How To De-Puff Your Eyes at Home

Wanna get rid of the luggage under your eyes? We’re guessing the answer is yes. Almost all of us suffer from under-eye bloat at some point or other. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to give these bags the heave-ho.

First things first, puffy eyes often creep up when you’re not getting enough sleep. So start by taking care of yourself and try to get a full eight hours every night. If that’s laughable, here’s a shortcut: place a couple of frozen cucumber slices under your eyes for 5 minutes to decrease swelling and follow with Eye Bright Plus, our undereye cream that contains lightening agents and can help with both puffiness and dark circles.

Now for the bad news: salt is a major culprit when it comes to bloating. You probably already know that it can cause your hands, feet and belly to swell, but unfortunately it can also cause puffiness under your eyes. What’s more, salt is found in some unlikely places – like that smooth bottle of Malbec you indulged in last night. The more you cut back or eliminate salt from your diet, the faster you’ll see those bags unpack themselves. So say goodbye to salted margarita rims and bottomless tortilla chips. Your radiant complexion will thank you.

For more skincare tips, take a look at the video above in which makeup artist Jamie Greenberg grills Dr. Lancer for his best beauty secrets.

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The Truth Behind BB Crème

Often, taking shortcuts or quick fixes have become the norm in our fast paced society. One area where a shortcut should not be used is our skincare routine.  Many women are using BB Crème’s, also known as beauty balm or blemish balm to cover problems rather than taking steps to prevent them.

These creams marketed as the ultimate ‘one stop shop’ for skincare as they are supposed to conceal, protect, soothe, hydrate and brighten, all at once. Women are replacing essential skincare steps necessary to achieve that glowing skin.

BB Crème’s are not a bad thing and do have some fantastic benefits. BB crème simply does not have enough active ingredients or sunscreen to care for ones face the entire day or replace other products. Estee Lauder’s Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Crème SPF 35 and Clinique’s Age Defense BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 are two crèmes are great BB options to work in conjunction with your regular routine.

For a smooth, luminous look, using BB Crème’s have a role, but should not be considered a direct route to the ‘fountain of youth’ or replace any vital steps in ones skincare routine.

All the steps of exfoliation, redness reduction, blemish control, moisture and sunscreen are key to achieve luminescence.  However the single most important step before applying foundation or BB Crème for a flawless finish is a great oil absorber help keep skin toned provide satin micro matte finish and add minerals.  Ideal for summer or anytime of year  – try Lancer Skincare’s Oil Absorber, a clay based product to help keep skin toned without drying skin or causing more oil production.

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Dr. Lancer Devotee: Angela Bassett

Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Angela Bassett has been a Hollywood fixture since the mid-80s, but with her radiant glow, she could easily be mistaken on the red carpet for a fresh-faced newcomer. Besides great genes and a healthy lifestyle (she’s a vegetarian and raw food proponent), the mother-of-two’s anti-aging regimen includes Lancer Skincare products.

“I love the Polish,” says Bassett. “A quick way to rid the face of dead skin cells and reveal the fresh complexion beneath! And the cleanser is delightful. You need such a little amount but feel as if you’ve rinsed away everything you don’t need without stripping the moisture. Smells clean and fresh on top of it.” 

“Speaking of moisture,” she goes on to say, “the daily one feels like a treat for your pores along with the Vitamin C and the Evening Anti-Aging formula. I like that they do not leave me oily or greasy.”

If you can believe it, Angela is 54. She doesn’t look a day over 30 to us.

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Say Sayonara (almost) to Cellulite

Cellulite. It might as well be a four-letter word. The mere glimpse of a dimple will have most women running in terror to the drugstore or spa hoping to unearth some magical elixir. The fear of cellulite is so intense that treatments for the “cottage cheese” that appears on 99.9% of women’s hips, thighs, belly and buttocks have become a jackpot for modern day snake oil salesmen.

While nearly 100% of women are affected by cellulite, only 10% of men of suffer from it. It’s not an issue of weight, as one might think, but rather a genetic condition in which the connective tissue under the skin creates a dimpled effect.

Billions of dollars are spent every year in an attempt to treat this condition. At-home remedies, including lotions, potions and even special diets and supplements are generally pointless. Physician and medispa treatments such as light therapies and specialized wraps and massages create limited, temporary results.

However, there is hope. Dr. Lancer is pioneering a new technique using injectibles to effectively eliminate cellulite. Yes, the same products used to plump the lips or rid the face of lines and wrinkles are now being employed to smooth the skin in other areas.

