So cut 2012, when my skincare issues are clogged pores from New York City living, discovering effective, natural anti-aging routines to manage fine lines, age spots, and keeping things where they belong. Overall, I’m doing well (‘for my age’ as they say), but I’m always seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve, short of obsessive vanity. Granted, green juicing, ample water, occasional Ayurvedic facials, herbs, and organic food all help, but because of environmental elements out of our control, the surface of the skin still needs help no matter how much good stuff goes down the hatch. Clogged pores have been the main struggle with me no matter what I do, or what age bracket I’m facing. I shudder when I think of the money I’ve spent on products to help remedy this pesky and annoying issue, but nothing has been effective long term.

So enter Clarisonic… I had recently purchased a Phillips Sonicare toothbrush at the urging of my dentist, and got introduced to the wonders of sonic cleansing. Upon raving about the differences I noticed to my esthetician friend Nicole (I’ll never go back to a normal toothbrush outside of travel, camping, or living in a bomb shelter), she gushed in return about her Clarisonic (made by the same company). After hearing her gleaming review and reading a few online, I decided to jump in and to buy one last weekend. I trust Nicole’s expertise and she is a pretty tough customer when it comes to beauty products, but I set my expectations to neutral– not setting my heart on major differences.. Everyone’s skin is different and my skin is a little more, ahem, mature than my friend’s.  I was going to wait a couple of weeks before posting about it here, but after a mere five days, I have to gush too. I’ve used the Clarisonic Mia twice day for the last five days, and can report an astonishing difference in my skin. It’s much cleaner and softer, and the pores, I am thrilled to announce, are tighter, smaller, and are increasingly clear of debris. Read: UNCLOGGED as of this morning. I’m pretty amazed. I’ve tried everything (including those medieval tools used to extract, but they only work on one pore at a time and are rough on skin and capillaries in my experience…)

But wait, there’s more… Another great residual benefit of Clarisonic use is that other products like moisturizers, serums, (often investments in and of themselves) will be more readily absorbed by the skin with regular sonic cleansing. Win-Win… and Win! I’m truly amazed and grateful I invested in this product.

In their words:
The Sonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the brush gently, yet thoroughly removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than manual cleansing alone. Removing these impurities has been shown to allow a 61% better absorption of Vitamin C, and better prepares skin for other products.

• Removes 6X more makeup than manual cleansing
• Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
• Removes impurities that keep creams and serums from working their best
• Gentle enough to use twice a day
• Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• Minimizes the appearance of visible pores

The photos made me aware of Richard Corman and his imagery, and while his body of work has expanded exponentially with a broad and prestigious cast of subjects since the Madonna photo session 30 years ago, I have to say I love these photos the most. Also adore the idea of these two unknowns climbing around in the East Village on a Summer day in 1982 snapping these photos– while having no idea the history that was about to be made.
See more photos from this series on Richard Corman’s site. There’s much more there and definitely worth a look.

And for what it’s worth, I think Madonna rocked it at the Super Bowl. We could all be so lucky looking hot in Givenchy at 53 and doing what we love the most. She is an inspiration. Seriously.

In their words: A reparative and volumizing mascara containing Tarte’s biggest beauty breakthrough, Amazonian clay. This amazing mascara delivers a 406% increase in lash volume and long-term reparative, rebuilding, and strengthening benefits with each swipe giving you instant results and better lash health. Just as it intuitively restores hydration and texture in skin, Amazonian clay intuitively hydrates and replenishes dry and brittle lashes to prevent fallout. High performance natural Amazonian clay performs all day by absorbing oil to balance mascara and keep product in place for flake-free longer wear. It lends itself to deepen pure color pigments creating a volume-boosting formula with higher intensity and truer pure color. The result is healthier and more voluminous lashes that won’t ever flake or transfer, naturally. After daily wear, lashes are intact, healthier and stronger. This mascara prevents lash loss and promotes lash health.

Ingredients

1 C red lentils, picked over, rinsed and drained

3 C water

1 large tomato, cut up (or 8 oz. diced canned tomatoes)

ghee (butter can be substituted)

1 medium onion (yellow or red), chopped

3-5 garlic cloves, sliced (depending on how much garlic you like)

1 tsp. ground turmeric

1/2 tsp. curry powder

pinch of cayenne (optional)

Sea salt and pepper

Juice of 1/2 a lemon or 2 T lemon juice (optional)

1/4 cup minced cilantro or parsley leaves

Diced carrots, zucchini or asparagus spears (optional)

Directions

• Place lentils, fresh tomato and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. (If using canned tomatoes, you will add them later). Skim foam and discard.
• Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until lentils are tender and have lost their shape (about 40 minutes). Begin checking that there is still water in the pot at 30 minutes and add small amounts of water as needed.
• Pick out any tomato skins and whisk dhal to emulsify it. Keep warm over low heat.
• If you are adding vegetables, now is a good time to throw them in.

• Make the tadka (Indian spice preparation) as follows:
  • Heat ghee in a medium skillet over semi-high heat.
  • Add garlic and onion and saute.
  • Add the spices and stir until you can smell the aroma then immediately remove from heat or it will burn.
  • Stir into dhal.

• Add the cilantro or parsley, lemon juice and the tomatoes (if canned).
• Salt and pepper to taste

I’ve been working on a lot of marketing and business development stuff lately, and haven’t been shooting as much. There are projects in the works and shoots around the corner…. Most of my shots have been casual like the one above from a trip upstate last weekend. Feels good to shoot like this.. I used to do more of this type of thing.

Just started a little store front for prints at: http://www.artflakes.com/en/shop/wendy-whitesell …More images coming soon Really cool interface that allows you to preview printing options, choose mat and frame colors, canvas thickness, etc. Very nice site.  I hope to sell a few prints.