thePULSEAlternatives to Plastic Surgery
By Linnea Sheldon
Sun damage, wrinkles, sagging, smearing…these are all words that strike fear in the hearts of females both young and old, sending many a gal ~ from celebrity to housewife ~ running for the nearest needle or knife. Plastic surgery and surgical procedures are becoming an epidemic. But if you’re not sure that going under the knife is for you, or if you’re sure it’s not, don’t worry, there are alternatives. The cosmetic companies are coming out with new ways to fight wrinkles and aging, resurface you skin, plump your lips and enhance your bust-line ~ And while these products might not offer the same drastic results as a knife or needle, they can provide improvements in the desired areas.…
A Wrinkle in Time
Wrinkles are the bane of many women’s existence. Those little lines around your eyes, across your forehead and on the corners of your mouth will have you cursing yourself for those long days spent baking in the sunshine. Injections are an option, but while Botox, Restalyn, and other surgical treatments may be the answer for some, there are plenty us who aren’t too keen on having foreign substances shot into our faces. Wrinkle creams have come a long way over the last several years, and while the jury is still out on most of them, some are showing promise. StriVectin-SD is one such product. It claims to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, stretch marks, and minor skin imperfections by aiding in the build-up of collagen. It has received many great reviews and is at the forefront of skin plumping (and of course we all know the best medicine for wrinkles is prevention and lots of sunscreen!).
Still have the words “face lift” stuck in your head? Try Fusion Beauty LiftFusion Face Lift and get a lift in ten minutes. This product will help reduce wrinkles, relax fine lines and creases, and boost collagen to keep your skin wrinkle free and radiant.
Add Two Cups…
Looking for some ample cleavage for a big night out? Positive that breast enhancement is not the right road for you? How about some silicone that doesn’t require any incisions? Style Secrets Push-Up Shapers (a version the “chicken cutlets” we hear so much about on red-carpet recaps) from Victoria’s Secret give you the killer cleavage you want without the surgery or mega price tag. These natural looking bras inserts mold to your shape and add two full cup sizes. They fit most bras…and will truly be your little (or not so little!) secret.
Tattoo Not for You?
Permanent make-up is a technique whereby a client receives tattoos in place of where she (the procedure is popular with primarily women, but more and more men are jumping on the bandwagon!) usually applies her make-up ~ it generally takes the place of eyeliner, eyebrow liner, lipstick and lipliner. If you’re a little squeamish around needles, prefer a more natural look, or like the idea of being able to change your look, there are still plenty of options that offer staying power without requiring pain or commitment! For a smudgeproof, waterproof, transfer resistant eyeliner, try Shu Uemura’s drawing pencil. It comes in a wide variety of colors and has matte and metallic finishes. It can be used for precise eye lining or for blending, but either way it’s sure to stay put. Shu Uemura products are available at the store at 130 Newbury Street in Boston, online at www.shuuemura-usa.com, or at Sephora.
For an eyebrow pencil that looks natural and blends easily, try Anastasia’s Perfect Brow Pencil (Anastasia is known as THE eyebrow expert to the stars ~ most of Hollywood’s eyes are framed by her works of art). The line includes a variety of shades for all hair colors and the built-in brow brush makes perfect arches a snap. Anastasia’s brow products are available at Sephora and online at www.anastasia.net ~ and the company also offers live help by phone or email.
For long-wearing color that won’t dry out your pout, try Revlon Colorstay Soft & Smooth Lipcolor. This is one of the few long-wear lip products that will leave your lips soft and smooth (which means kissable!). You can find it in the beauty aisle of your favorite retailer.
To play up the color of your lips even more, try Sephora Brand Maniac Long Wearing Liner. It goes on smooth and keeps your lipstick in place for hours ~ don’t worry about reapplying even if you enjoy a night of eating and drinking. Sephora brand products are available in store or online at www.sephora.com.
The Fatter the Better
Bee-stung lips have been popping up on the faces of celebrities everywhere. The treatments involve inserting natural or synthetic materials into the lips to make them fuller; some are temporary, others are permanent. If you’re not quite ready for the over-inflated pout, routine upkeep, and surgical procedures that lip augmentation involves, lip plumpers are perfect for you. DuWop Lip Venom is a tried and true favorite of the thin-lipped crowd. The original formula gloss enhances your lips’ natural color and shape, and, thanks to a blend of essential oils including cinnamon and ginger, helps to actively, if temporarily, plump your pout. DuWop products are available online and at Sephora and Urban Outfitters stores.
If Beauty is Only Skin Deep…
If skin resurfacing sounds like too frightening an experience ~ with its lasers, buffers, chemicals, and peels ~ what’s a girl to do if she wants a dewy soft complexion? For those of us not ready to take the plunge, there’s Lancome’s Resurface-C Microdermabrasion Skin Polishing and Radiance Renewing System. The kit is available at your favorite department store and claims to improve your skin’s texture and radiance in just two steps ~ no red, raw hamburger-looking skin (let Samantha’s infamous facial resurfacing experience before Carrie’s big book release party on “Sex and the City” serve as a warning!) or doctors visits required!
Cellulite
Cellulite got you down? Liposuction is generally the surgical route to cottage-cheese-free thighs, bellies, and butts. But it is costly, painful, and requires quite a bit of recovery time, and even then there’s no guarantee of success ~ and there’s always the risk of complications. While the battle with our butts might be a life-long one, there are other options available that are shown to improve the appearance of cellulite. Clarins Total Body Lift is one of the most popular, fighting cellulite by firming and lifting the area for sleeker, smoother skin in just four weeks. Clarins products are available at your favorite department store and at www.clarins.com.
Combine these non-invasive beauty secrets with your own and you’ll be saving yourself plenty of time, money, and discomfort!
