Ask a Groovy Gal (Fashion & Beauty)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG DEPUTY EDITOR AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR CHELSEA KAPLAN
GIVES YOU THE GOODS ON GETTING GORGEOUS

My dermatologist recently advised me to get Botox as a “preventative measure.” I’m 29 and have only the teeniest sign of fine lines. Is he just trying to make a buck, or is there really something to that plan? —Danielle, New York, NY

As odd as it may sound, most derms would recommend just the same course of action yours did. Believe it or not, getting Botox when you don’t particularly need it will likely prevent you from getting wrinkles in the future, says Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, a dermatologist in Washington, D.C. “With repeated facial movement, the connective fibers that keep your facial muscles taut will weaken and eventually break down, creating wrinkles and folds in the skin,” she explains. “Because Botox prevents these movements, early and repeated use of it will keep those fibers from weakening and will keep your skin young-looking longer.” If you begin receiving Botox in your 20s or 30s, chances are by the time you hit your 50s or 60s, you’ll see a drastic reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, she says.

Should you do it, too? Well, it’s not cheap—you’ll likely need four treatments per year, each of which will probably run you $400 or so a pop. On the other hand, what you spend on the front end will likely save you from needing frequent injections and perhaps even plastic surgery—if that’s your thing—down the road. Dr. Tanzi, like your doctor, advises getting treated on the front end: “Consider it an investment in your skin,” she says.

I had major success a few years ago when I got laser hair removal on my legs and underarms. I still have a few areas with stragglers, however. I’d rather not spring for two $250 touch-up treatments to get rid of them—is there anything I can do? —Lee, Carlsbad, CA
	I recommend investing in a no!no!, an at-home laser hair removal device that will rid you of those pesky leftovers. The no!no! uses a gentle heat wave that destroys hair follicles without pain or irritation; it’s not quite as effective as in-office treatments, but it’s pretty darn near close, which makes it ideal for touch-up treatments. Like any professional hair treatment, it takes time and dedication to achieve your desired results, but with regular use, your skin will be completely hairless in no time. And at $250, it will cost the same as one touch-up treatment, but it will provide you with at least 10 at-home treatments. To maintain your hair-removal momentum, smooth on some no!no! Smooth Cream ($50) following each treatment. Formulated to reduce hair regrowth and density, it uses moisturizing ingredients and antioxidants to soothe and smooth the skin while keeping it hair-free. Visit www.sephora.com to purchase both.

The product I’m loving this month:

SkinnyJeans

Six months after having my second child, I’m still nowhere near fitting into my old jeans. Sigh. My saviors: SkinnyJeans, your good ol’ classic denim staples made with a high nylon/elastane content that sucks in your gut, butt and thighs. I’ve tried other slimming jeans before, but these are without question the very best. Here’s why: their “scooped out” thighs, which drastically separate and slim your thighs and push out your tush, creating a shapely silhouette, and the inseams, which are drawn forward on the leg, making it appear that there is less real estate on your drumsticks. I also love how the fading and shading pattern on the jeans creates an optical illusion that slims the leg; because the inside and outside seams are darkened and the sides of the hips are darker, your hips appear narrower. Bless you, SkinnyJeans. $178. Visit www.skinnyjeans.com to purchase.

Need a good laugh? Click here to read all about Chelea's life with two little ones—in her blog, “The Momtourage”

birthday party invitations