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

It's that that time of the week!

Oprah's Ross' Product Pick of the Week!

Welp, I hope you are as excited as this guy!

Here is one of my favorite products that I would like to introduce to you this week:

Clinique Non-Streak Gel Bronzer for Men (and Women too!)

Why it's my favorite:  Okay, so pretty much everybody looks better with a little bit of color, BUT nobody looks good with a little bit of wrinkles! Get the bronzed glow you are looking for without the sun damage with this wash-off gel bronzer by Clinique! Yes, that's right, this stuff gives you believable color that washes off at the end of the day! You won't look orange like the guy above...just saying....

Personally, I NEVER apply this product fully strength, I prefer to mix this product in with my daily moisturizer so it is not too strong. This way, I get that all-over color that is even and natural looking, plus it cuts out an extra step, see me in action here:

If you would like to look into this product a little bit further, check it out below on Amazon.com:

Did I mention that you get 2 oz. of this product and that will last you FOREVER? Hello!?!?! This is a product that you cannot pass up!

I hope you like it!

Ross

Chemical vs. Physical Suncreens

Here's one for ya!

She was obviously more concerned with finding the LARGEST pair of sunglasses she could wear that day...

ANYWAYS... Sunscreen works in one of two ways: Chemical sunscreens are filters. They reduce the amount of destructive UV radiation that gets through to your skin. Chemical sunscreens generally contain chemicals (duh!) that absorb both UVB (remember B = Burning) and UVA (remember A = aging) radiation.

On the other hand, physical sunscreens are sunblocks. As suggested by the name, they provide a physical barrier from UVA and UVB light.

Quick & Dirty BENEFITS of using Sunscreen:

By using a "broad-spectrum" (UVA and UVB blocking) sunscreen daily, you can protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging a.k.a. wrinkles, age spots, and the dreaded leather-like texture that is all too common! There is even evidence that regular use of sunscreen might help repair damage. Awesome!

I have always said to use a daily moisturizer with an SPF (sun protection factor) of AT LEAST 15. However, The American Academy of Dermatology says to select a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You should also pick a physical block - look on the label for ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. However, whether you choose a cream or lotion - or even an oil-free product - is a matter of personal preference!

Here is a video that explains the basics of skin care by Yours Truly.

I hope this clears the air a bit!

Ross

It's Music Monday!

I love dance music and I listen to it ALL the time, but it's not my favorite. In actuality, my favorite music is chill, down tempo, coffeehouse style. An exemplary artist that creates this style of music is Jason Mraz. His music is infused with jazz, soul, and *generally* wholesome, meaningful themes. Listen to the videos below and let me know what you think!

"Dynamo of Volition" from album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"

"Make it Mine" from album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"

"The Remedy" from album "Waiting For My Rocket To Come" -you might recognize this one!

I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do! Here are the albums on Amazon Music:

Ross

Product Pick of the Week!

These are a few of my favorite thingsssssssssssssssss! 

This is a fun topic! Once per week I will blog about my "Product Pick of the Week" but I'm not designating a day because you know I'm not THAT good! This way I'll always have a topic to blog about in the event that I draw a blank. The products I choose to share with all you wonderful readers will be amongst my favorites, skin care related or not! Of course I will explain why it earns the lofty "Pick of the Week" title and where you can get it (most likely Amazon.com because its the easiest for everyone!). Lets get started!

This week I picked: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free

Guys and Gals, seriously, this stuff is AMAZING! If you have never used a serum before or have no idea what a serum is, here is the low down:

A serum is generally a concentrated moisturizer that targets the anti-aging aspect of skin care. A good serum will have high levels of active antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, superior moisturizers, and provide skin with a silky-smooth finish.

In my opinion, this serum by Olay hits the nail on the head! I randomly bought it on sale once without even realizing that it had an incredible formulation and an impeccable finish that leaves skin feeling smoother than a baby's bottom!

