Melanie Mills Answers Your Lack-Luster Skin Concern: How Do I Get Perfect Summer Skin?

You may or may not have heard of the name Melanie Mills, but if you've ever watched an episode of Dancing With the Stars, then you've seen this Emmy award-winning makeup artist's work at play! (and six times nominated, might I add).

Melanie's work is no easy task because her job doesn't only encompass traditional makeup for the face, but for the body as well. Before she came along, there was a need for a fast and easy way to make up the body that would require minimal touch-ups and wouldn't come off with the dancers' impressive (but sweaty) performances. Seeing a need for this void in the beauty, makeup and dancer's world, Melanie has certainly delivered.

Introducing GLEAM by Melanie Mills! This transfer-resistant Body Radiance comes in four different tones: Light Gold, Rose Gold, Bronze Gold and Deep Gold.

Ladies, with the summer and sundresses coming up, this is a must for radiant, glowing, even and luminous skin.

I had the opportunity to connect with the artist herself to have her answer all those questions I just know you have, so here goes:

Have You Heard About Kim Greene's Bags?

So, if you're a professional makeup aritst, you've most likely heard of the talented Kim Greene. If you're not a professional makeup artist (except maybe in your bathroom), then let me introduce you to her. Kim has not only been department head in an innumerable amount of Hollywood box office hits such as Wanderlust, Superbad, Charlies Angels: Full Throtle, The Wedding Singer, and Herbie Fully Loaded, just to name a few (check out what else she's done here), but she has also skillfully designed her own line of bags for professional makeup artists and the everyday woman.

Now, you may be wondering: what makes her bags so special?

I'll tell you!

What Is the Difference Between Skin Type vs. Skin Condition?

The skin is very complex and we find that people are constantly misdiagnosing their skin type and skin condition.

What is the difference? 

Are You Getting Your Beauty Sleep?

We've heard the expression our whole lives, and have often joked about it. The truth is sleep is necessary for anti-aging and beauty benefits in general, as well as health and hormonal balance. I've never understood the expression: "I'll sleep when I die" because lack of sleep will contribute to the deterioration of your body and immune system...and could very well contribute to an early grave! I don't know about you, but when I don't get quality sleep, or get less sleep than I'm used to for more than one night, I just don't feel right. I'm more bloated, the lines on my face seem more pronounced, my skin looks dull, not to mention crankiness, heightened emotional sensitivity and fogginess. It can even heighten depression!

You may be thinking "well, that's why there's a Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts on every corner! Just drink caffeine!" True, caffeine will give you a jolt, but more than one cup a day may actually be harming you. Due to the ongoing stress in our everyday lives (kids, meetings, deadlines, family, money, etc.) your adrenal glands are working overtime. The adrenals sit on top of our kidneys and they're in charge of monitoring the body’s stress response through the release of cortisol and adrenaline in the ‘fight or flight’ response. Both of these hormones are essential when in balance in order to have a healthy stress response and fight infection.

Do You Know What Inflammation Is?

This is a subject that is very true to me. I absolutely and without a doubt believe this is the number one cause of all skin and health problems!

Firstly though, how would you define inflammation?

Most people think of redness, burning, and overall discomfort, right?

What Products Should I Use To Relieve My Dry Skin?

Dry skin indicates that the condition of the skin barrier needs a little help, mainly because your skin doesn’t produce enough oils.

The lipid barrier is a naturally-ocurring barrier that consists of a mixture of oils and ceramides. Think of it as the ‘bouncer’ in your skin. It decides which ingredients to let in, and what to keep out. It makes the skin stonger, and the healthier it is, the more hydrated your skin will be, and the less irritated it gets.

It’s naturally acidic in its pH and this is to keep harmful bacteria and irritants out! When this barrier is weak or insufficient (which tends to be the case often with so many barrier-debilitating procedures such as strong peels, microdermabrasion, lasers, etc), it lends the skin to be more sensitized and more ‘reactive’ to products. It can also give way to more inflammation in the skin, which in turn accelerates aging, and increases the occurance of acne and pigmentation. (Click here to read more on inflammation)

This lipid barrier is very much influenced by diet, stress, hormones, prolonged exposure to water and cold, dry weather. If you live in a cold state or country, you know this first-hand.
Clients during winter-time in Colorado always have the same complaint: dryness.
This is due to the harsh, dry cold outdoors and then the heat inside every home
and business.

This constant fluctuation in temperature affects the fats that lubricate the skin
and begin breaking them down. Aside from this, it can cause the weakening and
breaking of small capillaries, causing redness and a ‘flushed’ look.
You are also more prone to developing wrinkles with dry skin.
What is Your Course of Action?

What Are Stem Cells and Why Are They Important In Skin Care?

There is new and groundbreaking technology revolutionizing the skin care industry and you may be seeing it here for the first time.

Skin care enthusiasts, listen up: This is the way the skin care and anti-aging market is headed and you definitely want to come along for this ride.

What am I referring to?

Why it’s the wondrous, miraculous and scientific world of adult stem cells.

According to New Beauty’s article on stem cell treatments in the 2010 Winter/Spring issue: “Doctors in the esthetic industry are ecstatic about the new discovery of fat-derived stem cells. Research shows they are a modern way of defying the signs of aging and oneday preventing aging all together.”

Exciting, right?

So the next question is obviously- do you know what stem cells are?