The multi-step solution involves first pre-treating the skin with a broad-spectrum light to heat the skin and make it moldable. Then Dr. Lancer injects micro-droplets of a hyaluronic-acid based filling agent into each cellulite dimple, quite literally filling them up. The process is truly a work of art, as Dr. Lancer must assess the skin from different angles to ensure the correction is noticeable from all angles. While nothing can completely eradicate cellulite for good, this new treatment offers a huge reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and the benefits are instant.

The treatment is available in our Beverly Hills office. Patients have their first procedure and then a follow-up the next week. After that, the patient will come in for touch-ups in 6-8 month intervals.

Wanna say sayonara to your cellulite? Book a treatment by calling 310.278.8444 today.

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5 Minutes with Celebrity Makeup Artist Brenda Rippee

Celebrity makeup artist Brenda Rippee recently discovered our skincare line and quickly became a convert to The Lancer Method. With a cosmetics career spanning more than a decade, she’s got lots of beauty tricks up her sleeve. We chatted with her to get a few tips for perfecting that camera-ready look.

Lancer Skincare: How and when did you get started in the beauty industry?

Brenda Rippee: I literally came out of the womb with a lipstick in my hand! Okay, honestly, I made my first dollar in the beauty industry by working for the Grand Dame of them all, the Estee Lauder cosmetic companies, in the late 80s while I went to college at FIDM in downtown LA. I somehow managed to actually listen to not just one but two of my college professors’ advice, which was to get out of the business side of the fashion and beauty industry and get into the art side. This advice was the turning point for the rest of my career. My marketing professor made some calls and got me my first job as an Estee Lauder Beauty Advisor in a department store in the valley. After that, I just kept saying yes to the doors that opened. From there, I went on to become an Assistant Beauty Manager at Fred Segal Essentials in Santa Monica, then onto my first feature film with the late Tony Curtis. I also freelanced for a while before landing my current gig in 2004 at Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO.

LS: What’s your beauty philosophy?

BR: Beauty lives where loves lives. So, love yourself first. When you are in love with who you are and what you do, and your environment reflects that, it is only natural that your deep, authentic most beautiful self will show up in your life, your job, your relationships, your path to purpose and drive, and of course your skin, your face and your smile. That is true beauty.

LS: When did you discover Lancer Skincare products?

BR:  My dear and longtime friend in the beauty biz, William Moore, introduced me to the line and gave me some things to try. I’m always working, so it was about 3 months before I opened the box he sent me. Soon after, I was like, “Man, my skin’s texture has dramatically improved where I had scars from acne.” Then I really got interested and began to want more and started to spread the word about how wonderful the Lancer Skincare line truly is! Hey, if it’s good enough to be on Oprah’s Favorites, it’s good enough for the rest of us, right?

LS: What are your must-have products from the line? 

BR: My number one must-have is the Overnight Rescue Relief. That is the first product that really made a difference with my skin. It has raised my confidence about how my skin looks on camera, in photos and naturally, without makeup. This product has made me not want to wear as much makeup as I typically do—and for someone like me, that’s a really big statement! I love how radiant and plump my skin feels and looks since using the Overnight Rescue Relief.

LS: What’s the one skincare product no girl should leave the house without using?

BR:  Just one? A nighttime product with glycolic likes Dr. Lancer’s to keep the skin renewing and clear of dead skin cells is really important. By exfoliating while you sleep, you wake up one step ahead. You already have radiant, clean, healthy skin which is the foundation to any beautiful makeup!  

LS: What’s your best-kept beauty secret? 

BR:  Sleep, eat and be well. We’ve all heard it and it’s simply true. I co-produced a nutrition awareness event last November with Milestones Ranch Malibu, a premier dual-diagnosis drug and alcohol treatment center, and LYFE (Love Your Food Everyday) Kitchen Gourmet. I spoke about the idea that what you put in your body is what it becomes. If you put in junk, you get a junky body. When you put in good stuff, you get good body. And by stuff, I’m not just referring to food and nutrition. Lack of sleep, drama and stress can all cause major free radical damage to your body’s systems, and your skin is a major indicator of those lifestyle choices. Beauty begins on the inside of your body not the outside. With that said, I’m off to get my favorite local carrot, beet, parsly, celery, wheat grass, kale, spinach, garlic and ginger juice! Yummy!

Starting in June 2013, Brenda will be sharing her beauty expertise in her private, by-appointment-only, makeup studio STUDIO 6 LA. Find out more at www.BrendaRippee.com or follow her on Instagram @BRMAKEUP

Photos: Brenda Rippee, Vinoth Chandar

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Anti-Acne April Starts With Good For Your Face Foods

 

The healthiest road for a clear complexion and flawless skin starts with a trip to the grocery store. A combination of the best topicals combined with avoiding sun exposure and eliminating bacteria is key, but don’t forget ingestion is just as important for your internal organs as the dermis, the largest body organ.

