With LGS occupied across international waters and our Skype connections intermittent I’ve been occupying my sad heart with other things to bide the time. But skin care my friends takes a special precedence when sadness, a broken heart and separation wreak havoc with the complexion (read: breakouts, dry patches, excessively oily areas). Fortunately Im armed with some serious ammo. This brilliant product M2 Skin Refinish 20% tackles pores, uneven skin tone and fine lines with a combination of fast acting mendalic and malic acids. It quickly retexturizes skin targeting sun damage and acne scars. Just the weapon my skin needs to ensure I put my best face forward when I see LGS again.

I’ve fallen head over my Balenciaga platform heels for a soldier boy. Love (or as he might prefer major like),  ladies and gentleman, is truly genius for the skin. LGS, as I will refer to him here, makes me so giddy I managed to  shun makeup a few times when we ventured out together. Ok, antidepressants and the wonders of psychopharmacology help too but  seriously, I glowed. Unfortunately my handsome man is being deployed and I must resort to keeping up appearances for vanity’s sake, and his . Besides donning sky high boots and tight jeans when we reunite in the flesh,  I must now look “good” on Skype across international waters. What delivers live: Flawless skin and saturated lips. My secret: A layer of MAC  Strobe Cream ( the cult classic) and a smattering of the new MAC Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation, a fabulous compact cream makeup (apply it with a sponge or brush) that goes on beautifully soft. My other weapon: a flush of neutral MAC blush powder (there are several workable shades) that manages to achieve a natural (really) lit from within radiance.  Then, I depth to my image on screen with luscious lips. When LSG gives me a kiss from cyber space I like a swipe of Jemma Kid gloss , appropriately titled Rendezvous (check it out at Target) so I  can send him some love right back.

I’m addicted to Diet Coke, or really obsessed with it. I drink Diet Coke instead of water. This is a very un-beauty like thing to do. Diet Coke manages to clear all the cobwebs first thing, settle the stomach all day and sit ready on my bedside at night. It’s the perfect gym companion. I think it’s  my only vice. The price of my habit though is the only visible side effect: bloating. An unglamorous, Prada bikini banning reality. But I’ve uncovered the ultimate poolside Rx: Lierac Paris Sensorielle Body Drainage Cream.  

It’s an “anti-water” cream that seems to drain skin tissues and clear out puffiness. It contains cyclotella extract, with relaxing properties which makes for a fabulous massage to boot. My body feels refined and swimsuits and otherwise slip on easily, Diet Coke in hand.

Cleavage is like Louis Vuitton luggage. It’s best when discreet and in check.

Unfortunately, the delicate area of the chest is oft ignored and the signs of sun exposure are unsightly—spots, wrinkling, sagging (sorry). The remedy is a combination of laser treatments and prescription topical agents (text/twitter/call your derm or plastic surgeon now). Between appointments layer on a classic: Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum. My go-to concentrated moisturizer, it manages to firm, hydrate and leave exposed skin instantly luminous—really. But don’t bother with all this attention without slathering on sunscreen everyday. 

I used to wear seven shirts, everyday all at once, in the second grade. The reasons I am in doubt but surely today I’d be sent out for psychological evaluation. (I was mastering the layered look, an early foray into fashion.) I eventually shed the layers  on a California summer day and discovered sweet freedom. I’ve found similar liberty for my skin.  Cellex-C Body Smoothing Lotion is a single breathable layer of happiness for the ultimate reveal. Packed with the perfect medicine cabinet of ingredients including ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E  it manages to hydrate and tone skin.  Bonus: It might tame the look of cellulite too.