So what is so good about this product? 
First off, this serum is fragrance free. We know that practically ALL fragrances in skin care products are irritating to the skin. Irritation impairs the healing process and delays collagen production, at all cost, do your best to avoid fragrant skin care products. Keep in mind, this serum is also available WITH fragrance, so if you have a choice be sure to choose the "fragrance free" version.

The serum contains Niacinamide, a vitamin that improves moisture levels in skin and evens out skin tone (reduces acne scars too!). It also contains antioxidants Vitamin E and Green Tea Extract, two amazing ingredients that are excellent for skin!

Finally, this serum is silicone based. Silicone is a silky skin protectant that gives this product its amazing finish. Silicone will fill in pores and fines lines giving your skin an even surface that is perfect for makeup application. Even if you do not apply makeup on top on this product, your skin will appear even, smooth, and wonderful!

I recommend applying this serum onto clean, bare skin, but you can also apply it on top of a moisturizer! Check it out below available in 1.7 oz & 3.4 oz.

I hope you try this one out, I know you will love it!

Ross

What Does Ross Think Of....

ProActiv Solution?

Well....where do I start? I give ProActiv 4 out of 5 stars. Overall, this sentence sums up my thoughts: "ProActiv is effective for controlling (not curing) mild to moderate acne ALTHOUGH it is overpriced, gimicky, and a relatively standard treatment for acne."  I will elaborate on this thought below, so please continue on if you would like more details!

So you have seen the cheesy, overly positive infomercials and honestly, they are just ridiculous. Literally, as I am writing this, a ProActiv commercial comes on and now Justin Beiber is their newest spokesperson! Am I really supposed to believe that Justin Beiber uses this stuff? Not to mention Jessica Simpson, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, I mean isn't it just OBVIOUS that they use celebrities as sales people? Let's be honest, celebrities get Accutane, that way acne is never a problem...period. More on Accutane later. The fact of the matter is that ProActiv is more about marketing than skin care. Yes, the 3-step system is effective, but truly there isn't anything all that special about it!

The system is based off of Benzoyl Peroxide, a topical antibacterial agent that kills the acne-causing bacteria in the pore. There are many, many products that utilize benzoyl peroxide that are equally as effective, less expensive, and readily available (unlike ProActiv). The system is accessorized by specialty treatments to enhance acne-prone skin such as masks, BHA exfoliants, and oil absorbing items that warrant a try. What ProActiv DOES DO right, is make it easy to follow a decent skin care routine with a step system that is available as a package.

The stand out products by ProActiv include the "Repairing Treatment" (benzoyl peroxide) and "Clarifying Night Cream" (1% BHA) for their superb formulations. Forget their new "Medicated Cleansing Bar", all bar soaps are irritating to skin and this one in particular has a lot of fragrance that just adds to the problem!

Basically, if you do not have the desire to seek out well-formulated acne treatments on your own, ProActiv is a quick and easy solution. Otherwise, if you want to save some money, try creating your own skin care regimen by mixing and matching products from multiple brands! Checkout my videos on YouTube for information on other, very effective products!

Ross

Music Monday! Hey!

Oh yeahhhh, it's time to DANCE! Here is a track titled "Round and Round" by Mischa Daniels. Based out of Amsterdam, Mischa creates dance/house/electro music that puts me in the mood to groooove! I hope this gets your blood pumping!

Ross

Happy Hump Day!

Hump day is a Bi*ch! Actually, Monday is pretty sucky, but when Wednesday rolls around, and you realize you still have a WHOLE half-week to go, the feeling is pretty disheartening.  So, in celebration of hump day, here is a video that will surely brighten your day! (at the expense of this funny, little girl....I'm sure she's okay with it by now...)

OMG....I die EVERYTIME!  LOL

Happy Hump Day! Have a good one!

Ross

P.S. - This is the original video from her channel, TheChanningShow, just to give her proper credit since you know, I'm a YouTuber too!

DIY: Make Your Own Facial Toner!

Do you use a toner in your skin care routine? If not, here is a creative and cost-effective way to try it out!