Shed bad winter habits such as a diet high in processed foods and high-starch carbohydrates by replacing them with better alternatives that do the brain, body and skin good.  Refined carbohydrates increase insulin secretion and testosterone production which ramp up oil glands and ultimately clog pores.  So toss out the boxes of semolina pasta and processed cereals, crackers and pretzels and replace them with wholegrain carbs like dark green leafy vegetables and spelt, millet or quinoa which decrease the likelihood for acne lesions in the skin.

Fruits are also important in the quest for the best complexion, but be careful – they can be friend or foe. Some fruits wreak the same havoc as a pile of pasta. Fruits lower in sugar eliminate the insulin increase found in processed carbs. In addition, high-oxidative stress allows acne-causing bacteria to flourish in pores. So to keep skin at its best, add fruits with the highest concentrations of anti-oxidants and lowest sugar, like berries.

Nutrition-focused folks have long known that omega-3 fatty acids and DHA in fish such as salmon, sardines, haddock are heart and brain healthy. These fish also contain EPA, which aids in the inhibition of pro-inflammatory compounds, including prostaglandins (an agent to trigger acne breakouts). So aim for a minimum of 6 ounces a week of anti-inflammatory, acne-fighting fish.

Hormones are also a culprit in the quest for the best complexion. What is good for baby – things like proteins and testosterone precursors (5-alpha-androstanedione), which are effective growth agents for young bodies – can really mess with adult skin.  Ingesting a high level of dairy can bump up cell proliferation and sebum production resulting in clogged pores.  So think twice before loading the cart with cartons of cows milk and try almond milk instead.

While you don’t want to drink like a baby, you should sleep like one. Getting enough rest is a big factor in achieving sensational skin.  Get to bed early and add an extra layer of a product with  placental extract, such as Overnight Rescue Relief just before bed. Apply it with the Microcurrent Power Boost for optimal absorption so that cells are regenerating at their optimal 3 am hour with the highest quality proteins possible.

Finally, no matter what you eat, the other golden rule for glowing skin is don’t shake the shaker. Go for a low or no sodium diet and drink a lot of water daily to see the biggest difference in your skin.

Like Dr. Lancer on Facebook or follow him on Twitter at @DrLancerRx for daily skincare tips.

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3 Tips for Transitioning Your Skincare to Spring

1. Double Down on Sunscreen

If you skimped on sunscreen during the colder months, now’s the time to start doubling down. Apply it in the morning under your makeup and don’t forget to slather some on your hands and decolletage. Reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors.

2. Keep Oil at Bay

As the weather warms up, your skin starts producing more oil. To prevent breakouts and/or looking like an oil slick a few hours after applying your morning makeup, use Oil Absorber and Rapid Redness Relief each morning. (Rapid Redness also helps to calm sunburns.)

3. Reach for Pore Perfection

Pores are more likely to become clogged in the spring and summer due to excess oil production, so be sure to Polish thoroughly everyday to clear pores and keep skin smooth and radiant.

Images via Pinterest

Like Dr. Lancer on Facebook or follow him on Twitter at @DrLancerRx for daily skincare tips.

 

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How to Look Beautiful Without Makeup

Have you ever looked at one of those “Celebs Without Makeup!” stories meant to frighten you straight into Sephora and thought to yourself, “Wow, they actually look really good without makeup,”? The secret to looking amazing sans makeup is, of course, possessing great skin. Here are a few simple tips you can employ to get yourself in no-makeup shape. You’ll never think twice about leaving the house without your face on again.

1. Use the Right Tools

For truly glowing skin that needs no cosmetic help, we recommend a skincare regimen of our Glycolic Cream, Polish, Vitamin C and Microcurrent Power Boost. Glycolic is an exfoliating product that causes the skin to peel slightly, thus clearing dead skin and treating pigmentation. Thats why polishing is so important; it clears everything that the Glycolic cream brings to the surface. Vitamin C helps to minimize pores and treats skin texture, while the Microcurrent Power Boost Tool increases circulation and blood flow and increases product penetration. The result? Sheer radiance.

2. Lash Out

Make your lashes appear fuller, longer and darker by consistently using a lash rebuilding product such as Lancer Lash.

