cools down.
• Leave the curls to dry and cool for few minutes before shaking them out
• Keep some smaller spiral segments intact to get that messy but coifed look a la Blake Lively in Gossip Girl
• Top off with some hair spray to keep those waves!

It retails at a budget friendly US$29.99. Want to get your hands on one? Buy it online here.

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