A toner is a water-based liquid that will help remove the last traces of dirt & makeup and infuse skin with beneficial ingredients that help repair, replenish, and brighten. Apply toner to clean skin with a cotton ball or cotton round, and allow the solution to absorb. You can follow-up with a moisturizer to help minimize water loss and provide more vitamins and skin-identical ingredients. All these ingredients like antioxidants will enhance the repair process and reduce inflammation to promote healthier skin! Follow the directions below and make your own toner!

You Need:

• French Press
• 2 Cups Distilled Water
• 10 tsp. Chopped Green Tea and/or White Tea Leaves (loose leaves are best!)
• 1 Tbsp. Pure Aloe Vera Gel
• 6 Drops Rose Hip Oil
• 2 Vitamin C capsules
• Small (clean!) Spray Bottle (if its new, most likely its clean as can be!)

Instructions:

1. Place chopped green tea and/or white tea leaves in a french press. If you do not own a french press, I suggest you buy one.   ...LOL, just kidding, you can always boil the leaves in a small pot and use cheese cloth to drain, but really, a french press makes the most amazing coffee!
2. Boil distilled water in a separate pot. Once the distilled water reaches a rolling boil, pour it over the herbs.
3. Stir the mixture, cap the french press, and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Plunge and allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
4. Pour aloe vera gel, vitamin E capsule contents, and rose hip oil into your clean spray bottle. Fill spray bottle with contents of the french press and shake well! Shake it baby! Shake it!
5. Spray the toner directly on clean, dry skin. Allow it to dry on its own, or apply a moisturizer while it is still damp to really lock in the moisture! Use it whenever you need a little pick me up for an energizing boost.
6. Store your new, homemade toner in the refrigerator. Remember it doesn't contain any preservatives like alcohol or parabens, so it won't last forever! It's hard to put an exact expiration date on it, but I would say no longer than 1.5 - 2 months. Regardless, spraying this cool toner on your face will not only be refreshing, but will shrink pores and be amazing for your skin!

Oh yeah, this toner is best applied at night, vitamin C doesn't stand up well to sunlight! But if you do use it in the morning, a moisturizer with SPF of 15+ should help. I mean, you ARE already using a daily moisturizer with SPF 15+ because I taught you that....right?!?!

Enjoy!

Ross

Music Monday!

Music makes me happy. I am not a musician, but I do believe in the power of music in that it can be inspirational, therapeutic, and even life changing. Every Monday, I will be sharing some of my favorite artists, individual tracks, and/or music videos that I love. You will notice that my taste in music varies from dance to alternative within the realm of "Popular" music. So, without further ado, here is my first "Music Monday" post!

I could listen to Florence + The Machine all day, everyday. Her music is artful, uplifting, and incredibly unique. Here are a few of my favorites that I would like to share.

 "Shake It Out" from album "Ceremonials"

"Between Two Lungs" (live) from album "Lungs"

Just amazing, her music is the best whether I am studying, cleaning, or for background music while friends are over. If you are interested, her are the albums on Amazon Music.

Ross

LUV this moisturizer!

Of course I am always keeping an eye out for new products that are worthy of the @SkinCareWhiz seal of approval...JK... Anyways, I happened to come across a moisturizer that will forever be a part on my skin care routine! Actually, I don't know how I lived without it previously!

CeraVe has a line of outstanding moisturizers but their CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM is literally amazing! During the night your skin (and entire body) goes into recovery and healing mode, that's why using a well-formulated moisturizer at night is SO important! A good moisturizer will aid in the recovery process and promote clearer, brighter, healthier skin. Not only does this facial lotion have a light texture that absorbs quickly, it contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which is a cell-communicating ingredient that enhances skins barrier function, improve elasticity, and help even skin tone, INCLUDING ACNE SCARS! It also contains hyaluronic acid, a skin-identical ingredient that boosts skins moisture content.

Did I forget to mention that it only costs $11.49 on Amazon? Whats not to LUV? Check it out!

The AM version also contains niacinamide, but has SPF 30! The only place both lotions are lacking is in the antioxidant department, but for the price, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better product!

Ross