3. Hydrate and Eat Clean

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep skin moist and eat a clean diet of lean meats such as grass-fed beef, wild salmon, organic chicken and leafy greens. (Kale is a favorite here in the office!) And steer clear of salt and sugar – it’s hard but it works!

4. Slow Down

Take at least 20-30 minutes a day to exercise or just sit quietly and reconnect to yourself. Go for a walk, do yoga or meditate. All of these things can reduce stress and subsequently minimize breakouts and blemishes. The key to clear skin is not just outward care, it’s a healthy mind and body too.

5. Wear Sunscreen

This one is, if course, a preventative measure. Sunscreen may not make you look any better or worse in the moment, but you’ll look younger and fresher in the long run from a daily devotion to sun protection.

Images via Pinterest

Like Dr. Lancer on Facebook or follow him on Twitter at @DrLancerRx for daily skincare tips.

 

 

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How To Keep Your Lips Soft + Kissable

The elements can wreak havoc on your lips. Whether it’s cold, dry weather, too much exposure to the sun, acidic foods and drinks (think wine and coffee) or irritants in your lipsticks and glosses, your kisser is in a constant battle to stay healthy and hydrated. Plus, this delicate skin doesn’t have oil or sweat glands, so dryness is nearly inevitable. Of course, we all know that peeling, cracked lips are the antithesis of sexy. So here are 4 ways to keep your lips smooth, supple and inviting.

Lip Tip 1: Lick at Your Own Risk

You may not be aware of how often you lick your lips. This causes premature aging and drying (especially during cold or dry weather), so do your best to curb the compulsion. 

Lip Tip 2: Be Careful with Cosmetics

A lot of lipsticks can be drying or cause sensitive skin to peel. Be sure to test all of your lip glosses and lipsticks on the inside of your arm before using them on your lips to make sure you won’t have an allergic reaction. Then, pay attention to how they make your lips feel. If you start to feel dry 10 minutes after applying, ditch that stick for something more hydrating.

Lip Tip 3: Use the Rule of Three

Dont get lip injections unless you’ve received opinions from three different derms and have been given the pros and cons by each. Lip augmentation is permanent and causes changes to the shape and color of your lips. Proceed with caution.

Lip Tip 4: Lip Balm is an Acceptable Addiction

Keep a lip balm that contains Vaseline or Aquaphor on hand at all times. It’s best to use natural or fragrance-free lip hydrators because fragranced or flavored balms can lead to chemical sensitivity.

Like Dr. Lancer on Facebook or follow him on Twitter at @DrLancerRx for daily skincare tips.

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Luminous Skin at The Academy Awards

At Sunday’s 85th annual Academy Awards, luminous skin was the hottest accessory on the red carpet and at the after-parties. Makeup artist Kesley Deenihan got Mena Suvari ready for Elton John’s Oscar Viewing Party by mixing Nourish with Armani Luminous Silk Foundation to create a natural radiance.

“Mena has amazing skin and likes to keep her face pretty natural for Oscar Day – not a lot of product and simple healthy glowing skin,” says Deenihan. “I mixed Lancer Skincare AM/PM Nourish moisturizer with her foundation, as it adds extra hydration for the long night and keeps her skin and makeup from ever looking dull.”

Deenihan also gave The Master actress Laura Dern the Lancer glow on the big day. “To make sure Laura is looking her best throughout the long Oscar day, her skin must be properly prepped to ensure the makeup has longevity and her skin stays hydrated,” says Deeniham. “To do this, I used Lancer Skincare’s Eye Bright Illuminator and AM/PM Nourish. Not only does Nourish provides wonderful hydration, but it does not leave a greasy or oily film, which is ideal when applying make up because it helps right away with shine control. Eye Bright Illuminator is a miracle product that should not be foregone when prepping a face for Hollywood’s biggest night! It instantly smoothes and tightens fine lines around the eyes which of course allows for a smooth, even, makeup application.”

For Les Miserables star Helena Bonham Carter, the must-have beauty product of Awards Season was our Oil Absorber, her makeup artist Cathy Highland tells us. “I wanted Helena’s makeup to stay fresh from the Oscars red carpet all the way through the Governor’s Ball, without worrying about reapplying,” says Highland. “To set her makeup and keep it smooth, I used Lancer Skincare Oil Absorber because it not only has a clay base and absorbs oil in the t-zone, but it also acts as a wonderful primer before applying foundation.”

Here are some more of our favorite beauty looks from the Academy Awards. Who do you think nailed it on the Oscars red carpet this season?

Like Dr. Lancer on Facebook or follow him on Twitter at @DrLancerRx for daily skincare tips.

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