Beauty secrets revealed
Nicole Santiago-Vierra
As president of Ampy's A Day Spa, Nicole Santiago-Vierra knows that her skin is a reflection of her company's services and therefore subject to close scrutiny. Here are some of her secrets for achieving a daily, spotlight-ready glow at any age.
Must-haves for the spotlight: Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals, an organic mineral makeup that is water-resistant and has color correctors that prevent the "white face/dark body" look. Also, MAC Skinshimmer in "Shimmergold," Yonka Alpha-Contour Eye Cream.
Beauty secret weapons: Regular microdermabrasion treatments to reduce fine lines, even tone and firm skin. Sleep can erase dark circles, even skin tone, rejuvenate circulation and even make blemishes disappear. "If I'm feeling a little blah, a little bronzer on the cheeks, eyelids and jaw gives subtle contour and glow."
Emergency zit response: Yonka toner to destroy the pimple from the inside, and Lerosett, a Rasul clay mask, to reduce inflammation. Or, "depending where the pimple is, I will sometimes turn it into a beauty mark. Use dark brown eye shadow and wet with your detail brush. Dab and finish with a dot of black liquid liner in the middle. Instant Marilyn Monroe!"
More secrets
Diet do's: Eat many small meals a day to keep metabolism and energy up and grouchiness down. Drink water (soda, tea and wine do not count). "Do eat everything, in moderation. You don't need to starve yourself to look great."
Diet don'ts: Don't beat yourself up over an overindulgence, just add time to your workout. Don't crash-diet before an event, it wreaks havoc on skin. "No one is going to notice how small your waist is if your face is a mess."
Most likely to require touch-up: Eyes -- blinking, tearing and perspiring can destroy eye makeup. "I line my eyes with liner, then go over it with shadow. Eyeliner is always in my purse, just in case." Lip gloss is the most high-maintenance. Line lips, then fill with liner and follow with gloss or lipstick. "As a general rule, if my lips don't feel moist anymore, it's time to reapply."
On shine: "Shimmer is sexy, shine is oily. Blotting papers and a (powder) compact will do the trick."
Last-minute body-shaping secret: Bikram yoga the day of an event, or a double class the day before. Add to that drinking plenty of water for glowing skin. And a great self-tanner can take up to 10 pounds off a body, though the right color is hard to find.
Beauty philosophy: "Live well, laugh often and love much. The happiest people are often the most beautiful. They just glow."